Nazarene Compassionate Ministries

🌏 Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a time to join together in remembering and lifting in prayer the millions of people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict, persecution, violence, disaster, or instability.

The most recent figures show that there are 118 million people living in displacement. Some have crossed borders in search of safety, some are awaiting asylum decisions, and others have moved to new locations within their home countries.

As followers of Christ, we are called to welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and extend compassion to our neighbors. We recognize the courage of those who have been displaced and the challenges they face as they seek safety, stability, and hope for the future. We acknowledge the responsibility to look out for the needs of others, which can include advocating for public policies that provide refuge and the chance for those who have fled their homes to live in peace.

The resources on the following slides provide opportunities to learn more about the experiences of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and other displaced people. Each suggestion offers a unique perspective that can deepen our understanding, challenge assumptions, and help us engage with greater compassion.

Pray with us today:

🙏 Lord, we lift up all who have been forced to flee. Each one of those 118 million is precious to you. Help us value them in the same way, seeing each as an individual with inherent dignity, wholly loved by their Creator. Move in our hearts to work within our abilities to advocate for and seek to meet the needs of immigrants and refugees, even when it is not popular and even when it costs us something. Give us fresh energy and inspiration to stand with vulnerable people as a reflection of the grace and love you have shown to us. Lord, hear our prayers. 💙

*Weekly Prayer Update*
ncm.org/prayerupdate

➡️ World Refugee Day

Tomorrow, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a time to join together in remembering and lifting in prayer the millions of people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict, persecution, violence, disaster, or instability.

The most recent figures show that there are 118 million people living in displacement. Some have crossed borders in search of safety, some are awaiting asylum decisions, and others have moved to new locations within their home countries.

As followers of Christ, we are called to welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and extend compassion to our neighbors. We recognize the courage of those who have been displaced and the challenges they face as they seek safety, stability, and hope for the future. We acknowledge the responsibility to look out for the needs of others, which can include advocating for public policies that provide refuge and the chance for those who have fled their homes to live in peace.

We give thanks for local churches, ministries, and organizations around the world that walk alongside refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and migrants. By offering friendship, medical care, food distribution, legal guidance, education for children, language classes for adults, and much more, they offer the hope and hospitality of Christ.

🙏 Lord, we pray today for all who have been forced to flee. Each one of those 118 million is precious to you. Help us value them in the same way, seeing each as an individual with inherent dignity, wholly loved by their Creator. Move in our hearts to work within our abilities to advocate for and seek to meet the needs of immigrants and refugees, even when it is not popular and even when it costs us something. Give us fresh energy and inspiration to stand with vulnerable people as a reflection of the grace and love you have shown to us. Lord, hear our prayers.

➡️ Global Conflict Increases

According to the Institute for Economics and Peace, the world is experiencing its highest level of conflict in decades. Data shows that global peacefulness has declined for the twelfth consecutive year, with 119 countries now less peaceful than they were in 2008. Violent demonstrations, internal conflicts, and cross-border conflicts have all increased significantly during this period.

In 2024, there were 61 active state-based conflicts around the world—the highest number recorded since the end of World War II and more than double the number seen just 15 years ago.

These trends have contributed to growing instability, displacement, and humanitarian need around the world. As conflicts become more interconnected and prolonged, millions of people continue to face uncertainty, violence, and the loss of their homes and livelihoods.

Nazarene churches around the world minister and serve in or nearby areas that experience conflict. Many congregations, though impacted themselves, reach out with compassion to their neighbors during times of danger and stress. From Haiti and the Middle East to Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of Congo—and in many other places around the world—Nazarenes are serving communities affected by conflict and instability, bearing witness to the peace, hope, and love of Christ.

🙏 God, we pray for those who are impacted by ongoing conflict. We cannot always grasp what it means to face this kind of danger and trauma. But we know that local congregations are there in the midst, living out resurrection hope, and serving selflessly. May we seek, wherever we are, to be peacemakers, and so imitate you, the Prince of Peace. We pray for an end to conflict and war, and protection for those who are suffering. Lord, hear our prayers.

➡️ Praising God for Clean Water in Myanmar

For years, families in communities served by the Myanmar Southeast District of the Church of the Nazarene faced significant challenges accessing water. Residents often traveled more than one kilometer to purchase water from a private home, creating both financial and physical burdens for the community. The lack of a reliable water source also delayed the construction of the district's new ministry and community center.

To address this need, a new community water well was installed. The well now provides water for nearby households, supports the local church and district office, and enables the completion and future operation of a multi-purpose center that will host trainings, meetings, and educational activities.

The impact has been felt across the community. Families now have easier access to clean water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. The new water source is expected to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses, particularly among children, while also supporting livestock and home gardens that contribute to food security and household livelihoods. Community members have embraced shared responsibility for maintaining the well, helping ensure that it will continue serving families for years to come.

