Keep my anger from becoming meanness.

Keep my sorrow from collapsing into self-pity. 

Keep my heart soft enough to keep breaking.  Keep my anger turned towards justice, not cruelty. 

Remind me that all of this, every bit of it, is for love.  

Keep me fiercely kind. 

~ Laura Jean Truman

Reforming Athletic Systems in Kenya

Kenya’s dominance in distance running has become overshadowed by a sprawling doping scandal: over 100 athletes, including world-record marathoner Ruth Chepngetich, are provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit for doping violations. However, the crisis has revealed that doping extends beyond individual choice for wrongdoing.  The investigations have revealed systemic pressures of poverty, agent networks, weak national oversight, and lucrative prize incentives that push vulnerable athletes toward performance enhancement. Many athletes negotiate under duress with agents or camp organizers who facilitate doping, sometimes unwittingly. The scandal raises justice concerns as it places blame solely on athletes, and obscures the roles of sponsors, coaches, federations, and economic inequity. Kenya now faces urgent calls to reform culture and systems in order to restore integrity and equity for athletes and the fairness of sport at large.

God of deepest justice, help us see that what appears “wrong” often conceals layers of poverty, coercion, and complicity. Help us always to look deeper. May this scandal spark truth, reform, and a vision where sport and human flourishing unite in Kenya and around the world. 

U.S. Immigration Enforcement 

Two Mexican brothers, Carlos Martín Gonzalez-Meza and Óscar Alejandro Gonzalez-Meza, were detained following a minor traffic stop in Orlando on July 7, 2025. Both held valid status -- Carlos on a tourist visa and Óscar married to a U.S. citizen despite having an expired permit -- but were transferred three days later to an immigration facility in the Everglades dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz”, which opened on July 3, 2025. During the brothers’ 10-day detention, they were denied access to legal counsel and held in allegedly inhumane conditions with constant lighting, overcrowded cage‑like tents, limited sanitation, handcuffed to ground hooks, and severe psychological distress. After the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Relations (Mexico’s equivalent to the U.S. State Department) formally requested information and demanded access, the brothers were transferred on July 24 to another facility and then deported to Mexico without charges or court hearings.

Creator God, we pray for eyes to see the world as yours - a gift to humanity to enjoy and steward. We pray for legal systems and governments that uphold this gift of life and the commitment to the flourishing of everyone, with access to all resources. Forgive us for when we treat others differently from how we would expect to be treated. 

Starvation in Gaza

At the Tuesday, July 29 briefing, President Trump acknowledged “real starvation” in Gaza, contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s denial. Defying his administration’s prior stance, President Trump insisted Israel must permit “every ounce of food” into the enclave, and pledged U.S. efforts to establish unfenced food hubs in cooperation with European nations. His remarks are a hopeful response to global pressure from humanitarian organizations, foreign governments, and public opinion, all urging immediate action to address the hunger crisis in Gaza and to ensure the unrestricted flow of food and aid to civilians.

God of mercy, we pray for the trembling of nations before Your justice. Thank you that the cries of the starving are reaching the ears of political leaders.  May promised food centers materialize swiftly. We pray for a righteous end to this war.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

U.S. Refugee Resettlement Opportunity

While U.S. refugee resettlement remains mostly paused, approved Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders and their families who supported the U.S. government are currently being resettled. Our partner, Exodus World Service, is recruiting sponsors to welcome these vulnerable families. Exodus guides sponsors through every step—from educating you or your congregation, mobilizing your sponsorship group, submitting your application, and simply being a constant guide throughout the entire sponsorship period. Interested in this missional opportunity? Contact [email protected] to learn more and get started today.