I know you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.” - Thomas Merton (part 2)

Jordan's Principle

The Canadian government is failing in its promise to provide equal services without denial, delay or disruption to First Nation children as stated in the 2007 initiative known as Jordan’s Principle (listed third in The Truth and Reconciliation Report).  Howard Burston, executive director of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, reports that First Nation organizations have been told via Jordan’s Principle to spend and spend, but then have never received additional funding, nor have they been reimbursed. Grand Chief Walter Wastesicoot revealed the Keewatin Tribal Council accumulated a $7 million debt before receiving reimbursement from the government, and a letter dated Dec. 4 confirmed a backlog of 131,000 claims nationwide. The tragic consequences are that First Nation children continue to be denied equitable services. Monies owed to care centres accumulate and force closures, repeating the cruel cycle of making promises that build up hope only to again renege.

God in heaven, why is delivering on promises so hard? Why is there so much frustrating red tape, disconnect, and delay in what has been deemed right and just?  We lament that there are deep flaws in government infrastructure. Amp up the volume on Canadian voices calling for change and open the ears and hearts of those in power to bring life giving justice to those who depend on them.  Help them to persevere and be relentless in the pursuit of justice for First Nation peoples in Canada.   

US Aid in Kenya

Recently the United States government shut down their support of the agency U.S.A.I.D., effective immediately.  In Kenya alone, at least 40,000 health care workers will lose their jobs, U.S.A.I.D. officials say, and several U.N. agencies that depend on American financing have begun to furlough staff. The US also provides most of the funding for two large refugee camps in northern Kenya that house 700,000 people from at least 19 countries. Unless financial support arises from elsewhere, the immediate departure of employees, experts warn, will result in the faltering of governance of these camps.. U.S, A.I.D. officials acknowledge the need for reform, citing bureaucratic inefficiencies and reliance on American contractors, however millions of lives are at stake due to the scale and speed of this decision. 

Heavenly Father, we lift up those affected by the dismantling of U.S,A.I.D. — health workers, refugees, and the vulnerable. Bring wisdom to leaders, provision for the needy, and healing to broken systems. Stir hearts to step in and offer financial support and assistance where needed. May justice and mercy prevail. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Resonate in South Africa

Sesihle Manzini launched a digital magazine Anno Domini in 2018 to challenge ordinary believers to rise up and speak boldly about justice. Wrestling with South Africa’s colonial and apartheid legacy, she sought biblical perspectives on racial and economic equality. Her magazine has become a vital platform, equipping young Christians to engage in faith-driven justice efforts. Now, more than ever, everyday people must step forward—using their voices, gifts, and faith to demand justice in their communities and churches.

Lord, awaken Your people to speak boldly for justice. Bless people such as Sesihle and all who seek truth. Empower ordinary voices to inspire change. Amen.

Haiti

As gang violence devastates Haiti, activists urge Caribbean governments to stop mass deportations that worsen the crisis. In 2024 alone, 61,000 Haitians were deported from the Dominican Republic, where their prime minister vowed to deport 10,000 per week. Refugees face overcrowded, inhumane detention conditions before being sent back to homelessness and violence in Haiti. CRCNA supports the Christian Reformed Church of the Dominican Republic, which has a majority of Haitian peoples, and agencies like the JET Center in Monte Plata that help Haitians obtain legal documentation. 

Lord, stir our hearts to action in real ways.  Thank you for the ministry of the Christian Reformed Church in the Dominican Republic and the JET centre, where justice is pursued in the name of Jesus.  Strengthen them and mobilize us to do your work of justice wherever our hands and feet touch the earth.  Amen.

Saskatchewan, CANADA

Four people were murdered at Carry the Kettle Nakoda First Nation and the suspect is associated with the Zagime Anishabek First Nation. Both these reserves have participants who are known and involved in the Indigenous Christian Fellowship (ICF) community based in Regina.  ICF is one of three Urban Aboriginal Ministries of the Christian Reformed Church, and the incident has very close ties within the community.   ICF supports the spiritual and social needs of Indigenous peoples, and works with many congregations in the community to foster healing, reconciliation, and cultural celebration.

God of peace, we pray for the people of Carry the Kettle Nakoda First Nation and the people of Zagime Anishabek First Nation and all members of ICF in Regina.  May your Holy Spirit work within this community to foster an environment that brings comfort, healing, grace, justice, and peace to one another in Jesus’ name.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Justice: An Everyday Spiritual Journey

Thrive, in partnership with the CRC Centre for Public Dialogue, World Renew and Diaconal Ministries Canada, is excited to present its latest workshop—offered online and in-person— to help you to explore how the Bible talks about peace, justice and faithful action. This workshop is designed for people who are new to biblical justice conversations, and also for those who have spent years putting it into practice—there’s something for everyone to learn!  Access Workshop »

Cultivating Shalom Series: Faithful Responses to Food and Climate

Join a 5 week Virtual Series on Wednesday evenings February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19 at 7:30 PM Eastern (6:30 PM Central, 5:30 PM Mountain, 4:30 PM Pacific) Guest leaders will share their expertise and perspectives about the intersection of our faith to our relationship with creation, the impacts of that relationship to food and climate, and ways to faithfully respond. RSVP Today!