Weekly Prayer Update
Friday, June 26, 2026
Earthquakes in Venezuela
On June 24, two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela just seconds apart, causing widespread destruction across the country. Authorities have declared a national state of emergency, with the coastal state of La Guaira designated as a disaster area. At least 920 people have been killed, thousands injured, and millions impacted. Search and rescue operations continue as aftershocks shake affected communities and emergency crews search for survivors.
Venezuela isn’t alone, as earthquakes were also felt this week in California and Japan.
Church leaders in Venezuela are assessing the impact on Nazarene congregations and nearby communities. Communication with pastors in some of the hardest-hit districts has been difficult, but initial reports indicate that several churches sustained damage. One congregation that worships in a rented movie theater may no longer have a place to meet after the facility was heavily damaged. At least three other church buildings have sustained damage, including a district-owned house. While no church families have been displaced at this time, some have lost their jobs after the buildings where they worked collapsed or because they depend on the informal economy. In addition, several Nazarene pastors are awaiting news of missing family members.
Local church leaders are providing daily situation updates, coordinating prayer, and developing plans to respond with food, medicine, and construction materials. They are also exploring the possibility of deploying volunteer medical professionals to assist affected communities.
You can give to support this emerging response: ncm.org/venezuela
Lord, we lift up the people of Venezuela, and especially all who are mourning the loss of loved ones following these earthquakes. As church leaders gather to prepare to respond with compassion, guide their efforts so that each offer of care is received as a gesture of your love and mercy. Be with first responders as they search for survivors, granting them strength and comfort. Lord, hear our urgent prayers.
Flooding in West Virginia
Beginning on June 22, a series of slow-moving storm systems brought heavy rainfall and damaging winds across southern West Virginia, prompting a state of emergency declaration for Boone, Logan, and Raleigh counties.
In some areas, more than six inches of rain fell in a short period, overwhelming rivers, creeks, and drainage systems. The resulting flooding and mudslides damaged homes, businesses, roads, and bridges, prompting emergency response efforts as communities began assessing the destruction.
Churches on the West Virginia South District are among those serving affected communities. Barrett Church of the Nazarene in Wharton experienced little damage to its building, and church members were spared significant damage to their homes. However, the situation has been much more difficult for New Harvest Church of the Nazarene in Madison, where several members and attenders sustained extensive damage to their homes, and other families in the surrounding community lost their homes altogether.
Even as many continue facing the aftermath of the flooding, members of New Harvest Church have been serving their neighbors by helping families clean out damaged homes and begin the long process of recovery.
“Even in the midst of such heartache, the Church continues to be the Church,” shared Rev. Bret Layton, superintendent of the West Virginia South District.
Our God, we pray for every family impacted by these floods. We ask for your presence and peace to fill each community and each church congregation that is experiencing the aftermath of the storms. We thank you for those who are jumping to serve their neighbors. Give them strength as they serve. Lord, hear our prayers.
Child Development Update from the Philippines
A Nazarene child development center in the Philippines is reporting encouraging developments as children and families continue to experience holistic growth. More children and parents are participating in church activities, discipleship groups, and worship services, while educational partnerships with local schools and government programs are helping reduce barriers to learning. Children also continue to benefit from access to basic healthcare services and increased opportunities to build friendships, develop leadership skills, and participate in positive community activities. Local leaders have also expressed growing support for the ministry and its impact on children and families.
At the same time, rising living costs have placed additional financial strain on many families, increasing the need for assistance with school-related expenses, including supplies, uniforms, transportation, and graduation fees. The ministry has also seen a greater need for emotional and psychosocial support as parents navigate financial and family challenges. In response, staff have expanded mentoring, counseling, discipleship, and family support efforts. Despite these challenges, the ministry remains committed to holistic child development and continues to trust God for wisdom, provision, and guidance as it serves children and families in the community.
Lord, we thank you for this child development center and the ministry it provides in the community. For the hundreds of children who attend regularly, we give thanks! May they continue to grow holistically to become the people you have created them to be. Guide the center leaders as they address challenges, and give them hope as they view the encouraging things that are happening. Give us hearts that yearn to care for children in our own communities in the same way. Lord, hear our prayers.