18th October 2026

Yesterday, French Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu said 1,200 people had been arrested and 150 police hurt as civil unrest continues across the country. In Lyons, a tourist office was set on fire and destroyed. The city hall in Limoges was also set alight causing the collapse of a 143-year-old spire. In Paris police used tear gas on protestors where tens of thousands had gathered.  Protests began over a month ago as school student demanded more public investment in their schools, criticising the lack of teachers and staff, overcrowded classrooms and crumbling buildings. These have escalated into a more general protest against the government. More disruption and demonstrations are planned in the month to come, with France's General Confederation of Labour (CGT) calling for "major inter-union strikes".  In a statement the union said,  "The government's choices will continue to impact our lives and our rights: access to proper healthcare, a decent living from one's salary or pension, and reliable public services throughout the country - these are essential rights that must be guaranteed, not savings to be made!" 

Loving God, we place into your care our neighbours in France. Bring your comfort and compassion to all who have been injured and all have lost property and income as a consequence of the violence. May all governments seek to ensure that no one need be homeless, hungry or dependent on food handouts.  May they ensure that no one is exploited in the workplace, and that incomes are sufficient to provide a living. May they work tirelessly to ensure that all have access to high quality health care, and that the frail and infirm are well cared for.  Guide the authorities in France to bring law and order back to the streets, to listen to those with genuine grievences, and to act in ways which make a positive difference to all living in precarity.  May they work to ensure students and teachers work in conditions that reflects the value the country places upon them and that they are treated with dignty and respect.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Julie Shenton works in a bar in Stoke on Trent, UK. Julie has been working at Victoria Lounge, in Hanley, for the last six years. One Tuesday afternoon her work shift was suddenly transformed into an emergency situation.  She said that she saw an elderly gentleman come into the bar. "I had seen his wife and daughter several times before. Another customer came over to me and said that he seemed a bit poorly. So I went over to take a look. When I looked at him, I could see that he was very hot and clammy. I took his coat off and called for an ambulance. He looked like he was turning grey. Then he started slouching down. I checked his pulse and found that he had no heartbeat."  Julie immediately lay the man down on the floor and started performing CPR. He recovered a slight pulse, but Julie continued the emergency aid for over 15 minutes before the paramedics arrived and took over his care.  Julie said that the man's wife "came in a week later to say that he was doing well. Apparently, he was taken to hospital and had a defibrillator fitted. His wife and his surgeon said that I saved his life. Now he is recovering at home."  Julie added, “I was so relieved. Once his strength is back up enough, I’m going to take him out for a meal to celebrate. His lunch will definitely be on me! I am just so happy he is still with us. It will be nice to have a chat after it all. I’ll certainly never forget his face.” 

Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder

consider all the worlds Thy hands have made

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder

Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed

Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander

and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing

sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,

that on the cross my burden gladly bearing

he bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee

how great Thou art, how great Thou art.

Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee

how great Thou art, how great Thou art.

Carl Boberg 1859-1940