23rd August 2026

It has been fifteen years since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya. However, hopes for stability have disintegrated into a prolonged political, institutional and security crisis, fuelled by the existence of two rival centres of power.  Recent violence has highlighted the country’s fragility. Tarek Megerisi, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said “tens of thousands of very good, technically proficient people” are still working in Libya’s ministries, but claimed they are blocked from doing their jobs by more senior officials with little interest in governing. “Young professionals who gained qualifications and had early experience working in the late stage of Gaddafi’s Libya, which was a bit more open,” were genuinely excited the revolution might catalyse their careers, he said. “All of that kind of just got run into a quagmire."  The Libyan Central Bank, has warned of the dire economic situation within Libya. The Trump administration has promised that if the rival parties cooperate, the US would encourage American investment in Libya’s oil fields. 

Loving God, we bring to you the needs, concerns, and fears of our neighbours in Libya, fifteen years on from the fall of Gaddafi. We pray for peace, reconciliation, and a desire to work collaboratively between the two opposing factions. May they work for the common good.  Strengthen those working to bring safety, healing, and stability. Grant wisdom to all seeking to find ways to prevent professionals leaving the country and to all seeking to strengthen the economy.  May the future of Libya, its politics, economy, and environment be sustainable that violence and conflict may be part of the country's history and not its future. May its people be protected from the exploitation of foreign powers, and may Libya's international neighbours provide mediation and support for the country's and the region's mutual development. For the people of Libya we pray that your will shall be done, just as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

The residents at Hazelgrove Court Care Home in Saltburn, North Yorkshire, UK, are striving to help people thousands of miles away who they don't know, but lack access to clean water and safe sanitation. After learning about the challenges faced by many less fortunate than themselves they wanted to support Tearfund's Toilet Twinning initiative. The scheme raises funds for safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene education in some of the world's poorest communities. After deciding to twin one of the care home's toilets with a community in Tanzania, residents set about raising the required £60 through a series of fundraising activities. Among them was a scavenger hunt featuring cartoon characters sitting on toilets, with clues leading residents to uncover the tongue twister: "Ten tiny turtles took the toilet to the town." Residents also took part in Tearfund's Ready Set Flush quiz, testing their knowledge of sanitation and water use around the world.  £60 is not a huge sum of money, but it will make a difference. The residents response to Tearfund's initiative is also a demonstration of how people can reach across continents, and that no one need feel neglected. Indeed, one resident, Sheila, was so inspired by the campaign that she suggested, "We have more than one toilet in Hazelgrove. We should twin them all and help all the poor children."

The heavens declare your glory

God of love and majesty,

God of forgiveness and strength.

No one can compare to you.

I bow in honour of your name

I worship only you.

Hosanna in the highest.

Amen.