Weekly Prayer Update
Friday, March 27, 2026
Flooding Impacts Hawaii; Nazarenes Respond
Hawaii is experiencing its most severe flooding in more than 20 years after heavy rains caused widespread damage across multiple islands. The water caused the evacuation of thousands of residents, inundated homes and roads, and led to power outages and travel disruptions affecting daily life. As waters begin to recede, many communities are facing the difficult work of cleanup and recovery, with homes damaged, debris blocking access, and ongoing needs for shelter and basic support. On the island of Hawaii, Kahului Church of the Nazarene sustained roof and interior damage.
In the midst of the crisis, Nazarene churches and local partners have responded quickly—helping support shelters, providing hygiene services, and distributing essential supplies to affected communities, including those already facing housing insecurity. On Maui, the congregation of Pukalani Church of the Nazarene (Puka Naz) has responded to urgent needs following the floods while continuing to care for its own members who were impacted. Even as recovery continues, these local responses are meeting urgent needs and offering steady support to communities navigating the aftermath.
Lord, we pray for all in Hawaii who have experienced the swift damage that floodwaters and mud can cause. We pray for your strength to sustain those who are in the midst of cleaning up and repairing what was damaged. We thank you for the local churches that are making a difference in their communities. Help them shine your hope through their work. Lord, hear our prayers.
Praising God for Disaster Response in Guatemala
Following a devastating landslide in September of 2025 in Senahú, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, the local Church of the Nazarene responded immediately, providing shelter, clearing debris, and caring for affected families, especially children. This work continued while the church was mourning the devastating loss of a mother and her two children, lives taken in the landslide. With support from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, the church distributed roofing materials to 27 families and supplied essential tools to aid in cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
While many families have since left temporary shelters, the impact of the disaster remains significant, particularly for those who lost their homes entirely and are now staying with relatives or neighbors. In the midst of deep grief, the church remains a steady presence, offering practical support, spiritual care, and hope.
Lord, we thank you for this local church that sprang into action to assist their neighbors while grieving the loss of their own members. We praise you for the impact their work has had. Comfort those who are still displaced and still struggling. Continue to bolster this congregation so all they do points to you, the great Comforter. Lord, hear our prayers.
Congolese Refugees Returning Amidst Instability
More than 33,000 Congolese refugees have returned from Burundi to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo within a single month, following the reopening of the border in late February. Many had fled violence in late 2025, and while some stability has returned to parts of eastern DRC, conditions remain uncertain. Limited resources in areas that accepted refugees, including overcrowding and reduced access to water, sanitation, shelter, and medical care, led families to make the difficult decision to return, even without assurances of long-term safety or stability. Nazarenes in Burundi offered compassionate outreaches in recent months to alleviate some of these stresses, offering hope in the name of Jesus.
As these families return home, the humanitarian situation remains fragile. Many are arriving with few belongings, only to find their homes damaged or destroyed and their communities still recovering from conflict. Immediate needs include shelter, basic household supplies, clean water, sanitation, and access to healthcare.
Lord, we pray for these families who have lived through a period of difficult displacement and return to more instability. Bless, comfort, and protect the most vulnerable, like children and the elderly. Provide opportunities for aid organizations to reach everyone who is hungry or lacks safe shelter. Bring peace and stability to their homes. Lord, hear our prayers.