Weekly Prayer Update
Friday, August 15, 2025
Caring for Refugees in Burundi
Congolese refugees arriving in Burundi face dire living conditions and shortages of essential resources, including food and shelter. The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has caused more than 70,000 refugees to flee to Burundi since the beginning of 2025. There, they find overcrowded refugee camps and difficulties obtaining what they need to survive.
The Church of the Nazarene in Burundi is providing essential items and food packs (consisting of rice, beans, cooking oil, water cans, soap, and mosquito nets) to support refugee families. A recent distribution provided care for 375 people from 130 households. In addition, trained church volunteers are offering trauma and child protection training for leaders in the refugee community and raising awareness about avoiding cholera and other communicable diseases.
“Through this support, the refugees could obtain nutritious food and other essential items they needed,” explained one volunteer. “They also received items to improve their living conditions, well-being, and dignity.”
Lord, we pray for refugees and displaced people around the world, and especially these Congolese families who were forced to flee due to war. In the midst of chaos and trauma, we pray for your presence to be with all who are in need. Provide more aid, more support, and more protection for those who have sought safety in Burundi. Strengthen the church's work, and soften our hearts toward all who are in danger. Give us avenues even in our own communities to support refugees and immigrants, and help us serve them in your name. Lord, hear our prayers.
Child Development in the Philippines
In the Philippines, one child development center serves 174 students, providing them holistic care, academic support, and opportunities to learn about God’s love. In July, a focused week of mental health support allowed students to meet with counselors. A parenting seminar on nutrition helped families learn how to better source and prepare healthy meals. In conjunction, students cooked together, promoting creativity and healthy habits. Weekly Bible lessons help children grow spiritually and socially.
Recently, one of the sponsored teenagers at the center was chosen to join a team that performed traditional Filipino dances at the Asia-Pacific Church of the Nazarene Regional Conference. This required many hours of rehearsal and preparation.
“It was all worth it,” the student shared. “We didn’t just dance to showcase our culture—we danced to worship and glorify God.” In August, the center will hold a seminar for parents to help them understand mental wellness in their children and will offer training courses for students in the visual arts and creative writing.
When you sponsor a child through NCM, you connect them to the holistic care offered at this center. Learn more today: ncm.org/holisticchilddevelopment.
Clean Water (WASH) Ministries
More than two billion people around the world do not have access to clean and safe water at home. As a result, one of the leading causes of death in low-income communities are illnesses caused by waterborne disease, lack of sanitation, and poor hygiene practices. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries partners with local churches to help people live healthier lives through the implementation of a comprehensive WASH program addressing water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
We pray for people who do not live near clean water sources or who struggle with waterborne diseases. Through church-led WASH projects, may they experience the relief of good health and wellness, a basic human right. Lord, hear our prayers.