In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

• I Want Jesus to Walk With Me (An African American Spiritual)

UN Warns of Worsening Famine Risks Across 13 Global Hotspots

A sobering new report by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warns that 266 million people across 13 global hotspots face worsening hunger between June and November 2026. 

Conflict, economic instability, and climate risks are driving the crisis, with Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, Palestine, Nigeria, and Somalia facing the highest risk of catastrophic famine. Compounding the emergency is a 59% drop in humanitarian funding over the last few years, leaving agencies with only a third of the required resources and forcing impossible choices about who receives aid.

God of abundance, our hearts are heavy for the millions of families and children facing severe hunger and the threat of famine tonight. Move the hearts of world leaders and global donors to step forward with immediate funding, and grant safe access for humanitarian workers. Break the cycles of conflict that drive this scarcity, and guide those implementing long-term agricultural solutions so that your children may be fed and live with dignity.

Extreme Weather Across the Globe: Deadly Heat Waves and Severe Flooding

The arrival of summer has brought devastating, record-breaking weather extremes to several parts of the world. In the United States, an intense heat watch has been issued at Grand Canyon National Park following three heat-related hiker deaths in the inner canyon, where temperatures are exceeding 43°C (109°F) in the shade. 

Simultaneously, a massive heat dome has settled over western Europe, prompting extreme red heat wave alerts across France, Britain, and Italy as cities brace for all-time record highs near 40°C amid tragic drowning deaths and widespread infrastructure disruptions. 

In stark contrast, central Alberta is reeling from a historic deluge that brought over 100 mm of rain in a single weekend. The downpour has submerged valuable farmland, raising severe crop loss concerns, while pushing municipal wastewater systems past their limits and flooding local residential communities. Montreal, Quebec is also navigating the impacts of intense rainfall. 

These events serve as a sobering reminder of the growing impacts of climate change on communities around the world, particularly the most vulnerable. They call us to continued vigilance, responsible stewardship of creation, and sustained action to care for both people and the planet in the face of a changing climate.

God of creation, we stand in awe of the power of our atmosphere, yet our hearts ache for the devastation these weather extremes leave behind. We pray for the families grieving loved ones lost to the sweltering heat waves in the American Southwest and across Europe. Protect vulnerable populations. We also lift up the farmers and families in Alberta and Montreal facing the stress of rising waters; sustain them as they survey damaged fields and flooded streets. Grant wisdom to our global community to care for our changing planet and to protect one another from the escalating fury of these storms.

Tragic Gun Violence in Montreal and California 

Two separate, shocking acts of gun violence have devastated communities in Canada and the United States. In Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, a chaotic shootout left three dead, including a bystander, the gunman, and 34-year-old Constable Mohamed Lamine Benredouan—marking the city's first police fatality in the line of duty in 24 years. A second officer was also seriously injured after a suspect armed with a long gun began firing from a hotel window. 

Hours later, a tragic shooting unfolded inside a Butte County public library in Chico, California, where a lone gunman opened fire, killing two adults and injuring a child before being apprehended by police fleeing out the back of the building.

Lord, our hearts break over the sudden violence invading our neighborhoods and public spaces. We pray for the families of the victims in Montreal and Chico, asking for your presence in their staggering grief. Bring physical healing to the injured officer and child, and soothe the deep trauma felt by the residents and library patrons who witnessed these nightmares. Restrain the spirit of violence across our lands, protect those who risk their lives to keep us safe, and steady our communities with your profound peace.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Beyond the Headlines: Faith, Community and the Stories that Shape Us

Join a new justice education series from Thrive, World Renew, and the Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue. This four-part series explores immigration, food justice, climate justice, and gender justice through a biblical lens—equipping participants to recognize harmful narratives, understand root causes, and take meaningful, faith-informed action. Learn more and register today!

World Refugee Day: A Call to Compassion and Faithful Witness

For decades, the Christian Reformed Church and its members have held a deep, faithful commitment to welcoming refugees—fellow image-bearers of Christ. Our churches and our faith communities have been strengthened and enriched by the presence, gifts, and stories of refugees who have become our neighbors, friends, and co-laborers in Christ. World Refugee Day is a global opportunity to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the plight and resilience of refugees. By recognizing this day, you and your congregation can play a meaningful role in continuing our shared commitment to welcome the stranger.  Learn more and find resources.