Dear Sisters and Brothers in humanity,

please join us in mourning, lamenting and praying for everyone affected by the shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, during the celebration of Hanukkah on the 14^th of December. We stand in grief and solidarity with the Jewish community and all who are wounded, traumatised and afraid. Even when words are insufficient, we refuse to remain silent in the face of such violence and turn to God in prayer:

God of comfort and justice,

We pray for all who are in pain after this attack.

We grieve for those whose lives were taken.

We hold their families and communities before you.

Be near to all who are wounded, grieving, or living in fear.

May no one have to carry this pain alone. 

Strengthen our commitment to build a world in which Jewish people can live in safety and dignity and people of different faiths can live together peacefully.

Help us to hold on to goodness, courage, perseverance and hope.

Amen.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21

The Philippines has been reeling from a series of devastating calamities in recent weeks, leaving thousands of families displaced and livelihoods shattered across Northern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. From destructive typhoons to a powerful earthquake, the archipelago is facing immense challenges in its recovery efforts.

Two Super Typhoons at once

In Apayao, Northern Luzon, Super Typhoon Nando (Sept. 21–23) brought havoc to Barangay Butao, Calanasan. This area, home to around 300 Isnag indigenous families, suffered severe damage to homes, water systems, and farmlands. Landslides and road blockages isolated communities, exacerbating the crisis. Reports indicate that 12 houses were completely destroyed, 50 hectares of farmland were ruined, and the area experienced a total power outage, leaving residents in the dark and struggling to rebuild.

Just days later, Super Typhoon Ompong (Sept. 25–26) struck Samar and Masbate in the Eastern and Central Visayas, unleashing its fury on multiple municipalities, including Calbayog City, San Vicente, and Cawayan. The storm caused extensive damage to homes, churches, and public infrastructure. Among those severely affected were 370 United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) families, many of whom are now housed in evacuation centers. The disaster has led to severe food shortages and livelihood loss among farmers and fisherfolk, pushing already vulnerable communities further into despair. Tragically, two UCCP chapels were destroyed, and others sustained heavy damage, disrupting vital community spaces.

Earthquakes in Cebu and Mindanao

As if the typhoons weren't enough, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu and Northern Cebu Municipalities on September 30, adding another layer of devastation. The quake impacted areas such as Bogo City, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, and Tabuelan, resulting in a staggering 72 deaths and 366 injuries. The earthquake affected 65,000 families, causing major damage to 600 homes, 87 public facilities, and four UCCP churches, with two being completely destroyed. Thousands have been displaced, seeking refuge in evacuation centers and makeshift shelters, while disrupted water systems and power supply compound their plight.

And, today, October 10, 2025, at 9:36 AM (Manila time), Davao Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines, was heavily struck by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake, resulting in loss of lives and widespread damage to properties and livelihoods.

The overlapping nature of these disasters has stretched resources thin and complicated relief efforts. The Filipino people are known for their resilience, but the scale of these calamities calls for urgent and sustained support from both national and international communities. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with solidarity and determination, these communities can rebuild their lives and restore hope in the face of adversity.

A Heartfelt Prayer for the Philippines

Dearest God,

our hearts ache as we come before you, thinking of the Philippines. It feels like they've been hit by one thing after another – so many families without homes, churches in ruins, and people struggling to make a living in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

We're especially praying for those folks in Apayao, in Barangay Butao, Calanasan, who were hit hard by Super Typhoon Nando. Please, give those Isnag families the strength to rebuild their homes and farms. Help heal the land, clear those landslides, and get their water and power back on.

We're also lifting up the people in Samar and Masbate, who were struck by Super Typhoon Ompong. Comfort those families who've lost so much. Give food, shelter, and healing to the farmers and fishermen who are facing such tough times. We're asking you to help rebuild those churches that were destroyed – they're so important to the community.

And we can't forget those who were affected by the earthquake in Cebu. Please be with the families of the 72 people who died, and heal the 366 who were hurt. Give comfort to the 65,000 families who have been displaced, and guide everyone as they work to rebuild homes, schools, and churches. Please restore their water and power, and bring some stability back into their lives.

God, we know that all these disasters happening at once are making things even harder. We pray for the Filipino people, who are known for being so strong. Please send help from all over the country and the world.

Give wisdom to the leaders and aid workers who are trying to help. Open our hearts so we can be generous and kind, and help our brothers and sisters in the Philippines through our prayers, donations, and actions.

In this difficult time, let your love shine like a light of hope. Help everyone come together, and guide the people of the Philippines as they work to rebuild their lives and find hope again.

In your name, we pray. Amen.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Since August 25, there have been massive protests against elite rule in several major Indonesian cities, including Jakarta, Makassar, Bandung, Surabaya, Solo and Medan. The protests are motivated by growing economic frustration and outrage over excessive allowances for members of parliament.

The situation escalated after 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan was fatally struck by an armored police vehicle during a demonstration in Jakarta.

Three people were killed after protesters set fire to a regional parliament building on Friday evening.

The situation remains worrying, with the possibility of fresh clashes breaking out at any time.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We call out to you in these worrying times of civil unrest in Indonesia.

Amid scenes of rioting, violence and destruction, we pray for everyone who feels threatened, intimidated and fearful.

We pray for the family who lost their loved one and all who feel ignored, for those who have genuine concerns and grievances.

We pray for the spaces and leadership to enable difficult and honest conversations about justice and fairness.

Dear Lord, we ask for peace, immediate calm, long-term resolutions and renewed hope.

We pray for community leaders, police officers and politicians – grant them wisdom, grace and favor.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen.