15th August 2026

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia yesterday, killing at least 47 people and seriously injuring 113 . More than 1,300 homes were damaged, more than two thirds of those severely, as well as health care facilities, schools and government offices, BNPB said Sunday, Reuters reported. 5,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. Many in the coastal village of Sikka were stranded outside collapsed homes overnight, while others received hospital treatment in the port town of Maumere. Aid workers have begun distributing rice, pre-cooked meals, fresh water, blankets and medical supplies, alongside establishing emergency shelters for the people made homeless. Fifty thousand aid packages, are on their way to support people in desperte need.  Fathur Rahman, head of the Search and Rescue Office in Maumere, the capital of the Sikka regency has said that most landslides and been cleared and roads reopened to previously isolated villages, although "communication disruptions and power outages continue to hamper search efforts".

Loving God, in love, we bring to you our concerns for all impacted by this earthquake. We ask your loving care for all who are injured and all displaced from their homes. Bring comfort and consolation to those who grieve the deaths of people they love and homes and communities that hold precious memories.  We thank you for the medical teams, and all providing shelter, food and protection for people unable to go home.  We also ask your protection for those now clearing away debris and reconnecting power lines.  May the Indonesian authorities be supported by their international neighbours during this tragic time for the country. May this incident draw people together resulting in a greater sense of unity between neighbours. May the long term needs of those who have lost homes, businesses, and livelihoods be met and prople supported through their trauma and fear. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Authorities in Australia have agreed to make significant firearm law reforms after 15 people were shot dead, including a ten year old girl, at a Jewish Hanukkah festival on Sydney's Bondi Beach, in NSW, last December. Gun owners in New South Wales (NSW) will be offered up to AUS$1,000 (£523) to hand over eligible handguns, shotguns and rifles from 2nd November in a firearms buy back scheme. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said on Saturday: "We want those guns handed in, compensated for and safely destroyed." He said the move could result in hundreds of thousands of guns being removed from harms way.  The scheme will be offered to those who have more weapons than the four currently permitted by the new rules, and those no longer covered by a licence. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: "We must do everything we can to make sure the antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi doesn't happen again. "That includes meaningful nationwide gun reform."

Lord God, source of all life, giver of all blessings, 

we thank you for this day.

We thank you for the mystery of creation and your gift of life.

We glorify you for the beauty of the world,

with its variety of colour and shapes, textures,

sounds, and smells,

and for the diversity of plant and animal life.

We praise you for providing

all that that sustains and nurtures life,

for the food and water,

for the love of family and friends,

for challenges and achievements.

We thank you for setting us in communities;

for friends who love us,

for those who share our daily tasks,

and help carry our burdens.

We praise you for people who entertain and lighten our moods,

for music, dance and all creative art.

We thank you for your forgiveness

when we wonder from your paths,

and that you seek us out and guide us home.

We thank you for your love for us shown in Jesus Christ,

who died and rose again

that by faith in him we may have eternal life

lived with you wonderful Father.

For all your blessings, we give you thanks and praise,

eternal, loving God.

Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.