“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” - Matthew 11:30 (MSG)
Over 200 are dead after widespread riots sparked by the jailing of former President Zuma but fueled by frustration about widespread poverty, unemployment, food and fuel shortages took hold last week. South Africa is named the most unequal society in the world with the top 10% taking home 60% of the wealth and over 30 % unemployment and 50% of citizens living below the poverty line. It was the poorest communities hit the hardest. As communities recover and assess, we join with them in prayer for lasting, to the root solutions:
Lord you have said with you there is abundant life. We pray for peace and we pray for real pathways to jobs, food security, and healthy communities – not only for some, but for all. Undo the systems that keep cycles of poverty going. And be present to those most affected by this civil unrest – the grieving, the small business owners, those who are hungry. Repair supply lines and breathe into the restoration of these your people.
With American forces leaving Afghanistan by the end of the summer, the Afghan interpreters who worked with both American and Canadian forces are scrambling to get out of the country that is now 80% controlled by the Taliban. The US is currently working to evacuate 2500 interpreters but those who worked for Canadian forces have not yet been contacted. Canadian veterans have been using their own funds to help move those who worked with them to safety.
Lord, protect these individuals who put their own lives on the line to help the international forces in Afghanistan. We pray they and their families would be brought to safety and that promises made would be kept so they can also rebuild their lives. May the sacrifices these people made not be in vain or be forgotten.
A federal judge in Texas ruled that protecting undocumented young adults brought to the US as children from deportation was unlawful. This has thrown the fate of Dreamers into question yet again. We pray for all those affected:
Oh Lord, you are the ever present help in trouble so we pray for your help for these young adults who find their status in limbo once again. We pray for a quick and lasting resolution for these legal questions that keep these Dreamers from fully belonging to the only place they know as home. We pray that in the midst of this uncertainty, you would bring peace and assurance to all those affected.
As multiple countries come to terms with devastating flooding, due to extreme weather brought on by climate change, we pray:
Lord you bring order to chaos and this year we are seeing chaos brought on by climate change. We need your guidance and help. Help these communities grieve, recover and rebuild and at the same time help us all to advocate for clear planning and investment in sustainable infrastructure.
Do you know someone between the ages of 18 and 30 who is passionate about disability advocacy? To find out more about the Disability Advocacy Journey, visit: Disability Advocacy Journey, Turning your Passion into Action
The events of the last year, including a recent ruling made on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program by a federal judge in Texas, have demonstrated the critical need for a permanent immigration solution that will keep families together and protect the lives, dreams, and futures of millions of undocumented immigrants. Contact your Members of Congress today and urge them to prioritize a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS-holders, and essential workers.
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