4th August 2026

In Sudan, drone strikes are posing deadly risks to civilians and hampering humanitarian efforts to reach them as attacks continue to affect conflict-hit areas, the UN aid coordination office OCHA said yesterday. At least 35 people were killed and dozens more injured in a drone strike by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on a traditional court session being held under a tree with the participation of local community leaders, on Sunday afternoon.  Recent drone attacks in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, have also put civilians, critical infrastructure, and humanitarian operations at risk. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said efforts re being increased to reach families hit by conflict in North Kordofan and that every opportunity to expand lifesaving aid in and around El Obeid is being taken. He called on the parties to de-escalate, protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access. The United Nations and international partners are working to de-escalate the conflict. 

Loving God, may our neighbours in Sudan not be forgotten.  We thank youfor the work of the Un in seeking bring waring factions to the negotiating table.  We thank you for those seeking to provide humanitarian aid to people caught up in this conflict. We place out neighbours in North Kordofan and across Sudan into your loving care.  Be their protection, and travel with those who are fleeing the country.  Guide them ot places of safety where they will be welcomed, accepted and suported. Move among the military leaders on every side of this conflict that they will not target civilians causing fear, injury and death.  May love prevail even amonst the violence.  We pray that your will shall be done in SUdan as it is in heaven.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Theo is around five months old.  He is a smiling health baby boy. However, he had serious developmental defect known as gastroschisis, where the belly button does not develop properly, causing the intestines to grow externally. Gastroschisis affects one in 3,000 UK babies each year. In the best-case scenarios, babies can be helped after the birth with up to six months in neonatal intensive care, multiple surgeries, IV nutritional feeding for up to two years, and a possible intestinal transplant. However, after discovering Theo had the more serious condition of complex gastroschisis, doctors referred him to Texas Children's Hospital, in Houston. There, a team of foetal and paediatric surgeons, led by Dr Michael Belfort, have been developing surgery techniques to help children like Theo before they are born. As part of the trial Theo's mothers had to travel from the UK to Leuven Hospital, in Belgium, to receive a Botox injection through her womb into Theo's abdominal wall, to relax the muscles to make the repair easier. The family then flew to Texas where the operation was performed in November last year, 26 weeks into the pregnancy. The operation was a complete success. Theo was carried to term and born in February by vaginal delivery in Texas. Dr Paolo de Coppi, professor of paediatric surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and and head of stem cells and regenerative medicine at University College London, said, "We hope that we will be able to offer this to patients in a larger scale very soon."

A prayer based on Psalm 67

God you are merciful and bless us;

You make your face to shine upon us,

so that your way may be known upon earth,

and your saving health among all nations.

Let the people praise you, O God;

let all the people praise you.

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy:

for you judge the people righteously,

and govern the nations of the earth.

Let everyone praise you

and shout your praises.

Celebrating with joyful songs,

You have blessed us with the first fruits of the harvest.

We praise you for all your blessings

With all your people in heaven and on earth

we worship you Lord, our God.  Amen