Oh God, You are my God and, I will ever praise You

I will seek You in the morning

And I will learn to walk in Your ways

And step by step You'll lead me

And I will follow You all of my days

~ Rich Mullins, “Step by Step”

Afghanistan earthquake death toll passes 1,400

More than 1,400 people have died and thousands more left injured after a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Sunday destroying entire villages across the country’s eastern Kunar province, which borders Pakistan. Early reports suggest many remained trapped under the debris of mud and stone homes, but rescue efforts are struggling to reach remote areas because of rough mountainous terrain and poor weather. As of Tuesday, the death toll had passed 1,411, and more than 3,000 people were injured. Authorities have said they expect casualties to increase once rescue teams reach more isolated locations, many of which remain inaccessible.

God of all creation, we pray for our neighbors in Afghanistan who have lived through the horrors of this earthquake that has killed so many. We pray for recovery, for money, for first responders, for care givers - for all that is needed in the aftermath of destruction.

Gaza: 185 dead from starvation in August, 13 more on Sept 1

185 people in Gaza died due to malnutrition in August, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. An additional 13 people, including three children, died on September 1 as the deadly effects of famine worsen. The statement issued on Tuesday by the Gaza Ministry of Health noted that more than 83 people, including 15 children, died since the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a United Nations-backed global hunger-monitoring system, declared last month that parts of Gaza were experiencing famine. Additionally, the Health Ministry also reported that 43,000 children below the age of five were suffering from malnutrition along with more than 55,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

What continues to unfold in Gaza is a crime against our collective consciousness, an affront to our religious values, and a desecration of our humanity. So many of us watch in horror and disgust and feel helpless - use us, Lord, to end the violence and starvation.

1,000+ dead after landslide in Sudan’s Darfur region

A landslide in Sudan’s western Darfur region has devastated an entire village as, according to a rebel group that controls the area, more than 1,000 people have died. The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) issued a statement on Monday evening reporting the disaster in the Marra Mountains area of Darfur. SLM/A has also appealed to the United Nations and international aid agencies for assistance in recovering the bodies of victims, including children.

We pray for the families of the dead, mourn with those who mourn, and pray for the recovery of bodies that they might be properly buried. We think of Sudan as they are in their 3rd year of civil war. May the peacemakers be strengthened by your spirit.

Quebec moves to ban prayer in public

Quebec Province’s secularism minister, Jean-François Roberge, announced a proposed bill late last week that would ban prayer in public, a move that civil rights groups described as an “alarming measure” that targets religious minority groups and would infringe on “basic democratic freedoms”. Roberge said the move had been prompted by the “proliferation of street prayer” which he described as “a serious and sensitive issue” adding that the government had watched with “unease”. The announcement was made after public statements from Quebec’s premier, François Legault, who expressed frustration over public prayers in the province’s largest city, Montreal. “To see people praying in the street, in public parks, this is not something we want in Quebec,” he said in 2024. “When you want to pray, you go in a church or a mosque, not in a public place.”

The freedom to pray publicly is central to the democratic and free societies we hold dear. We believe in these freedoms not just for those of us who share the same faith, but for all. We pray for wisdom for elected officials, for bravery for community members to speak out, and compassion among all to love their neighbors as they express their faith.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Churches

The Christian Reformed Church is inviting all congregations and members to join a virtual prayer vigil on Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m. EST. This will be a time to hear stories and prayer requests directly from members of CRC congregations who are experiencing challenges as a result of the increased immigration enforcement activities taking place across the United States. Churches are also encouraged to set aside a special time of prayer during worship on Sunday, September 7—lifting up affected communities and praying for justice, love, and compassionate care. Learn more and download a congregational prayer based on Psalm 13 here.