26th February 2026

Cuban border guards shot four people shot dead in a US-registered speedboat yesterday. All those killed were Cuban nationals living in the United States. Six others were wounded, also Cuban citizens. All ten people had criminal records and were carrying weapons.  Cuba's Interior Ministry said the group was comprised of anti-government Cubans, some of whom were previously wanted for plotting attacks. They came from the United States dressed in camouflage and armed with assault rifles, handguns, homemade explosives, ballistic vests and telescopic sights, Cuba said. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters it was not a U.S. operation and that no U.S. government personnel were involved. Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman said this morning that the incident was an ‘aggressive provocation by the United States’ aimed at escalating the situation and triggering a conflict. 

Almighty and powerful God, we pray for peace in Cuba and the Caribbean.  May this incident not provoke further aggression, violence or deaths. We ask you comfort and care for the families of all who died. Bless and protect all who seek to keep others safe from violence, particularly when they do so at risk to themselves.  Guide the Cuban authorities in their investigations, may they act with professionalism and transparency.  We ask that you will heal strained relationships between Cuba and the USA, that neighbours will be able to live in peace and harmony.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Sales of the Bible in Britain rose to record levels last year, according to research from Christian publisher SPCK Group. The total sales of UK Bible sales reached £6.3 million, more than double in value since 2019. The overall number of physical copies sold has risen by 106 per cent since before the pandemic; the highest rise since records began. Between 2024 and 2025 alone, Bible sales surged by 27.7 per cent, in terms of the number of copies sold. Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK Group, told Premier Christian News, “The significant and sustained upward trend in Bible sales suggests that more and more people are investigating the Christian faith themselves and seeking to draw their own conclusions about its truth.”

Psalm 73: 21-26 - The Psalmist speaks to God.

When my heart was grieved

and my spirit embittered,

I was senseless and ignorant;

I was a brute beast before you.

Yet I am always with you;

you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

and afterwards you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion for ever.