21st June 2026

Yesterday, Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency. “This is not a state of emergency to restrict people’s lives. It is a state of emergency to give people back their freedom,” the president said in a televised address to the nation.  Protests over the last five weeks have called for Paz to step down over austerity measures, including the cancellation of fuel subsidies, and other issues. The violent demonstrations have resulted in at least 365 arrests and 37 injuries. The emergency gives the military broad power to remove road blockades that have put a stranglehold on fuel and food supplies in Bolivia’s major cities. Barricades erected on key roads have effectively isolated the city of La Paz, paralyzing transportation and preventing patients from reaching hospitals — causing at least seven deaths for lack of medical attention.

Loving God, we bring to you the needs and fears of our neighbours in Bolivia.  May the state of emergency not result in further violence and escalating unrest, but enable people to access food, fuel and medical services.  We ask for economic and social justice, that economic development initiatives will provide sustainable livelihoods, and address inequality.  Grant integrity, wisdom, humility and humanity to Bolivia's leaders and for policies that promote peace,  racial equality, and uphold human rights, religious freedom, and the common good.  We pray that in Bolivia your will shall be done as it is in heaven.   In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.  

California relief organisation Direct Relief is making a magnificent response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is sending more than a quarter million N95 respirators to help protect front line health workers eye protection and protective coveralls. In addition to deaths from the Ebola outbreak itself, many die from loss of access to primary medical care. So, to ensure primary care continues unhindered by the current public health emergency in the DRC the shipment also includes, essential drugs, deworming treatments, medications for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, gastrointestinal drugs, oral rehydration salts, and water purification supplies.  Much of the equipment has been donated by 3M.  Direct Relief work in partnership with VillageReach, a global health non-profit working across Africa, and has shipped more than $10 million in medicine and medical supplies to DRC since May this year. 

You can find out more about DirectRelief's work in the DRC here.

Loving God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

one eternal God

the Alpha and Omega,

the Beginning and the End.

I praise you with all my soul.

You know all things.

You are ever present.

I give you glory, for you are my creator. 

You are my comforter in sorrow and pain.

 You are my strength in times of weakness

and my hope in times of distress.

I give you honour and praise for

your word is trustworthy and true.

You are my teacher, and lead me in the way of truth.

You are my guide, a lamp to my feet.

You are my protector, my shield and my tower.

 I am in awe that you delight in me regardless of my sin.

Your love is so great you died to set me free.

You won a victory over death, rising to new life.

You enable me to share in that new life through faith.

Glory and majesty be to you

for you are my Salvation.

Amen