Weekly Prayer Update
Friday, September 11, 2026
Hurricane Lowell Impacts Communities in Hawaii
Hurricane Lowell brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and damaging surf to parts of Hawaii in the United States as it passed west of the islands earlier this week. Kauai was among the hardest-hit areas, with widespread power outages, fallen trees, damaged roads, and impacts on homes and businesses were reported. Two deaths have been connected to the storm, and thousands of residents remained without electricity as communities began assessing damage and working toward recovery.
The storm also disrupted essential services in some island communities. On Lanai, damage left the island’s only cargo harbor temporarily unusable, affecting the regular delivery of food, fuel, and other supplies to residents. Emergency personnel, utility crews, local organizations, and community members are continuing recovery efforts as damaged infrastructure is repaired and essential services are restored. The Church of the Nazarene has a presence in Hawaii, including a congregation on Kauai, one of the islands impacted by the storm.
Lord, comfort the families grieving the loss of loved ones and all those whose homes and communities have been affected by Hurricane Lowell. Help those facing power outages and disruptions to essential supplies and strengthen emergency responders and others working to support recovery. Guide Nazarene churches and their surrounding communities as they care for one another during this time. Provide safety, strength, and the resources communities across Hawaii need as they recover from the storm. Lord, hear our prayers.
Learning, Growing, and Looking Ahead in Zambia
In Zambia, the Bauleni Child Development Center provides children with a supportive place to learn, grow, and receive practical care. Through nutritious meals, educational support, Bible study, and activities such as sports, drama, and singing, the center seeks to support children holistically as they navigate the challenges their families and communities face.
Beatrice, a former beneficiary, experienced that support firsthand. She began attending the center before she was connected with a sponsor, coming to learn and share meals with other children. Later, child sponsorship provided additional support for her education, including help with school fees and essential school supplies. After school, she continued coming to the center, where she says she learned self-confidence, discipline, and spiritual knowledge. Beatrice has now completed school and hopes to continue her education at college or university. Her experience reflects the long-term impact that consistent care and encouragement can have on the life of a child.
Lord, care for the children participating in the Bauleni Child Development Center and other child development centers as they learn, grow, and prepare for their futures. Strengthen the staff, teachers, churches, and sponsors who help provide consistent care and support. May these centers continue to be places where children are nurtured spiritually, physically, educationally, and emotionally, and where they can discover hope and opportunities for the future. Lord, hear our prayers.