"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." - Mark 4:39
It has been one year since Russia invaded Ukraine, plunging families into war and displacing millions. We pray on this grim anniversary for resolution.
God, we ask with your church leaders in Ukraine, “Have you forgotten?” What is the solution, God? More war? More destruction? Deliver Ukraine from the violence it is enduring and having to participate in. We know who you are with – the oppressed, the brokenhearted, the ones who have lost everything. May they without a doubt know your presence.
The path to home, safety, and opportunities for families around the world is still dangerous. This week, a boat carrying refugees from Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan left Turkey and was shipwrecked off the coast of Italy. The death toll is at 62 including children.
We remember the full, human, valued lives of those who died, as well as those who lived, in our prayers:
God of every journey, it might seem like you forget the least. But we know you do not .Do not let us forget either. With mercy to those who have lost so much, provide safe passage to refugees. Provide access to good resources for those who are searching for a home. Shut down exploitative smugglers and traffickers. May each one be given dignity, shelter, and rest by your people in their travels.
On March 1, the pandemic emergency uses of the Sustainable Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will end. With increases in the program during the pandemic, 42.3 million Americans were participating in it as of October 2022. Stopping the program will cut $95 and up per family per month. The emergency allotments of this program helped keep 4.2 million out of poverty in the last quarter of 2021 according to thinktank Urban Institute.
Inflation has driven prices higher and more people are accessing food banks across the country. For instance, the Greater Chicago Food Depository's network served 24% more guests this January than they did one year ago.
We pray for those most affected by the program's ceasing, and for food security in general in our communities.
Abundance is overwhelming in some communities and not in others. We could ask “Why?” but would we listen to the answer? Provide for those who need nourishing food and bring ease and rest to those who live with the anxiety of “Is there enough for food this month?” You know what your creation needs; help us to provide assistance and sustainable solutions to food scarcity in our communities.
It's not too late to choose from the three different Lent challenges available from the Climate Witness Project. Consider how you can care for creation better this spring while reflecting on scripture and taking action. Read more on our website.
Canadians join us in asking members of Parliament and Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu to continue Canada’s commitment to reconciliation and fully implement TRC Calls to Action 7-10 for Indigenous education.
The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the blog represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church. Learn more about this blog, Reformed doctrines, and our diversity policy on our About page.
In order to steward ministry shares well, commenting isn’t available on Do Justice itself because we engage with comments and dialogue in other spaces. To comment on this post, please visit the Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue’s Facebook page (for Canada-specific articles) or the Office of Social Justice’s Facebook page. Alternatively, please email us. We want to hear from you!
Read more about our comment policy.