“When the darkness hides your smiling face

When temptations moves in close

Would you lead me through the valley, through the wilderness

You’re not a stranger to the desert road

~ Porter’s Gate “Not a Stranger”

Israeli & Palestinian authorities dispute hostage remains; limiting aid and keeping Rafah crossing closed

The ceasefire in Gaza faced a major test on Tuesday when Israel said the flow of aid into the devastated Palestinian territory would be cut by half and the crucial Rafah border crossing with Egypt would not open as planned, accusing Hamas of breaching the US-brokered agreement by withholding the bodies of Israeli hostages. On Monday, Israelis celebrated the return of the last 20 living hostages in Gaza and Palestinians rejoiced at Israel’s release of nearly 2,000 detainees as part of the ceasefire’s first phase. Hamas also returned the remains of four dead hostages, but had previously warned that recovering those of another 24 still in Gaza may take longer as not all burial sites have been identified. However, the Red Cross received the bodies of four more hostages from Gaza, the Israeli military said on Tuesday night. Israeli military officials believe Hamas knows where more of the hostages’ remains are to be found and have deliberately delayed their transfer, Haaretz newspaper reported.

God of grace and mercy, we know that this cease fire deal is but in its infancy. We pray that Israelis and Palestinians might act in good faith, trust their negotiators and external parties to continue to broker a way forward - for them, for all of us.

New U.S. tariffs on Canadian lumber, wood products

B.C. Premier David Eby is calling on the federal government to protect forestry workers as new tariffs imposed by the U.S. threaten to overwhelm an already struggling industry. On Tuesday, the U.S. introduced a 10% tariff on Canadian lumber  — on top of a 35% tariff already in place.  The U.S. also put a 25% tariff on some Canadian wood products, like furniture. Back in August, Prime Minister Mark Carney promised $1.2 billion in support for the softwood lumber industry, but B.C. Council of Forest Industries president Kim Haakstad said that money has not yet come through. Forestry Minister Ravi Parmar said he wants to see that funding "not tomorrow, but today." "We can't wait. Our forest sector here in Canada is on the line."

The ongoing changes to international trade and the uncertain cost of doing business is hurting workers, communities, and our neighbors to the north. We pray for those within the administration who might be brave enough to act with intent, restraint, and consistency. We pray for forestry workers whose wellbeing and future is now even more uncertain. 

Madagascar’s President Rajoelina flees, later impeached

Madagascar’s parliament has voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina just hours after he confirmed he fled the country in the wake of an army unit appearing to turn against him and seize power. This comes following weeks of deadly “Gen-Z” protests. The vote on Tuesday afternoon came as Rajoelina moved to dissolve parliament via a decree posted on social media earlier in the day, but which the opposition rejected. “I have decided to dissolve the National Assembly, in accordance with the Constitution,” Rajoelina posted on X on Tuesday. “This choice is necessary to restore order within our Nation and strengthen democracy. The People must be heard again. Make way for the youth.” The protests, which initially formed over power and water shortages, have evolved into the one of the most serious crises the country and Rajoelina’s government has faced in years.

We pray for our siblings in Christ in Madagascar who are reeling today as their nation has no clear leader. We pray that army units and rebels might move forward in peace as the country’s political system needs repair. 

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Immigration Workshop: Church Between Borders

Church Between Borders is a three-part interactive workshop that helps Christian communities engage the topic of immigration through a biblical lens. Together, participants explore Scripture’s call to welcome the stranger, gain a clearer understanding of how immigration works today, and consider how faith shapes our response. Whether in a congregation, school, or community group, this workshop invites us to think faithfully, act justly, and love compassionately. For more information or to host a workshop, contact Thrive at [email protected] 

Join World Renew in calling for global action to halt starvation crisis in Gaza

World Renew, as a global organization with over 60 years of experience in food security and humanitarian response across more than 30 countries, and as a member of ACT Alliance, joins with more than 100 partner organizations to sound the alarm about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We call for immediate and decisive action to prevent mass starvation and further suffering. Read their full statements here (US, Canada), and take action by using their link to contact government officials yourself with a message to stop famine and save lives.