🙏 Lord, we thank you for the joy of clean water and the hope that it brings. We look forward with this community to the renewed health they expect to see now that this water well has been constructed. Through the district center, we know pastors will be trained and ministry will expand. We give you praise for this important project. Lord, hear our prayers.

This week on the Everyday Eurasia Podcast, the Eurasia NCM team will explore the theme of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and the church’s call to bring hope, healing, and transformation to communities around us.

Through conversations on compassion, justice, Christian leadership, and God’s work of renewal, listeners are invited to discover how the church is participating in His mission across Eurasia.

Join us through the week and hear what the Bible says about compassion in action.

Available on your favorite podcast platform here: https://linktr.ee/EurasiaRegion

*Weekly Prayer Update*
ncm.org/prayerupdate

➡️ Earthquake and Tsunami in the Philippines

Earlier this week, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake and resulting tsunami affected communities in the southern Philippines and parts of Indonesia, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. At least 47 people have been killed, nearly 700 injured, and thousands are displaced from their homes. Homes, schools, churches, roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure have sustained damage or been completely destroyed, leaving many families in need of temporary shelter as they begin the long process of recovery. Ongoing aftershocks, the risk of landslides, and damage to transportation and communication networks continue to complicate relief efforts.

The Asia-Pacific region of the Church of the Nazarene calls the global church to prayer:

“Please pray for the people affected by this earthquake. Pray for God's protection, comfort, and provision for families and communities facing uncertainty and fear. Also, pray for the church to be a source of hope and compassion during this time, seizing every opportunity to serve, support, and share Christ's love with those in need.”

🙏 Lord, we come to you with hearts that hurt for all who are grappling with the impact of this earthquake in the Philippines. We think of all who lost loved ones, hurting people recovering from injuries, and families displaced from their homes. Be with first responders as they serve and support their communities. Send your comfort and strength to those who are in need. Lord, hear our prayers.

➡️ Ebola Deaths Reach 136 in Democratic Republic of Congo

An Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to worsen. As of June 10, 2026, health authorities had confirmed 676 cases, including 136 deaths and 19 recoveries. More than 90% of cases have been reported in Ituri Province, though the outbreak has also spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, and neighboring Uganda, where 19 confirmed cases and two deaths have been reported.

Response efforts face significant challenges. Nearly one million people have been displaced by conflict in the affected region, making it difficult to trace contacts and provide care. Ongoing violence, attacks on health workers, community mistrust, and limited access to remote communities continue to hinder containment efforts. Health officials believe the true number of infections may be higher because the outbreak circulated for weeks before being detected and contact tracing remains below target levels.

The Africa region of the Church of the Nazarene shares this update with the global church:

"The Church of the Nazarene has long served communities facing conflict, disasters, and public health emergencies. We encourage churches, ministry teams, and partners throughout the world to remain informed, pray for affected communities, support response efforts where appropriate, and continue ministry with wisdom, compassion, and confidence.

We invite the global Nazarene family to pray for:
● Individuals and families affected by the outbreak
● Healthcare workers and response teams
● Government and public health leaders
● Churches serving vulnerable communities
● Wisdom for leaders making decisions regarding travel and ministry activities
● The successful containment of the outbreak and restoration of affected communities"

🙏 Our God, you promise to be near to the brokenhearted. We know that as this disease spreads, so does fear, anxiety, and grief. Comfort all who are afraid and all who lost family members and loved ones in this outbreak. Work through healthcare staff and first responders as they care for the sick and dying, and lead public health officials as they formulate the right type of response. We pray for a swift end to this outbreak.

➡️ Praising God for Ministry to Aboriginal Children in Australia

In Australia, a compassionate outreach focused on caring for young children from Aboriginal families continues to provide a safe, nurturing environment while building trust in the community, the last remaining Aboriginal community in metropolitan Perth.

Although participation has remained small, the impact has been significant. One family with twin boys who live with autism attends regularly, and both the children and their parents have experienced meaningful support through the program. Church leaders report growing trust between First Nations families and the broader Church of the Nazarene, with increased participation in district gatherings and stronger relationships across cultural lines.

The playgroup offers children a safe place to play, learn, and receive nutritious snacks while providing encouragement, fellowship, and spiritual support for parents. Weekly worship and prayer times bring families together, and volunteers use the opportunity to share Christ’s love with both children and caregivers. One young couple involved in the program has stopped using drugs, grown in their faith, and now shares their testimony with neighbors and family members. Leaders see these changes as evidence of God’s transforming work, impacting entire families one relationship at a time.

🙏 God, we praise you for this creative ministry that is meeting the needs of young families while providing cross-cultural connection and support. Continue to uplift those who serve in this ministry, giving them strength and compassion as they care for their neighbors. Move among the wider community to allow deeper relationships and connections to form. Lord, hear our prayers.