May 12, 2008

• Myanmar
  
  Aid is not reaching those who need it the most.  There are approximately 2 million people in need of aid, and only about 20% of them have received help. Right now the U.N. estimates the death toll to be 63,000-100,000.
  
  God, the hope of those who hurt, there are many of your children hurting today. Many in Myanmar are still without aid, nine days after the cyclone. We would pray for them; we would also pray for the government officials that they might be willing to work with those offering aid in order to provide for the needs of their people.
   
• China
  
  An earthquake measuring 7.8 has killed 3,000-5,000 and buried many more, including 900 students in a school.
  
  Holy One, when the earth rumbles and shakes, there is no place to run. There are many in China who are still in fear from the major earthquake  that has shaken their country. Bring them calm and reassurance as they work to release those who have been buried and as they deal with the loss of loved ones.

May 6, 2008

• Myanmar
  
  The death toll is over 22,000 and 41,000 are still missing.
  
  Eternal One, the news keeps getting worse in Myanmar. Be with those who are in shock from the loss of loved ones. Be also with those who are trying to bring help and healing.

May 5, 2008

• Myanmar
  
  The death toll from the cyclone now appears to be more than 10,000.
  
  God, the toll seems impossible to comprehend. We cannot get our minds around the devastation caused by this outburst of nature. Be with those in Myanmar who are directly impacted and with those who are seeking to bring relief.
   
• Bolivia
  
  There has been scattered violence related to the referendum election, including the burning of some ballot boxes and the blocking of some roads.
  
  Creator, you desire for all your children to be seen as people of value, to have equal opportunity. Sometimes we are able to find ways to accomplish that peacefully, but sometimes movement toward this goal is met with violence. Be with the people of Bolivia as they seek to find ways to coexist in ways that value all those who live there.
   
• Somalia
  
  Rapidly increasing food prices have resulted in riots and protest marches. More than a third of the country's population needs assistance in having enough to eat.
  
  Sustainer of life, you have told us that you created enough and to spare, but in our imperfect world there are so many who wonder where they can find enough. Be with the people of Somalia who struggle to find enough food to sustain life.

May 4, 2008

• Myanmar
  
  A powerful cyclone swept through Myanmar, killing more than 240 people and destroying thousands of homes.
  
  Creator God, sometimes the forces of nature seem to run wild, leaving destruction in their wake. Myanmar is struggling with the aftermath of a powerful cyclone today. Please be with those who have lost loved ones, who have lost homes--and with those who are struggling to bring order out of chaos.

April 30, 2008

• Bolivia
   
  In December of 2005 the country of Bolivia elected Evo Morales, the first indigenous president since colonization.  The Morales government has attempted some fairly radical reforms.  Some of the more wealthy provinces of Bolivia have opposed these reforms.  This Sunday, the 4^th of May, the province of Santa Cruz, defying the central government and the national electoral commission, will hold a referendum on autonomy.  People in Bolivia are frightened that bloodshed will accompany the referendum.  There is talk about involving the army and some have predicted civil war.  Prayers are requested for the country of Bolivia and for our brothers and sisters there in the Community of Christ.
  
  O Creator, we struggle to find ways to get along with each other...to make sure that each has enough. The people of Bolivia are seeking ways to minimize the gap between rich and poor, and this is creating the potential for conflict. May they find peaceful ways of resolution rather than falling into a war that can only bring destruction and death.
   
• India
  
  There has been a rise in violence against the Dalits (the untouchables).
  
  Father of us all, you have created us as brothers and sisters, but we choose to divide ourselves and seek to make one group "higher" than another. Give us eyes to see each other as you see us. May the people in India find ways of peace in their relationships with each other.
   
• United States
  
  Texas is still struggling with how to deal with the 400-plus children removed from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint compound on suspicions of child abuse. Over half of the underage teenage girls are either pregnant or have children.
  
  God, you call us to take care of our children, and we struggle to do so. At times it seems that they so easily become victims of our own desires. The families in Texas are dealing with so many issues right now--separation between parents and children, being thrust into an unfamiliar environment, questions of religious freedom. Grant wisdom to all those who are involved.
   

April 15, 2008

• Democratic Republic of Congo
  
  An airplane crashed shortly after take-off, killing many in the plane and apparently some on the ground as well.
  
  God, although we know that death is part of life, when it comes so suddenly and unexpectedly, it is difficult for those left behind. Be with the families of those impacted by the crash in Congo today.
   
• Iraq
  
  An increased number of bombs were set off in a number of cities in Iraq.
  
  Creator of all, how you must weep when we focus so much on the things that divide us. Peace seems to be so difficult to find in Iraq, and so many innocent people are caught in the crossfire. May all parties be willing to work together to find peace for their country.

April 8, 2008

• Kenya
  
  There have been several protests between members of the government and members of the opposition over the issue of power-sharing.
  
  God of peace, may the people of Kenya find ways of sharing power that will recognize the importance of hearing all people's points of view and working out ways to bring healing to their country.
   
• Zimbabwe
  
  Results from the March 29 election still have not been released and there is concern about whether there will have to be a runoff election or not.
  
  Creator, there has been so much uncertainty and fear in Zimbabwe surrounding this election. May those who make the decisions use wisdom, and may all the people be willing to work together to bring peace.
   
• Haiti
  
  Food costs have been rising so fast that many Haitians--who live on less than $2 day--cannot afford the basics.
  
  Oh God, you created a world of plenty, but there are so many of your children who hunger. The people of Haiti struggle to afford their daily bread. May they--and those countries who have plenty--find ways of working together that all may have full stomachs.

March 19, 2008

• Tibet
  
  Fighting continues between Tibetan protestors and Chinese security forces.
  
  Great Healer, the tensions between Tibet and China have exploded in violence. Despite calls for nonviolence--for trying to find peaceable ways of confronting injustice--the violence continues and threatens to expand. Be with the Dalai Lama and others who are working to find ways of dealing with the conflict that will bring peace.
   
• Nepal
  
  As the people of Nepal prepare for a major election that will determine the fate of the monarchy and prepare a new constitution, tensions are increasing.
  
  God, change is never easy. The people of Nepal are preparing to look at new ways of being governed, and as they do so, there are many different points of view. May they find ways of working together to hear all voices and find common ground that will be good for all.

March 11, 2008

• Pakistan
  
  At least 23 people have been killed and 171 wounded in three suicide bombings in Lahore.
  
  God, help us see each other as brothers and sisters--and seek to unite and heal, rather than divide and kill. The people of Pakistan are seeking ways to bring peace. Bless the efforts of those who are seeking ways of working with each other to bring peace in the land.

March 7, 2008

• South America
  
  There has been concern and rising tension between Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, sparked by a raid by Columbian forces into Ecuador.
  
  It is so easy for us to find ways to divide ourselves into various groups, God--and to think that violence makes right. But all it does is create more division, more death. Bless the efforts of those who are seeking to bring peace to the region.
   
• Jerusalem
  
  Eight young seminary students were killed by an individual who had driven for the seminary in the past.
  
  How long, O God? How long must there continue to be violence in the land that is called "holy" by so many people--and yet is constantly fought over? May all who live there learn to love their children more than they hate their neighbors; may all find ways to live together in peace and reconciliation.

February 15, 2008

• East Timor
  
  There were assassination attempts on the prime minister and the president earlier this week. The president was hit, but the prime minister was unharmed.
  
  Creator of Life, we sometimes feel that taking the life you created will solve all our problems, but it only creates more. May the people of East Timor find peaceful ways to settle their differences, and honor all of your creation.
   
• Darfur and Chad
  
  As the violence continues in Darfur, many people in the border area between the two countries are being left vulnerable and unprotected.
  
  O God, when there have been so many years of distrust and violence, only you have the power to change people's minds. There are many people in both Darfur and Chad who want nothing more than to have a safe place they can call home, a place where they can rear their families in peace. We pray for your healing presence--for your spirit of reconciliation.
   
• Illinois (USA)
  
  At least 7 people died and 21 were wounded in a shooting at Northern Illinois University yesterday.
  
  Creator, we trust that places of learning are places that challenge our minds and our understandings--not places of physical danger. We pray today for all the victims of the shooting at Northern Illinois University--those who were attacked as well as the shooter--and their families. May they be surrounded with your love and peace.

February 7, 2008

• Sri Lanka
  
  Violence continues in Sri Lanka, especially in the area of Colombo. There have been several blasts resulting in the deaths and injuries of many innocents, including school children.
  
