Weekly Prayer Update
Friday, July 17, 2026
Severe Flooding in Bangladesh
Since July 4, 2026, relentless monsoon rains, flooding, and landslides have triggered a widespread humanitarian crisis across southeastern Bangladesh. More than 1.1 million people have been affected across 10 districts. At least 53 people have lost their lives, and tens of thousands have been displaced. More than 1,700 evacuation shelters are operating across the impacted areas. Although floodwaters have begun to recede in some areas, they are revealing collapsed homes, damaged buildings, and ruined farmland. Developing strong El Niño conditions could increase the likelihood of continued heavy rainfall, raising concerns that the emergency may persist in the weeks ahead.
The disaster has been especially severe in Cox's Bazar, where Rohingya refugees living in densely populated camps on fragile hillsides face an increased risk of landslides, leaving many families without safe places to go. Drinking water systems and sanitation facilities have been heavily damaged, increasing the risk of waterborne disease.
Nazarenes in Bangladesh regularly help communities prepare for disasters before they strike. Recently, Bangladesh Nazarene Mission held emergency preparedness training at two child development centers, equipping community members and children with practical skills for responding to floods and severe storms. Participants received educational materials to help them protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
Our God, we pray for all who are suffering in the wake of devastating flooding in Bangladesh. We especially bring to you refugee families, who already live with the effects of trauma, displacement, and uncertainty. Protect the health of the most vulnerable as disease threatens to spread. Encourage all who are weary. Grant your mercy and speed aid to all who are in need. Lord, hear our prayers.
Ebola Outbreak Continues to Spread
Since the first Ebola cases were detected in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) earlier this year, the virus has continued to spread, with five provinces now reporting cases and the number of infections and deaths steadily increasing. As of July 11, the country has confirmed 1,926 cases and 702 deaths. Health officials are also monitoring several additional provinces considered at high risk as the virus spreads into new areas.
The growing health crisis has raised concerns that Ebola could spread across the border into South Sudan, where limited healthcare infrastructure and ongoing instability could make the disease more difficult to detect and contain. Response efforts within the DRC have also been hampered by security challenges, transportation disruptions, and other operational challenges, increasing the risk that undetected chains of transmission will continue. Although contact tracing has improved, it remains below the level needed to bring the epidemic under control.
The Church of the Nazarene is active in the DRC, and compassionate projects in the country range from child development centers and food security projects to clean water initiatives and support for displaced people. The Africa Region of the Church of the Nazarene continues to call the global Church to prayer over this ongoing outbreak.
Lord, bring healing to those who are sick, comfort to families who have lost loved ones, and strength to healthcare workers and caregivers serving in difficult conditions due to this outbreak. We pray that the spread of Ebola would slow and not cross the border into South Sudan. Give wisdom, protection, and endurance to church leaders and all those responding to the crisis, that they may be instruments of hope and compassion. Lord, hear our prayers.
Praising God for Holistic Child Development in Panama
A Nazarene child development center in Panama is celebrating the selection of two of its teenagers this past March to participate in a Mesoamerica Regional event called "Creacom." They studied photography, podcasting, and other media-based skills. These same students then put their skills to work as production volunteers at a church conference in Panama City.
All the students at the center recently received oral hygiene kits to support their health and school supply packs to help prepare for the upcoming school year. A new project, called "Church at Home," brought center teachers and staff into the homes of their students, providing a more relaxed environment in which to connect with family members, share spiritual encouragement, and pray for students individually.
The center staff asks for prayer for the families of the students they serve, for more volunteers to join the ministry, for the sponsors who enable the ministry to continue, and for safety for the children and volunteers as they travel to and from the center.
Lord, we give you praise for this good report from Panama. As the leaders at this center encourage children to grow in their knowledge of Jesus and develop the gifts you have given them, encourage the leaders, staff, and volunteers as well. Help them know their work is making a lasting difference. May each child and family be blessed through this ministry. Lord, hear our prayers.