19th April 2026

At the UN Security Council on Friday,  senior UN officials described political turmoil, rising violence, hunger and disease, in South Sudan.  There was a 40% increase in deaths and injuries in 2025 compared with the previous year. Increases in intercommunal violence is partly driven by cattle raiding, land disputes and retaliatory attacks. The World Health Organization (WHO), estimates that 1.35 million people across Jonglei have lost access to healthcare after 26 facilities were destroyed or forced to close. Cholera and measles are diseases of concern. Women in Jonglei have told of facing extreme violence, their homes burned down and that people had been "slaughtered like goats". It is also estimated that over 7.5 million people will need food assistance during 2026.

Loving God, we come to you with our concerns for our neighbours in South Sudan.  You see every tear, and hear each cry.  May your presence be upon these people, may your Holy Spirit pour down upon them. Bring your comfort and care to families who have been uprooted from their homes, lead them to shelter, food, and hope. Protect women and girls from sexual assault. Protect all bringing humanitarian aid and support. Guide the leaders of nations to work with the waring factions to bring an end to violence, death, injury and misery. Bless your church in South Sudan, strengthen the faith and resilience of your faithful people.  May they demonstrate your love to their neighbours so that your will is done on earth as in heaven.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Nine year old Riley, from Colchester UK, who has been growing his hair his whole life, However, last Thursday he had his hair cut.  The good news is that he donated his hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides free real-hair wigs to children and young people up to the age of 24 facing hair loss from cancer and other conditions.  Riley, who decided to donate his hair last October, has also been fundraising for the charity, as one wig costs £700 to make. So far he has raised £891.  He said his new short hairstyle felt "unusual" and he is still getting used to it.

You can find out more about The Little Princess Trust here.

God of life and love,

we praise you with the rising of the sun and at its setting.

 All day long we praise your Holy name. 

We thank you that through faith in your Son

and by the power of the Holy Spirit we are reborn.

We thank you that as your children

you forgive our sin

and enable us to share in your inheritance of eternal life.

We thank you that the light of your love shines in our hearts.

All things come from you,

and so we praise you for all you give us,

for all that sustains us in earthly and eternal life,

for all that gives us pleasure, fulfilment and contentment.

God of life and love,

we praise you with the rising of the sun and at its setting.

All day long we praise your Holy name.  Amen.