30th May 2025

Today, representatives of more than 30 countries, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Belarus and Cuba, established the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed).  The ceremony took place in Hong Kong which its head quarters will be located. China is hoping it will rival the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the world’s leading conflict resolution body. The new organisation aims to help promote the amicable resolution of international disputes and build more harmonious global relations. IOMed is the world's first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation.  Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi  said China has long advocated for handling international differences with a spirit of mutual understanding and consensus-building through dialogue, while aiming to provide “Chinese wisdom” for resolving conflicts between nations. “The establishment of the International Organization for Mediation helps to move beyond the zero-sum mindset of ‘you lose and I win’” he said. 

Loving God, we we thank you that countries have come together to create a mechanism for resolving disputes between them.  We pray that you will pour out your Holy Spirit on all who are engaged in the work of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed).  May this new organisation be a vehicle for ensuring peace and stability across the world. May all work together with respect for one another that differences and disputes may be resolved amicably retaining friendship and unity between nations. We recognise the words of the Psalmist, "how good and pleasant it is when people live together in unity." In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

16-year-old  Mohammad Zakir, a student at Fir Vale School, Sheffield, UK and went to the gym after taking one of his GSCEs (school examinations). Mohammad said that as he walked into the gym, tired after his exam, he saw a man collapsed on the floor. “I could see straight away that he was pale and his breathing was really shallow,” said Mohammad.  “There was someone with him on the phone to the ambulance, but I knew I had to do something. I told them I was trained in first aid and they handed me the phone.” Paramedics told Mohammad to begin chest compressions immediately. “In that moment, all I felt was adrenaline. But I knew it was up to me to save this man’s life - I remembered my training and acted as I had been taught,” Mohammad said. He asked  a friend to run and fetch the gym’s defibrillator and continued chest compressions for seven minutes until the ambulance arrived. Police told Mohammad that he had likely saved the man's life. Naz, the manager at NRG Gym, said she wasn’t at the gym when the incident occurred.  She commended Mohammad's  quick thinking and said his actions were something even many adults would struggle with. “When I spoke to him, he was so humble, he didn’t want any praise. But I told him he deserves all the credit in the world,” she said.  Naz has given Mohammad a year-long free membership to the gym in recognition of his bravery.   Mohammad has been part of the cadets for five years and is now a staff sergeant, helping teach younger students life-saving skills every Wednesday after school. He is now working with NRG Gym and the cadets to set up a first aid workshop at the gym - hoping to inspire others to act in emergencies just like he did.  

Creator God,

you have surrounded us

with the wonder of your creation;

the colours of the sky,

the song of the birds;

the company of the animals;

the expanse of the universe.

In creation we see your power and magnificence.

You created human beings in your image

and in them we see your love and compassion,

as your faithful people reach out

to the poor and needy,

feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless.

All praise and glory, honour and power,

be to you gracious God.

Loving God,

we are truly rich because of your abundance;

our hearts burst with gratitude for all that you give.

You have lavished us with gifts

of grace, mercy and forgiveness. 

We praise you that you have made provision for us

when our earthly life is over.

All might, majesty and blessing

be yours now and for ever.

Amen.