Weekly Prayer Update
Friday, November 14, 2025
Second Typhoon in One Week Strikes the Philippines
Last Sunday, Typhoon Fung-Wong brought extreme winds and rains to northeastern provinces of the Philippines, causing floods and landslides and the deaths of at least 88 people, including three children. Fung-Wong displaced close to 1.4 million people from their homes and knocked out power to millions. This storm comes just days after Typhone Kalmaegi battered central provinces in the country, claiming at least 224 lives.
In the aftermath of these storms, residents face long-term recovery processes. Floods and high winds leave homes and streets caked with mud and debris, downed trees block roadways, and many evacuees return to homes damaged beyond repair. Nazarene church members have been impacted by all the recent disasters in the Philippines, and local churches are responding in their communities. Ongoing relief distributions and therapeutic programs to address trauma in children and students are reminding people that their struggles are seen and that they are not alone.
You can support the ongoing response at: ncm.org/philippines.
God, we pray for those who are struggling after yet another disaster in the Philippines. Move our hearts to action to support those who are reaching out in care and with hope. Multiply their efforts. Fill weary hearts with encouragement, comfort those who mourn, and heal all who are grappling with trauma. Lord, hear our prayers.
Damage Assessments and Relief after Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28 as a catastrophic Category 5 storm—the strongest ever recorded to make landfall on the island. Intense winds and torrential rain devastated the western and southern regions, destroying or damaging more than 122,000 homes and buildings, sweeping away roads, and triggering deadly landslides. Thousands remain in shelters as recovery efforts are slowed by damaged infrastructure and blocked access. Neighboring nations, including Haiti and Cuba, also suffered severe losses. So far, Melissa has claimed the lives of at least 88 people across the region.
Nazarenes in Jamaica were among those hardest hit: seven Nazarene church buildings sustained major damage, and three were destroyed. Many families from local congregations lost their homes. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries is partnering with church leaders to send food, medicine, and Crisis Care Kits to affected areas. In Haiti and Cuba, church teams are purchasing food, tarps, and essentials for families beginning the long journey of recovery.
To support initial and long-term relief efforts in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, visit: ncm.org/2025stormresponse.
Lord, with each picture that comes out of areas touched by this storm, we are struck by its magnitude. Our hearts ache with all who have lost their homes, livelihoods, or family members. Be near to all who are mourning and overwhelmed. Send your peace to the congregations that have lost their buildings. Open avenues for aid and assistance to flow freely to all impacted communities. Lord, hear our prayers.
Praising God for Compassionate Care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
In the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, communities continue to suffer the effects of heightened conflict and ongoing instability. Families have been forced to flee their homes as violence, insecurity, and disasters uproot lives and destroy livelihoods. Millions are now displaced within the country, struggling to find safety, food, and shelter while facing rising prices and damaged farmland. In many places, people are returning to communities that are still fragile, where trust must be rebuilt and the wounds of loss and trauma run deep.
In the midst of these challenges, Nazarene churches in North Kivu are walking alongside families who are trying to rebuild their lives. Church leaders are helping displaced and returning families rebuild their lives by offering training in small business skills, forming savings groups, hosting reconciliation meetings, and providing trauma counseling and spiritual care. These churches are becoming centers of hope and healing, helping neighbors find both stability and renewed faith as they work toward peace and self-reliance once again.
God, we praise you for this bright spot in the midst of a deeply challenging time in the DRC. We thank you for the care that is centered on helping those who fled their homes return with support. Through the activities of this program, may people in need find hope for a better future. Bring peace to this region of the world. Lord, hear our prayers.