  O God, how you must weep when we see each other as enemies instead of brothers and sisters! Violence takes on a life of its own--and so often those who are impacted the most are the innocents. May your spirit of peace and healing surround the people of Sri Lanka, and may those who desire to bring reconciliation find ways so that another generation does not live in fear and distrust.

February 6, 2008

• Southern United States
  
  Violent tornadoes--the worst in a decade--ripped through Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama Tuesday night, killing at least 48 people and injuring many more.
  
  God, sometimes the forces of nature seem to turn against us and wreak unexpected destruction. Today we pray for those in the Southern United States who lost loved ones and homes in the storms of last night. May they be wrapped in your peace as they seek to pick up the pieces of their lives.

February 4, 2008

• Chad
  
  Violence in Chad between rebels and the government has found many citizens caught in the middle, forced to leave their homes to try to find protection.
  
  O God, violence is not confined only to those who are directly involved in fighting each other, but it also reaches out to claim many innocents who desire nothing more than to live in their own homes in peace with their neighbors. We pray for the people of Chad, that they may find peaceful ways of working together to create a government that works for all.

January 30, 2008

• Kenya

The violence that began with the disputed result of the presidential election has spread into tribal violence. Former United Nations head Kofi Annan is trying to mediate an end to the violence, but the killing of an opposition politician is making that difficult.

Once violence has begun, it seems to take on a life of its own--and people who have lived in peace for years turn against each other in fear. God, be with those who continue attempts toward reconciliation and peace in Kenya. May its citizens sense their kinship and be willing and able to build peaceful relationships with each other.

• Gaza

Recently militants blew a hole in the barrier between Gaza and Egypt, and thousands streamed into Egypt, seeking to buy goods that have not been available since the Israeli blockade went into force. While Egypt is struggling to restore order, the Israeli Supreme Court has upheld Israel's decision to provide only limited supplies of fuel and electricity. 

God, when there have been centuries of distrust and violence, it is hard to see possibilities for peace. Be with those in Gaza who find themselves caught in cycles of destruction and hatred. Help them see each other with new eyes--your eyes--and be willing to take the first steps in building a place where all can be safe.

January 8, 2008

• Sri Lanka::

On January 1, a Tamil Member of Parliament was shot; a day later the Tamils blasted a military bus, killing several. On January 8, a senior government minister (Member of Parliament for Puttlam, where Community of Christ has a significant church presence)) was killed by a claymore blast which also killed another individual and injured several more. Following that, the government walked out of peace talks with the rebels.

The country is very dangerous at the moment. People are afraid to travel on public transport and most social workers are leaving the country, including the Red Cross.

God, there are many people hurting in Sri Lanka. There is so much violence--and so much potential for violence. May your spirit of peace and healing surround the people of Sri Lanka, and may those who desire to bring reconciliation find ways.

January 2, 2008

• Kenya

Kenya has been struggling with violence since the results of the recent presidential election. Many citizens believe that the results were falsified, and since the two candidates were from different tribes, tribal divisions have escalated. After initial significant violence, there was a short time in which there was a possibility of reconciliation between the two factions, but political decisions were made that rendered that impossible. There is concern that violence may begin again, and if it does, it could lead to tribal civil war.

God, when we are safe in our own homes, we often find it difficult to understand the level of fear among those who have no safe places. When we get along with our neighbors, we find it difficult to understand why others can not "just get along." Kenya has the potential to bring stability or war to the region; we pray that it will be peace. May your spirit of love for all your children permeate the people of Kenya and may they be open to work together to find ways of reconciliation.

Ongoing Concerns

• Darfur

Sometimes, God, we wonder what we can do to help because the situation seems so far away or so complex. Darfur is one of those situations. There have been so many deaths, so many people displaced, so much distrust between peoples. We would pray for all--those seen as victims as well as those seen as perpetrators, for in their conflict, all become victims. Grant wisdom to those seeking ways of healing for the country's people and its environment.

• Iraq

It is easy to sit back and say "We should have done this..." or "We shouldn't have done that," God, but once events have been set in motion, you call us to also accept responsibility for the consequences. Even when we do things with the best of motives, we acknowledge that sometimes the results are less than we desired. While there have been positive situations arising in Iraq, we also know that there are still many people who hurt, who struggle for safety and for life's essentials. We recognize that there are deep areas of mistrust both within Iraq and between Iraq and the rest of the world. We would hold up the people of Iraq--its leaders, its citizens, its children--that they may find ways of coming together that will bring healing and reconciliation.