14th August 2026

Israeli settlers have besieged two Palestinian families in their homes in the West Bank village of Qusra since the weekend, aiming to take over their properties through a campaign of terror. The settlers throw stones, use obscene language and shout during the night. Israeli troops are complicit in the terrorising of Palestinians and seeking to evict them from their homes.  Israeli troops have forced two Palestinian families to leave their besieged homes, the day after a top Israeli commander personally promised he would end a violent settler campaign to drive them out.  IDF soldiers also took over eight other homes in Qusra early on Thursday, telling the village’s mayor, Abdul Azim Wadi, that the buildings were needed for a days-long operation to remove the settlers. Settlers continue to patrol the area. The US Ambassador Mike Huckabee has posted on x, "Actions by those who carried out this horrific act of terror meant to intimidate and harass this family are disgusting. No excuse for such thuggish behavior." 

Loving God, we bring to you today our concerns for our neighbours living in the West Bank, and also for our Israeli neighbours who seek to terrorise them. We pray that humanity will be shown, and that no one will be forced from their home, intimidated, or harmed in any way.  May all in Israel follow your commandment to love their neighbours and regard the foreigner in their land as one of their native born. We ask you protection for all at risk of harm. Guide the international community to work constructively with the Israeli government to bring an end to the oppression of Palestinian people, that all may experience how good and pleasant it is when people live together in unity. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Charity running specialist 'realbuzz' has raised £3,048,741 for charities worldwide in its first year as the official international charity partner of the Tokyo Marathon. Realbuzz was appointed to recruit runners, charity partners and managing the fundraising experience. The programme brought together an international community of participants supporting more than 100 international charities from around the world. Nick Hollowood, chief executive of realbuzz, described Tokyo as “one of the most coveted races in the world” and said the ambition to run there had translated directly into fundraising impact. He added that more than 100 charities now had a foothold in one of the world’s great marathons. He described the result as “just the beginning.” Realbuzz has provided charity running programmes for more than 20 years, partnering with events worldwide. The Tokyo Marathon Foundation was established in 2010 to promote public health and the city of Tokyo through running. 

You can find out more about realbuzz here.

Praise and glory be to you heavenly Father.

You are the creator of all things

and have created us in your image.

We praise you for your magnificence

displayed in your wonderful creation.

As your led your people

as a pillar of cloud by day

and a pillar of fire by night

through the wilderness to the land you promised,

so you walk life's journey with us.

We praise you for your guidance.

We thank you for carrying our burdens.

We give you glory for leading us to green pastures

and thirst quenching water,

nourishing us with the Bread of Life

and the spring of water welling up to eternal life.

All glory, honour and praise be to you

almighty and eternal God.

Amen.