Anyone God uses significantly is always deeply wounded…We are, each and every one of us, insignificant people whom God has called and graced to use in a significant way…On the last day, Jesus will look us over not for medals, diplomas, or honors, but for scars. - Brennan Manning

Canada at the center of North American measles outbreak

More than 3,800 in Canada have been infected with measles in 2025, most of them children and infants. That figure is nearly three times higher than the number of confirmed US cases, despite Canada's far smaller population. Now Canada is the only western country listed among the top 10 with measles outbreaks, according to CDC data, ranking at number eight. Alberta, the province at the epicentre of the current outbreak, has the highest per capita measles spread rate in North America. Measles overall is on the rise in North America, Europe and the UK. Cases in the US reached a 33-year high this year, while England reported nearly 3,000 confirmed infections in 2024, its highest count since 2012. Canada's 2025 figures have surpassed both. The country has not seen this many measles cases since the illness was declared eliminated in 1998. Before this year, the last peak was in 2011, when about 750 cases were reported. 

God, we pray for sound science, strong communicators, compassionate health care providers, and a receptive public. It is discouraging to see diseases eradicated creep back up and threaten lives. We pray for answers to understand how the measles has once again become prevalent, and solutions to prevent the harms we know it can inflict.

UN court declares climate change an 'existential threat'

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun delivering a historic advisory opinion on climate change, which it has called an “urgent and existential threat”. Reading the opinion at the Peace Palace in The Hague, ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa said on Wednesday that greenhouse gas emissions are “unequivocally caused by human activities” and have cross-border effects. “The consequences of climate change are severe and far-reaching: They affect both natural ecosystems and human populations. These consequences underscore the urgent and existential threat posed by climate change,” said Iwasawa. “Climate change treaties establish stringent obligations on states,” Iwasawa said, adding that failing to comply with them was a breach of international law. The reading of the opinion is ongoing, and the ICJ, also known as the World Court, has yet to announce its conclusions.

Creator God, it is encouraging when the courts acknowledge what sciences, teachers, moral leaders, people of faith, and so many more have been saying for decades - and yet, Lord, we wonder if it is too late. We pray and hope not, and that this is one more body that can sway public opinion, case law, and policy to move our economies and societies in the direction of planetary care.

WHO chief says 'large proportion' of Gaza's population is starving

The head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday that a “large proportion” of Gaza’s population was starving. At least 10 people had died from starvation in the last 24 hours, bringing the toll from hunger to 111, including 80 children, Gaza’s health authority said on Wednesday. More than 100 aid agencies had earlier issued a warning that mass starvation was spreading across Gaza and urged Israel to let humanitarian aid into the besieged strip to alleviate the growing human-made hunger crisis.

God of peace, our hearts break as the civilians of Gaza are denied food and thus denied their humanity. It is unconscionable, inhumane, and utterly devastating. Allow aid to reach those who need it to prevent future suffering. 

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Intercultural Congregations Network 

We're thrilled to introduce the new Intercultural Congregations Network from CRC in Canada's Intercultural Ministry. This dynamic network is a fantastic resource for any congregation looking to be better equipped and encouraged in their journey of welcoming, integrating, and growing with people from all cultures.  Learn more here.