7th December 2025

Wildfires in News South Wales, Australia, are devastating over 1,000 hectares of land. Firefighters are struggling to extinguish 69 separate fires, with over twenty out-of-control. High winds and temperatures as high as 44.2 degrees Celsius are exacerbating conditions making it difficult to control the progress of the flames. "Helicopters using thermal imaging cameras continue to work to identify hot spots, and water bomb the fires. As the fire move on residents return to ash, metal deformed by flame, and other remains of their burned and broken homes and possessions. 

Loving God, we pray for our neighbours in New South Wales suffering from the impact of wildfires. We entrust them to your loving care.  We pray for comfort and compassion for all who grieve the loss of their homes and livelihoods, their treasured possessions.  We pray for people confised and disorientated, particularly the elderly and those with mental health challenges.  We thank you for the brave commitment of firefighters; keep them safe and bless their families.  Grant wisdom to those managing this disaster. and all providing shelter and assistance to people in need. From the fear, tragedy and chaos, bring hope and peace. May communities be drawn together so that sadness turs into compassion, confusion into faith, and despair into divine hope.   In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

The Reverend Emyr Gwyn, of Gellimanwydd Church, Ammanford in Wales walked 100 miles in almost 40 hours raising £1, 172.50 for Christian Aid, the humanitarian relief organisation. Emyr said, He said: "My thanks to everyone who sponsored me for such a worthy cause. Christian Aid has worked diligently over its 80 years to help poorer communities around the world through its local partners, and I admire its work in the fight for justice and a fairer world for all."  Emyr was supported by friends from churches around Ammanford, who joined him along sections of the route.  Established in 1945 to support refugees in Europe following the Second World War Christian Aid now works with 260 partner organisation providing humanitarian relief and long-term development support across the globe. The organisation also highlights suffering, tackling injustice and championing people’s rights. Last year Christian Aid reached 4.5 million people through a wide range of projects, including savings and loans associations, farming co-operatives, climate disaster risk training, and healthcare schemes. 

Psalm 24 :1, 7-10

The earth and everything on it belong to the Lord.

The world and its people belong to him.

Open the ancient gates,

so that the glorious king may come in.

Who is this glorious king?

He is our Lord, a strong and mighty warrior.

Open the ancient gates,

so that the glorious king may come in.

Who is this glorious king?

He is our Lord,

the All-Powerful!