10th March 2026

Hundreds of thousands of people are at imminent risk from a government offensive in Akobo, in Jonglei state, South Sudan. Jonglei has been the centre of clashes between government and opposition forces throughout this year. At least 280,000 people have been displaced as a consequence.  This week, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) evacuated its staff from Akobo in Jonglei state for their safety.  This has left hundreds of thousands of people without access to essential healthcare, as violence escalates in the opposition-controlled areas. “The consequences for people are devastating,” said Christophe Garnier, MSF head of mission in South Sudan. “Families are being forced to abandon their homes repeatedly, with no safe alternatives. For many who have already been displaced multiple times, there is simply nowhere left to go.” People displaced from their homes and livelihoods are living in makeshift shelters without safe drinking water, adequate food, or proper protection. Prevented from accessing essential care, they face disease, hunger, and the constant threat of violence. 

Loving God, we bring to you our concerns for our neighbours in South Sudan, particularly those from Jonglei now displaced and without access to medical facilities. Forgive us. that our oppression and violence towards others, causes such trauma and pain for innocent people. Move among the leaders of government and rebel forces that they will desire to bring an end to the carnage in South Sudan and seek a diplomatic conclusion to the war. We ask your protection for all who are risking their own lives to support the lives of others.  May circumstances soon change enabling MSF, and other humanitarian organisations, to safely resume their life saving work. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

Seren Dwt (is Welsh for Dinky Star), and the name of an organisation on a mission to celebrate and support families across Wales who have a child born with an extra 21st Chromosome (Trisomy 21 or ‘Down syndrome’).  Seren Dwt teamed-up with Transport for Wales and over the past year raised more than £17,000. Laura Thomas, director at Seren Dwt, said: "We are absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity shown by Transport for Wales staff and customers throughout this partnership. Raising over £17,000 is an incredible achievement and, as a charitable cause, these funds will make a truly meaningful difference to the children and families we support across Wales."  Lewis Brencher, executive director for customer and communications at Transport for Wales, said: "It’s been a privilege to work with Seren Dwt throughout the past year. Our colleagues chose the charity for the incredible support it provides to families, and we’re extremely proud to have raised funds to help them continue their work."

Find out more about Seren Dwt here.

My soul praises you Lord God, King of creation. 

To you be all honour and glory, power and majesty.

May every living creature sing your praise.

 Thank you for the gift of life.

Thank you for the wonder of the world

with its teaming life

that we see in the air, on the land, and in the waters.

 We thank you for the changing seasons

that bring a rhythm to the year.

We thank you for the diversity of human life

with our amazing cultures of music, art and dance,

and our various customs.

We thank you for the values

people across the world hold in common - honesty, integrity, decency, humility, hospitality, and many more.

 We thank you that you are a forgiving God,

and through faith in Jesus Christ the Lord

enable us to be inheritors of your promise of eternal life,

lived forever with you,

even when our life on earth comes to an end.

My soul praises you Lord God, King of creation.

To you be all honour and glory, power and majesty.

May every living creature sing your praise.