Our world continues to be in a state of suffering. It’s been over a week and the people of Puerto Rico are still without water, electricity, food and the means to connect with others both on the island and in the states. Some of our own clergy and church members still don’t know the whereabouts of family and friends.

In other places throughout the Caribbean, the islands have been hit by hurricane destruction and flooding. Right now the humanitarian effort is primary but the beauty of these islands has also been impacted. Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayers!

Mexico has suffered two major earthquakes. Whole communities have been destroyed and sadly many children were killed. Again, many of our Mexican brothers and sisters worry about their friends and family who have suffered. The death toll continues to climb. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers!

We continue to pray for those who have been impacted in the U.S. due to the hurricanes and flooding in Texas, Florida and other coastal regions. Flood buckets are still needed in order to help the cleanup. Many of you have already contributed in some way to get cleanup supplies to the Midwest Distribution Center. Please pray for those who are now dealing with this long-term hardship and the general frustration and discouragement that comes following these disasters, especially if this has been a repeated experience. Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayers!

Often forgotten are the people out west who have suffered from the fear and the effects of the forest fires. Some people have lost their property and we have all lost part of our national treasure in these beautiful areas of our country. In addition to the devastation of nature and property, many people in the west have suffered from the smoky air. Keep firefighters and people who live in the region in your prayers. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers!

With Mexico’s earthquake, there are still people suffering in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Niger, and Sierra Leone who have together lost thousands of people to heavy rains and mudslides. Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayers!

Just because a disaster is no longer on the front page of the newspaper or at top of the hour trending on our device, it doesn’t mean that peoples’ suffering is over. The good news is that UMCOR will be with these communities around the world for as long as it takes. Both Florida and Texas are now receiving volunteers so please watch the weekly conference eNews to learn more about opportunities for service.

Where one suffers, we all suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26). Let us pray for those who are suffering throughout our world.

~Bishop Sally Dyck

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