29th March 2026

An Israeli attack on Press reporters’ clearly marked vehicle killed three journalists and nine paramedics were killed in southern Lebanon yesterday. Other journalists were wounded in the attack. Seven paramedics were wounded in ⁠five separate attacks on ambulances and healthcare facilities in in southern Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Israel had once again violated “the most basic rules of international law” by targeting civilians carrying out their professional duty. Houthis in Yemen say they have launched a barrage of missiles against Israel - the first since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran. This development in the war has raised fears of further disruption to the world economy as the Houthis have capacity to attack shipping in the Red Sea. 

Loving God, our hearts go out to all in Lebanon and across the Middle East who are subject to the death and destruction that is taking place around them. Bring your comfort to all who are mourning today, because those they love and cared for were killed yesterday. We ask you protection for paramedics, all who work in hospitals and medical facilities, and independent journalists. We express to you our concerns for the escalation of this war and pray that the leaders of nations will soon negotiate a peace agreement. May all those commanding forces show restraint. Turn hatred, suspicion, greed and fear into care, compassion, concern, openness, sharing, reconciliation, and unity. Turn tears of sadness into tears of joy.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

For the first time, the annual Christmas appeal between the Tearfund and Northern Ireland retailer, SPAR, has raised more than £1,000,000 from generous local communities in just three months. As a result of this successful partnership appeal, thousands more young girls and women in the Central African Republic will have the opportunity to gain an education. Through literacy and vocational training, Tearfund will ensure women are gaining the essential tools to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Chris Thompson, Director of Tearfund in Northern Ireland said, "Once again, we are blown away by the generosity of local store communities, churches and schools who helped us raise £537,030.83, while SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO, ViVOXTRA and ViVO Essentials matched every pound up to £500,000.  ... Each donation, large and small, from families, individuals, churches, youth groups, schools and business, have all played their part to get us to this moment.” 

Wonderful and amazing God

we give you praise for the magnificence of your creation.

As we feel the breeze,

see the colours, hear the sounds, smell the aromas,

we are in awe of your power.

Yet you are a loving God who cares for creation .

We thank you for human life.

We thank you for the companionship of friends

and for human talent of mind, eye, and hand.

We thank you that when we fail to live as you intended

you are willing to forgive.

We praise you that through faith in your son

you raise us to new life

that continues when earthly life is over.

We glorify you that you love us so much

you sent your Holy Spirit to live among us

to teach us, direct us, equip us for service in your Kingdom

and to show us your work in the world.

All praise and glory,

be to you wonderful, almighty and eternal God.

Amen.