Weekly Prayer Update
Friday, February 20, 2026
Giving Thanks for Emergency Relief in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the congregation of Iligan Church of the Nazarene continues to respond to their neighbors impacted by Typhoon Penha, which made landfall on February 6, damaging more than 1300 homes. This past week, volunteers delivered food and water relief packs to 55 families in a community that, due to its positioning near two rivers, was severely impacted by floodwaters. In parts of this community, thick mud still covers the streets and sidewalks. The church has distributed hygiene kits, water, and food in two other villages, along with providing lunches and raising funds to purchase relief items.
“Through God’s grace, our hearts and hands were united in service, bringing hope, comfort, and practical support to families in need,” shared one volunteer.
Lord, we praise and give you thanks for the faithful Nazarenes who have seen needs in their local area and sprung to action. We thank you for those donors who enabled each item of food or hygiene. Bring hope and strength to each person impacted by Typhoon Penha, and open more avenues for relief and assistance in each damaged community. Lord, hear our prayers.
Two Cyclones Impact Madagascar
Cyclone Gezani struck eastern Madagascar on February 10 with winds exceeding 200 km/h, killing at least 59 people and leaving widespread destruction in its wake. The powerful storm swept across the island just 10 days after Tropical Cyclone Fytia killed 14 people and displaced more than 31,000, compounding an already fragile situation. Gezani damaged and destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure, triggering major power outages and disrupting water systems, heightening the risk of water-borne illness. In the hardest-hit Atsinanana region, families have been forced into overcrowded shelters.
More than 423,000 people have been affected by the storm, with more than 16,000 displaced, 804 injured, and 15 still missing. Nearly 29,000 children and teens are unable to attend school after 35 schools experienced damage. A total of 563 classrooms lost their roofs, and 218 schools were completely destroyed. Health services have also been disrupted, with hospitals and clinics damaged and vaccine storage systems affected. As assessments continue, humanitarian needs remain high.
The Church of the Nazarene is active in Madagascar, with churches and child development centers that minister to their neighbors.
Lord, we pray for the people of Madagascar reeling after two strong storms in a row. We lift up all who are displaced, homeless, or struggling. Heal those who are injured. Comfort the grieving. And use local churches as beacons of light in dark times. Lord, hear our prayers.
Displacement Impacting Children in Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, more than a third of the country’s children, nearly 2.6 million, remain displaced. About 791,000 are displaced within Ukraine, while nearly 1.8 million are living as refugees in other countries. Many have been forced to flee multiple times. Since the start of the war four years ago, on February 24, 2022, more than 3,200 children have been killed or injured. What began as an emergency has become a prolonged crisis in which instability and insecurity shape nearly every aspect of childhood and adolescence.
The conflict has devastated the systems children depend on. More than 1,700 schools and education facilities have been damaged or destroyed, leaving one in three children unable to attend school in person full-time. Strikes on energy infrastructure have left families enduring days without heat, electricity, or water during sub-zero temperatures, putting babies and young children at heightened risk of respiratory illness and hypothermia. Nearly 200 medical facilities were damaged or destroyed in 2025 alone, straining access to care. Beyond the physical dangers, the psychological toll is profound: constant fear, repeated displacement, and prolonged isolation have left many adolescents struggling, with one in four reporting a loss of hope for their future.
The Church of the Nazarene is active in Ukraine, and church members have served faithfully throughout the war. Ministries to children and teenagers are strongly supported, including Vacation Bible Schools, summer camps, and regular Kids Club meetings. Child Development Centers continue to care for children holistically, and a total of 70 children are available to sponsor in Ukraine (visit ncm.org/sponsor to search for a waiting child).
Lord, as we face yet another anniversary of this conflict, we pray for children and teenagers in Ukraine who are growing up in a time of war. We grieve their innocence lost and the struggles they face. Comfort each one burdened by psychological or physical health. We thank you for the good work of the churches in Ukraine, and pray the ministries that focus on children will continue to bear fruit and be beacons of hope for each participant. Lord, hear our