“Faith is a footbridge that you don't know will hold you up over the chasm until you're forced to walk out onto it.”

― Nicholas Wolterstorff, Lament for a Son

Canadian First Nations and Inuit Funding Cut 

A recent tribunal hearing revealed that funding for educational supports for First Nations and Inuit children under Jordan’s Principle* has been severely restricted–dropping from roughly $122 million in 2024 to just $1.2 million in 2025 (100 times less). The hearing revealed that new federal rules tightened eligibility for services. 

This dramatic and extreme reduction harms children who rely on equitable access to speech therapy, teaching assistants, and other learning supports. 

The situation highlights how quickly policy changes can undermine the spirit of reconciliation and justice.

*Jordan’s Principle is named for Jordan River Anderson, a Norway House Cree Nation boy born in 1999 with multiple disabilities. He died at age five, having spent five years living in the hospital because Ottawa and Manitoba argued over who should pay for his in-home care. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission called for the full implementation of Jordan's Principle, recognizing it as a way to address systemic discrimination against First Nations and Inuit children.

Lord, we pray that Canada would not grow lax instituting and upholding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. Strengthen lawmakers and peacemakers to hold Canadian lawmakers accountable to fair and just systems for all its citizens.

Human Rights Crisis in Iran

Iran is currently experiencing its largest and deadliest anti-government protests in decades. While the unrest was initially triggered by a severe economic collapse in late December 2025, it has since evolved into a nationwide movement demanding the end of the Islamic Republic's clerical rule.  

A January 12 statement on the Human Rights Watch website reports that Iran’s government has now imposed a nationwide internet blackout to cut off world digital access to Iran. The report indicates this blackout has been implemented to allow security forces to carry out lethal and violent crackdowns on demonstrators. Credible reports indicate thousands of protestor deaths at the hands of militia.

The Human Rights Watch calls on Iranian authorities to immediately restore internet access, halt the use of lethal force against protesters, and allow independent monitoring to ensure accountability and justice.

God, we pray for the land of Iran and pray you will alleviate human suffering there. Shorten the arm of violence and put an end to hatred that incites cruelty. Come and restore this land. 

Concerns around Venezuela and USA

In its January 3 statement, Amnesty International raised serious human rights concerns about the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. 

The organization highlights that ongoing abuses by the Venezuelan government including arbitrary detention, repression of dissent, and violations documented over many years, must be addressed through peaceful accountability, justice, and respect for human rights. It urges Venezuelan authorities to end repression and respect freedoms.

At the same time, Amnesty stresses that the U.S. use of military force on Venezuelan soil undermines international law, violates the country’s sovereignty, and deepens the breakdown of the rules‑based global order. The report calls on the U.S. government to abide by international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians and detainees, and ensure all actions uphold human rights standards.  

Lord, we pray for the sovereignty of Venezuela and for wisdom in the decisions of the U.S. military. May democracy and justice prevail, and may human rights and international law be honoured and upheld.

US Immigrations Realities in a Time of Fear and Uncertainty

The United States was founded on a culture of immigration and providing a safe place for refugees and others to begin a new life. However, in the past few years, many immigrants in the United States have faced dehumanizing rhetoric and actions. 

Changes to immigration law and enforcement mean that families, both with and without legal status, are living in fear of being detained, deported, and separated from their families. Pastors at CRC congregations report that their immigrant members are afraid of going to work, being out in public, and even worshiping in church. 

While Thrive continues to provide immigration support and guidance to churches and ministry leaders on the front lines, they note that long-standing protections  churches once held as “sensitive locations” have been removed. We have also seen increased violence in communities as immigration officials and protestors clash.

Lord, we pray for our immigrant brothers and sisters who are living in fear and uncertainty, that you will give them peace and keep them safe. We pray for those who regulate and manage national borders and immigration processes, that they will do their jobs safely and in a way that promotes dignity and treats all people as God’s imagebearers. We pray that our civil leaders will have wisdom as they consider comprehensive immigration reform, and that citizens will have the right words to support and advocate for the voiceless. 

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Standing with Our Immigrant Neighbors in a Time of Crisis

The Christian Reformed Church in North America is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals, a group that represents 40 denominations and thousands of churches, schools and nonprofit organizations who understand that together we can do so much more than on our own! Read their statement on refugees and immigrants in the United States, and take action by using their link to contact government officials with a message to provide pathways for persecuted Christians and refugees. 

Thrive continues to provide immigration support and guidance to churches and ministry leaders. Reach out to at [email protected] if you require support and guidance.