May I be a person marked by bright hope in the midst of the darkest of hours. May I be an Easter person. - Kate Bowler
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a terror attack on a Russian concert hall, killing 137 people and injuring 100 more. US intelligence, having learned of plans to attack large gatherings in Moscow, warned Russian authorities prior to the attack but were dismissed as propaganda designed to destabilize Russia. Russian president has said Ukraine is responsible for enabling the attack which Kyiv has denied. We pray for an end to the terrorist violence and we pray for truth to reign.
Lord of hosts, you witness this violence close up in the hearts of humankind and you still remain firm in your love of us. We pray for the victims and the families that you would bring comfort. We pray for the perpetrators that you would bring them to your heart and lead them to repentance. And we pray for the leaders to be moved to speak peace into the situation and not inflame more violence and fear among their people.
Malawians are experiencing the driest year in 40 years after years of devastating cyclones decimated infrastructure. Malawi’s government has declared a state of drought disaster and is asking for international aid to prevent famine for the country that relies on citizens growing their own food.
Jesus, provide for Malawi as it once again has to battle the elements that are not conducive to feeding its people. We pray for humanitarian aid to be provided and for efficient distribution of these resources. We pray for the people who are tired and afraid - strengthen their hearts and speak to them of hope, trust and your generous love in these times.
The UN Security Council has voted to pass a ceasefire resolution for the violence in Gaza with the US abstaining from the vote. The US has used their veto three times in the past. This resolution calls for ceasefire in Gaza and a release of Israeli captives for the rest of Ramadan which will end in two weeks. More than 90 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, and conditions under Israeli siege and bombardment have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, the UN has said. More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli assault since October 7, according to Palestinian health authorities.Israel began its military offensive in Gaza after Hamas led an attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing at least 1,139 people, mostly civilians, and seizing about 250 others as hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
We continue to pray:
Prince of Peace, we need peace. Have mercy on the children who were terrorized and who are terrified now. Have mercy on the mothers and fathers trying to feed their families. Have mercy on the angry and vengeful, bring peace to their souls. Have mercy on the land that you walked, and may this ceasefire and release of captives be the beginning of your healing.
About 740,000 Rohingya had earlier fled to Bangladesh to escape a genocidal campaign against them by security forces in their homeland of Myanmar. However, thousands have since been trying to flee Bangladesh’s overcrowded camp like Cox’s Bazaar. Residents cannot leave the boundaries of the camp and do not receive adequate medical attention for illness and chronic diseases. Neighboring Indonesia is experiencing an increase in Rohingya refugees since November, which prompted it to call on the international community for help. Indonesia, like Thailand and Malaysia, is not a signatory to the 1951 UN refugee convention outlining refugees’ legal protections, and so is not obliged to accept refugees. However, these countries have so far provided temporary shelter to refugees in distress. Recently dozens of Rohingya refugees were rescued by Indonesian search and rescue as the boat they were on capsized and they were clinging to its hull overnight.
Father, will you provide for the Rohingya people a place to belong and call home. We pray for continued hospitality in neighboring countries but we also pray for a solution for a displaced people. Meaningful work, enough food, medical attention and a community that values them - these we all need and we pray for the provision of these needs for the Rohingya people today.
Thrive is thrilled to host a book discussion of A Body of Praise by W. David O. Taylor. This two-part conversation will begin on Thursday, April 18, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. We will be joined by Dr. Taylor, who will share a bit about his book and help us walk through some of the foundations of embodied worship. The second part of the conversation, to be cohosted by Katie Roelofs and Elly Boersma Sarkany, will happen later this spring (date TBD) and will focus on practical application for CRC churches. Learn more »
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has released an initial look at Bill C-63. In broad strokes, Bill C-63 has three main sections. The first section is the Online Harms Act which would impose responsibilities on online platforms to reduce exposure to seven categories of harmful content. These include intimate images distributed without consent, content that sexually victimizes a child, induces a child to self-harm, incites terrorism, and foments hatred. The bill would set up a new regulatory framework with a Digital Safety Commission and an Ombudsperson. Read more >>
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