“Christ is risen. He is no less risen on the road to Emmaus than he is anywhere else.  So look for him.  Listen for him." - Debie Thomas

Philippines:  Tropical Storm Fengshen 

Eight people have died and 27,000 have been evacuated after Tropical Storm Fengshen made landfall near Gubat, at the southern tip of Luzon, over the weekend. Though relatively weak in terms of wind strength, Fengshen’s intense rains and storm surge caused significant flooding and destruction across the region, particularly in Albay province, where thousands were displaced ahead of the storm.

Fengshen comes on the heels of a devastating series of earthquakes that struck near Cebu and Mindanao in recent weeks, killing 87 and leveling entire communities. For many, this storm is not just another seasonal hardship but the latest blow in a season marked by tragedy. While the storm now moves westward toward Vietnam, its rains will continue to fall across the Philippines in the coming days, exacerbating flood risks in already fragile areas.

Lord of wind and earth, we pray for the people of the Philippines battered by shaking ground and now rising water. Shelter those who have lost homes, comfort those who have lost family, and give strength to those clearing debris and caring for neighbours. We pray that the waters recede and that hope, not fear, fills what remains. Be near, O God.

Ukraine: Children Killed as Russian Drone and Missile Barrage Devastates Cities

At  least six people were killed as Russia launched a massive combined drone and missile attack across Ukraine, striking homes, kindergartens, medical facilities, and power infrastructure in more than a dozen cities and regions. In total, Ukraine’s air force reported 405 drones and 28 missiles launched, with 16 missiles and 333 drones intercepted.

Ukraine’s Energy Ministry confirmed widespread outages, and officials warned that Russia's clear intent is to dismantle energy infrastructure before winter sets in. 

O God of the innocent and the broken-hearted, we grieve this new sorrow in Ukraine. We pray for the rescue workers still climbing stairwells choked with smoke, for doctors stitching wounds in candlelit basements, for neighbours pulling strangers from collapsed buildings.

Let your justice roar through silence and political delay.
We remember the names we do not yet know.
And we beg: bring this war to an end.

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]