Weekly Prayer Update
Friday, March 6, 2026
Conflict in the Middle East
As hostilities rise in the Middle East due to war in Iran, Nazarenes across the globe are uniting in prayer for peace and relief for all who are in danger.
In Lebanon, increased conflict is forcing people in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs to leave their homes to search for shelter. So far, an estimated 83,000 people (including roughly 29,000 children) are displaced, and that number is likely to rise. A total of 399 government shelters have opened in Lebanon. In Beirut, Nazarene churches and schools minister regularly to families who have experienced displacement, and this conflict may increase the need for these ministries of care.
According to the International Organization of Migration, across the Middle East region, more than 19 million people are already living in internal displacement (meaning, fleeing one’s home for safety, but not crossing a border) due to conflict, violence, and disasters. This conflict threatens to bring even more upheaval to those who are already vulnerable due to displacement.
Prince of Peace, we earnestly lift up to you the nations of the Middle East. Bring peace to each nation. May the leaders of nations be motivated to “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Protect children, those who must flee their homes for safety, and those already living in the tenuous state of displacement. Send encouragement to local churches in the Middle East. Enable them to serve in the midst of trauma and uncertainty. Lord, hear our prayers.
Praising God for Holistic Child Development in Malawi
In Malawi, a Nazarene child development center is experiencing sustained and encouraging growth. At the program's inception, 60 children enrolled at the center. Just last year, 250 students were attending. Now, just one year later, 511 children from 107 families attend each week for holistic support.
The Child Development Center brings together children from the surrounding community, including many who were not previously attending church. Through the program, children learn Bible stories, memorize verses, and sing Christian songs. Many children have come to faith in Christ due to the center’s spiritual activities.
Children receive educational support each week in subjects such as reading and math. They are grouped by school level so that lessons are appropriate to their learning stage. Each time the children gather, the center also provides refreshments such as juice and biscuits.
Staff members regularly visit children in their homes to better understand their daily lives and needs. During program gatherings, staff also take time to speak with children who seem unhappy, offering encouragement and helping them work through challenges. Activities and discussions allow children to share what they know, play together, and learn from one another.
Parents support the program by reminding children about CDC activities, helping them prepare to attend, and ensuring they arrive on time. The local church also plays an important role by providing the building, restrooms, and water for the program and by helping cover expenses during budget shortages.
A recent story of testimony comes from Martha*, an older student who shared that she had dropped out of school because her mother was unemployed, transportation was a challenge, and the family could not afford for her to continue. As the situation became more difficult, she began thinking about leaving school permanently and getting married instead.
During that time, the center coordinator and pastor visited her at home. Martha explained her situation to them, and they responded by helping her with a school uniform and encouraging her to resume her studies. With that support, she found the motivation needed to return to school.
*Children’s names are changed for protection.
Lord, we praise you for the people of Malawi, its local churches, and this center that welcomes more than 500 children and teenagers each day. Bless the center staff abundantly. Encourage children to stay in school and to avail themselves of every center activity in order for growth to come. Lord, hear our prayers.
Praising God for Holistic Child Development in South Asia
God is working through a Nazarene child development center in a country in South Asia, where the efforts of the center staff have sparked meaningful transformation in the lives of children and their families.
The center staff reports significant gains in students' educational progress. When many children first joined the program, they were significantly behind in their studies. Some of the younger children were not yet able to read or write. Through consistent teacher effort and the provision of educational materials, the children have made substantial progress.
As a result of this support, the children’s academic performance improved greatly. In the most recent annual examinations, 12 children secured an A+ grade, 19 secured an A. The other grades ranged from C+ to B+. Notably, no child failed their exams. These results represent the best academic performance the center has seen since its beginning.
The center also contributes significantly to the children’s spiritual development. A total of six teenage students were baptized this past year. In addition, 25 children began attending Sunday school for the first time, influenced by the center.
Lord, thank you for this child development center. We praise you for the spiritual and academic growth of the students enrolled. Encourage the families of each student and provide for their needs. Protect the children and draw them near to you. May each one come to know your saving love. Lord, hear our prayers.