7th March 2026

The UNHCR has said that before the current conflict sparked by US and Israeli attacks on Iran last weekend, nearly 25 million people in the affected countries were refugees, internally displaced, or refugees who recently returned home to very difficult conditions. This week's hostilities across the Middle East together with clashes along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan have forcibly displaced a further 330,000 people. UNHCR have commented that it remains deeply worried for the safety of civilians and refugees in Iran as n ire than 100,000 people left Tehran in the first two days of the crisis. In Lebanon, over 84,000 people are now sheltering in nearly 400 collective sites, the government reports. Each person is at risk, each has lost their income stream, access to known medical facilities, and education. Across the world 1 in every 70 people has been forcibly displaced from their home.

Loving God forgive us that we so readily go to war and create such pain and hurt in peoples lives.  We bring to you the children traumatised by the constant sound of drones, missiles and explosions.  We pray for people ill with mental health concerns, cancer, or needing dialysis now denied their treatment.  We pray for those for whom running for their lives has meant leaving employment and businesses and all that provided them with an income, and fearful their livelihoods will be destroyed.   We pray for those abused and exploited, neglected and rejected because they find they are not welcome in the places they have sought safety and compassion.  Loving Father, be with all displaced from their homes.  May they know that you love then and are with them, just as you were with your people in the desert. Guide them to places where they will be welcomed and accepted and embraced in compassionate kindness.    In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Ryan Hulance is from in Solihull in England’s West Midlands - he has a 'can do' attitude.  At just 13 years old, in 2023, Ryan came up with the idea to make money for foodbanks while also caring for the environment.  He began by collecting a few hundred used drinks cans every week to store at his home, crushing the cans to save space.  He then bagged them up and sold the aluminium cans to recycling firms. Last year Ryan collected eight tons of cans which raised around £7,000 for a women’s charity. Since he began his project, Ryan has recycled an estimated 1.5 million cans raising round £20,000, which he has donated to charity.  

Loving God we thank you

that Christ came into the world  for all people.

He met the needs of people who were rich and poor,

Jews and Gentiles.

We thank you for his Great Commission

sending us into the world and make disciples of all peoples.

We exalt his name, the Christ, Saviour of the World.

We thank you for his life on earth.

We praise you that by his death and resurrection,

Christ open the gates of heaven that all may go in.

We thank you that you crowned him with glory and honour

and that he sits at your right hand

to plead for us and will come again in glory

to make all things new.

We praise you, loving God

for sending your Holy Spirit to teach, guide, admonish

and equip us for service in your Kingdom.

Praise, honour, glory and power,

be to you one eternal God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.