“For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” - 2 Corinthians 6:16 (NIV) 

Hurricane Melissa, With Catastrophic Winds, Makes Landfall in Jamaica

On Tuesday, Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope on Jamaica’s southwestern coast as a Category 5 storm, bringing violent winds and significant risks for flash flooding from rain and the storm surge as it pushes across the island throughout the day. The hurricane had wind speeds of 185 m.p.h. at landfall. The storm’s rapid intensification this week — with sustained winds stronger than those of Hurricane Katrina at its peak — came with dire warnings from officials, saying that this was the “last chance to protect your life.”

God, we pray for our neighbors in Jamaica - spare them the devastation we fear. Strengthen them to remain protected from the storm, and begin to equip the first responders who will soon respond when the storm has passed.

Hamas returns remains of Israeli hostage after Red Cross’s help in search

The International Committee of the Red Cross has accompanied members of Hamas inside areas of Gaza still under the control of the Israeli military to facilitate the search for the bodies of Israeli hostages, as the Palestinian militant group delivered the remains of another captive. Under the US-brokered ceasefire, which took effect on 10 October, Hamas is required to return the remains of all Israeli hostages as soon as possible. In exchange, Israel has agreed to hand over 15 Palestinian bodies for each Israeli. Hamas’s military wing, the al-Qassam brigades, said on Monday it would deliver the body of a deceased hostage at 9pm local time, Reuters reported. Israeli media confirmed the IDF was working with the Red Cross to receive the remains in the evening. Hamas has so far returned the remains of 15 of those held captive but some of the others are believed to be in areas beyond the yellow line marking the Israeli withdrawal. If the identity of the deceased hostage delivered on Monday is confirmed, it would mean the remains of 12 hostages remain in Gaza. Hamas says it faces obstacles to locating them in the rubble left by the bombardment.

We pray for the families of the dead, Lord God of eternity. We pray for Israelis and Palestinians as they mourn their dead. Be near, loving God.

US raises tariffs on Canadian goods over advertisement

US President Donald Trump has said he is adding 10% to US tariffs on goods imported from Canada, after the province of Ontario aired an anti-tariff advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan. Calling the advert a "fraud", the US president expressed dissatisfaction towards Canadian officials for not removing it ahead of the World Series. Prime Minister Mark Carney said in response that Canada was ready "to continue to build on the progress we had been making" in trade talks, but added that it was developing trade relationships with other countries. Canada is the only G7 country to not reach a deal with the US since Trump began seeking to levy steep tariffs on goods from major trading partners. Tariffs are paid by the companies that import foreign products, not the exporters themselves. 75% of Canadian exports are sold to the US, and Ontario is home to the bulk of Canada's automobile manufacturing.

Lord, these fights continue to add unprecedented uncertainty to our small and large businesses on both sides of the border. We pray for a resolution - may it be swift so that both Americans and Canadians can benefit from free trade across our border.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Red Cross Funds Hurricane Response

In September the American Red Cross awarded a grant to World Renew’s Disaster Response Services (DRS) program for its Restoring Homes and Hope in Florida project. With up to $760,935 USD, the Red Cross is fully funding a two-year response for World Renew volunteers to repair homes damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton with local recovery partners in southwestern Florida.

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.