10th February 2026

A small rubber boat carrying 55 passengers, including two babies, overturned off the coast of Libya, yesterday. Only two people survived, two African women, one of whom was the mother of the two babies. The boat was carrying migrants and refugees from various African countries. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says that almost 500 migrants have been reported dead or missing trying the cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya so far in 2026. Last year, 1,873 were recorded as missing or dead in the Mediterranean, including 1,342 on the central route. However, many boats sink without trace, never reported by the people smugglers, the passenger die in the ocean their families never knowing what happened to them. 

Loving God, it is impossible to imagine the futility of life, or the risk of remaining at home that someone would make such a risky journey across the sea with their young babies.  Forgive us that we have created such hostile environments for people to live in; environments of death through war and conflict, environments of poverty due to our economic and political systems, environments of fear due to oppression or roaming armed militia, environments of famine due to climate change. Loving God move among the international community that we may address the fundamental causes that force people from their homes.  Be with all who are displaced or running for their lives and lead them to places of safety and security where they will be accepted, welcomed, and can make a contribution to their new communities.  In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Last year, the Salvation Army of Bermuda provided more than 29,000 meals to people in need, 8,050 nights of safe shelter and its street ministry team recorded more than 9,400 interactions the charity’s regional public relations officer Captain  Maybury  said. He added that, “At our addictions treatment centre, we support recovery with more than 3,600 residential bed days, helping individuals take their first steps towards renewed lives.”  The Salvation Army also provided 550 community care visits and 312 referrals for housing, employment and other needs last year. Captain Maybury said: “All of this was made possible by the tireless efforts of 6,000 volunteer hours and the faithful service of our officers and staff at our four community churches. Every act of kindness touched someone’s life in Bermuda, it reflects what is possible when a community comes together to support one another.”

You can watch a 2 minute video of the Salvation Army's work in Bermuda  here.

Lord, I praise you for creating this beautiful world!

The heavens declare your glory,

Every flower and tree proclaims your beauty.

All the birds and animals sing your praises.

 I praise you, wonderful creator,

for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Lord, I praise you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ,

to this world so that we can know you intimately.

I praise you for his perfect life on earth.

I glorify you that he demonstrated to us your perfect love.

I thank you that he laid down his life

to cleans us from our sins. 

I honour you that he triumphed over death

and that you raised him to new life

to sit at your right hand.

I magnify your name

that through faith in your Son

you count us worthy to be called your children

and share in his resurrection.

Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit.

Glory, praise and honour be to you, mighty God,

that you did all of this because of your love.

I am in awe of you, Lord.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.