Weekly Prayer Update

Friday, February 6, 2026

Southern Africa Floods

Weeks of intense and unrelenting rainfall have triggered catastrophic flooding across parts of southern Africa, including Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The floods have claimed the lives of hundreds and forced hundreds of thousands of people into temporary shelters for those displaced due to the weather. Some areas received an entire year’s worth of rain in just 10 days, an alarming amount that overwhelmed communities accustomed to less severe seasonal flooding. Vast areas of farmland have been destroyed, along with roads, bridges, water sources, and critical infrastructure, placing affected regions at heightened risk of hunger and disease outbreaks.

The damage is extensive and ongoing. In Mozambique, entire neighborhoods were submerged, and dozens of hospitals and clinics were destroyed. In South Africa’s Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, as well as parts of Zimbabwe, floodwaters swept away key transportation routes, cutting off access to health care and aid. Humanitarian agencies warn of an escalating crisis as displaced families face limited food supplies, rising illness, and the loss of essential services.

The Africa Region of the Church of the Nazarene calls for prayer for all impacted: “As the Church, we stand together in compassion and faith. We call on our family across the region and beyond to lift Mozambique and all affected nations in prayer for comfort, provision, protection, and restoration.”

We pray for each nation, community, and family impacted by these extreme rains and floods. God, protect all who are living displaced, unsure of when they can return home. Comfort all who are mourning the loss of loved ones. Through the ministry and response of local churches, may those in need find help and hope. Lord, hear our prayers.

Praising God for Care for Fire Victims in Chile

Since January 1, a wave of wildfires has been burning across central Chile, causing widespread damage. Nearly 800 fires have already scorched close to 50,000 hectares of land. By January 19, reports confirmed at least 18 people had died, 19 had been injured, and more than 50,000 people had to leave their homes in the Ñuble and Biobío regions. Around 250 houses have been destroyed. In response to the crisis, the Chilean government declared a state of catastrophe in both regions on January 18.

During this bleak situation, the work of the Church of the Nazarene in Chile has been a powerful witness of hope and compassionate presence. Through the Biobío District, in partnership with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and Nazarene Youth International, a coordinated response has focused on easing immediate suffering while also nurturing hope for the future. Volunteers and response teams have been helping families clear debris, clean land devastated by the fires, pray with those who have lost their homes, and provide emotional and spiritual care amid the chaos. In addition, 400 families will be supported through distributions of food, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies, helping to meet basic needs as recovery efforts move forward.

“This intertwining of pain and hope is a reminder that even when fire destroys what has been built, solidarity, faith, and the faithful presence of others become a source of strength to keep moving forward—rebuilding not only homes, but lives as well,” shared Rev. Lorena Noé, NCM Coordinator for South America.

You can give to support these efforts: ncm.org/chilefires

God, we pray for each family and person who are mourning the loss of loved ones and those who have been displaced after these fires. Open avenues for aid and support for all who are in need. Send your Spirit’s presence and hope into the hearts of all who are struggling. Through these church relief projects, may those receiving assistance be pointed to you as the source of eternal help and comfort. Lord, hear our prayers.

Showing Compassion through Emergency Relief Ministries

When disasters come, the world’s most vulnerable people don’t have safety nets; when homes and livelihoods are destroyed, there is often nowhere to go and no way to recover from the loss of income. Disasters make life harder for those already struggling to survive. NCM works with churches around the world to care for the most vulnerable individuals and families in their communities.

We pray for those impacted by disasters. We ask that in the midst of great difficulties, you would provide those in need with hope, help, and healing. Lord, hear our prayers.