Weekly Prayer Update
Friday, May 22, 2026
Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda
On May 15, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo officially confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the country’s northeast region. As of today, there have been 82 confirmed cases in Congo, close to 750 additional suspected cases, and 177 suspected deaths.
The Africa Region of the Church of the Nazarene has issued a call for prayer:
“Let us unite in prayer with our brothers and sisters in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda during this challenging time. The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak a global public health emergency, as cases continue to rise in both countries.
Pray for:
- Protection and healing for those affected
- Strength and wisdom for healthcare workers and responders
- The Church’s work as they serve and support communities
- Guidance, discernment, and wisdom for leaders and government officials navigating this crisis
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:2"
Our God, we join our sisters and brothers in the Africa region to pray for your grace and mercy to be present in the midst of this outbreak of disease. As hundreds are suffering with illness, we pray for their recovery. Protect every healthcare worker and public health official as they navigate this crisis. Uplift local churches, protect those who are at risk, and bring a swift end to this outbreak. Lord, hear our prayers.
Risks Rise for Global Migrants
According to new data released by the International Organization for Migration, nearly 8,000 migrants were reported dead or missing worldwide in 2025, bringing the total since 2014 to more than 82,000.
The report also shows that even though the number of people migrating has fallen in some areas, that doesn’t mean fewer people are leaving their homes. Instead, people are taking different routes as border policies tighten and challenges like conflict and climate pressures change where and how they travel. For many people, desperately seeking safety and security, journeys have become longer, riskier, and more geographically dispersed.
Nazarene churches around the globe provide care for refugees, immigrants, and migrants, extending hospitality and vital assistance. Through economic development initiatives, food security projects, and the holistic ministry of child development centers, churches also provide meaningful opportunities for people who might otherwise be forced to migrate to overcome poverty and find stability.
Lord, we pray for people who face terrifying choices: To flee to safety or stay in danger? To struggle to grow enough to eat or travel to better climates? To lack opportunities for work or leave for the hope of employment?
We know that for those who choose to undertake a migration journey, that road is often paved with risk. Protect people seeking security and hope. Continue to bless churches as they greet travelers with kindness and care. Give us postures of welcome and protection toward all who have made difficult choices to protect their families. Lord, hear our prayers.
Praising God for Ministry in Syria
For nearly 15 years, Syria has been marked by an ongoing crisis. Civil war, displacement, a global pandemic, and the devastating earthquake of 2023 have all left deep marks on communities across the country. Today, the challenges continue through extreme inflation and an unstable security situation following the fall of the previous regime. The reduction in global aid is raising food insecurity, as the World Food Program was recently forced to cut emergency food assistance in half and ended a bread distribution program that has supported millions.
Yet in the midst of this, the Nazarene congregations in Latakia and Aleppo continue to stand, gathering, worshiping, and serving as a place of refuge. Throughout years of hardship, the churches have played both spiritual and social roles within their communities. They have become a place of safety, especially during times of displacement and crisis, offering care, presence, and support when it was needed most.
Pastor Harout Youssef, lead pastor of the church in Latakia, reflects on this journey, sharing, “No one is unaware of the Syrian crisis and the various challenges we have faced … yet in the midst of all these trials, we find for ourselves a secure refuge, the Rock of Ages, our great Lord Jesus Christ.”
Even during difficult days, the church has not stopped meeting. Throughout Holy Week and on Easter Sunday, the congregation gathered with joy and hope, lifting their voices together in worship and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
Lord, we pray for the churches in Syria who serve as beacons of light in their communities. We praise you for their care for people in need after the earthquake in 2023, when churches opened their doors as places of refuge. Uplift and encourage these pastors and congregants as they seek to show your love in concrete, compassionate ways. Lord, hear our prayers.