8th March 2026

This morning, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has spoken on BBC TV in the UK saying that the world faces "a moment of grave, grave peril", warning the conflict in the Middle East is having a "massive impact" on civilians. He also warned of "secondary impacts" further afield, voicing concerns about increasing extremism and polarisation in the region and beyond.  "We've got to step back from the brink right now", he told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg. In Lebanon there were multiple strikes overnight, including an Israeli airstrike on a hotel killing four people. Around half a million people in Lebanon have already been displaced by the fighting.  The Kuwait army says it has been dealing "with a wave of hostile drones", including an attack on fuel tankers at the Kuwait International Airport. Elsewhere, in Kuwait City a huge fire has engulfed a tower block. Last night there were a number of missile strikes on Iran's oil depots in both Tehran and Alborz provinces. 

Loving God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,  we bring to you a fractured and  vulnerable world.  Where there is war between nations or within nations we pray for peace.  Where tensions are building we pray for calm.  Where there is judgement and prejudice we pray for dignity and respect. Where human hearts are breaking we pray for care and compassion. Where there is sorrow and loss we pray for comfort and healing. We pry for an end to violence, killing and destruction.  We pray that those who wage war will understand that their action only entrench resistance and retaliation. We pray that the message of love that Jesus brought will be lived out on people's lives so that all may live together in unity, providing one another with mutual support. Open the eyes of the world's leaders to what is happening and raise up voices of peace, reconciliation and healing.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

Just a few days ago, more than 60 staff from the UK media group Newsquest slept out overnight in support of homeless charity Centrepoint.  Centrepoint is Newsquest’s 2026 Charity of the Year.  Teams took part in organised Sleep Out events across Oxford, Swindon, Worcester, Carlisle, Norwich and London, giving up the comfort of their beds to experience, in a small way, the realities faced by thousands of people across the UK every night. Together they raised nearly £20,000, as fundraising continues. Funds will go directly towards Centrepoint’s work supporting homeless young people with safe accommodation, education, employment and life skills. Despite cold temperatures and challenging conditions, spirits remained high throughout the night, with teams supporting one another and showing real pride in what they were achieving. Seyi Obakin, CEO of Centrepoint, added: “We are hugely grateful to everyone at Newsquest who chose to take part in the Sleep Outs. The dedication and compassion shown by staff across the country, is truly inspiring. The funds raised will help us continue to support young people facing homelessness with accommodation, advice and opportunities to build a more secure future.” 

Amazing God, you are powerful and mighty.

You command the sun to give light each day,

the moon and stars to shine at night,

and ocean waves to roar. 

God of love, you are the shepherd of your sheep,

searching for the lost, bringing back strays,

binding up the injured and strengthening the weak.

You lead us to lush pastures and clear water. 

We thank you for you loving kindness.

We thank you for your protection and care. 

We thank you for the New Covenant

you have made with us in Jesus Christ.

We thank you that you have put your law in our minds

and written it on our hearts.

We thank you that you forgive our sin

and never remember our wrong doing.

Amazing God, you are powerful and mighty.

We bow in praise and worship, giving you glory and honour.  Amen.