22nd July 2026

A MapBiomas report finds that Between 1985 and 2023, more than 88 million hectares of forest in the Amazon were destroyed. 3.1 million hectares of Brazil's Amazon were burned last year, the smallest area since MapBiomas records began in 1985, and compare favourably with the record-breaking 15.8 million hectares destroyed in 2024. The decline in the 2025 figures partly reflects an easing of the unprecedented fires of 2024, helped by cooler La Niña conditions instead of the warmer El Niño. It also indicates that reducing the rate of forest destruction is possible. Tropical rainforests, like the Amazon, provide habitats for millions of species, and absorb vast quantities of planet-warming carbon dioxide. Destruction of these carbon sinks only exacerbates global warming. 

Loving God, forgive us that we are destroying the Amaon rainforest and in doing so putting the life of the planet at risk. Move among the leader of nations and global corporations that protection of the forests and all the world's carbon sinks will be a priority.  Help us all to grasp the importance of these regions to life on earth as we know it.  Help us to treasure the natural world and cherish plant, animal, avian and aquatic life, all the work of your hand.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.  

Mariza never set out to be a hero that day. She simply saw a family in desperate need and acted without hesitation.  On Sunday afternoon at Versluis Park in Plainfield Township, Michigan USA at around 4:30 p.m., Mariza Mojica saw a panicked mother rush from the water carrying her young 2 year old daughter, who was unresponsive. "At first I just froze," Mariza recalled. "The mom was crying so I went over and took the baby out of her hands and started mouth to mouth." Mariza is certified in CPR for infants, children and adults through her job.  She put her training into action. When the rescue breaths alone did not work, she switched to chest compressions. Mariza said that mouth to mouth wasn't working, "So, I started compressions."  Moments later, the little girl began breathing again. But then the little girl stopped breathing again so I did both mouth to mouth and compressions Mojica said. "Then, she passed out, and I did it again." She fought for the little girl's by herself for about two minutes before help arrived. "It felt like forever," she said.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe.

You are enthroned in splendour and light;

to you be glory and praise for ever.

From the rising of the sun to its setting

we proclaim your name in all the world.

We worship and bow down, before you O LORD, our Maker!

You are our God and we are your people.

Holy, holy, holy are you, the Lord God Almighty.

In love for us, you gave us Jesus, your Son, your living Word.

We thank you that he brought light to our darkness.

We praise you that he lived on earth

and went about among us,

touched untouchables with love

and washed the guilty clean.

We thank you that he opened wide his arms for us on the cross

and put an end to death by dying for us;

and revealed the resurrection by rising to new life.

We praise you that through faith in him

you forgive our sin

and count us worthy to stand in your presence

and call us your children.

Gather us in your loving arms

and bring us to share in your inheritance of everlasting life

lived at one with you

and to feast at your table in heaven.

Amen.