CRISIS RESPONSE

Intro to Global Mission Conference 2025

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Jesus – Matthew 5:9

Like every Global Mission Conference at this church, your participation is irreplaceable and vital. Peace-making, especially, is not a spectator sport. Most of us don’t see ourselves in an active conflict zone, yet each of us plays an indispensable role in the ministry of reconciliation that Jesus, our peace, has passed on and entrusted to us.  

Everyone who draws breath “takes the lead” many times a day. We lead with actions that range from a smile to a frown; with words that range from blessing to curse; with decision that range from faithful to fearful… I am responsible for my impact on the world whether I acknowledge it or not.  

Parker Palmer, “Leading from Within”

The logo we created to reflect the call to peace-making is based on Isaiah 2:3-4.

“They will beat/ pound/hammer”… these are verbs of exertion and effort. Though the ultimate source of peace and judgment comes from the Lord, we learn His ways because we are the ones to walk in His path, transforming, taking up the Word, and pressing into peace.  

I hope that the words shared in our content and by our speakers before, during, and after the conference will help us learn and lament the conflicts around us, recognize the weapons inside us, and take up the work for peace alongside the friends of ours whom God has equipped and what He is already working out globally. 

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change 
the courage to change the things I can 
and the wisdom to know the difference. 

Reinhold Niebuhr, Serenity Prayer

Grace & peace,

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Prayer Practice

Learn and Lament 

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Romans 12:18

El Roi, the God who sees,

We come before You with hearts burdened with the conflicts and wars that trouble our world. We acknowledge that we do not fully understand the complexity of what is happening and all that is involved. We lift the following conflicts: 

Becoming aware of global conflicts 

We, as the people of God, can shoulder grief and pain because we walk alongside the One who bears our broken ways and those of the entire world.   

In seeking to weep with those who weep, the following are several active, major international conflicts as of March 2025. We acknowledge that some conflicts receive considerable publicity, while others receive very little. We humbly submit this list to you, many related to the present work of our church’s global partners.

2^nd Nagorno Karabakh War:

In September 2023, Azerbaijan regained control of Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to the mass exodus of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians. The region’s self-governance ended, sparking humanitarian concerns and international calls for stability.

Cameroon Conflict:

The Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon began in 2016 as protests over marginalization turned into an armed separatist conflict. Over a million people have been displaced and thousands killed, while schools and infrastructure remain heavily impacted. 

Gaza War:

Beginning on October 7, 2023, hostilities escalated between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has led to substantial loss of life and widespread destruction, with ceasefire agreements being fragile and humanitarian concerns mounting. 

Middle Eastern Crisis:

Since 2023, the Middle East has experienced heightened instability, including conflicts involving Israel, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran-backed militias. These interconnected disputes have exacerbated regional tensions and humanitarian challenges. 

Myanmar Conflict:

Since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, ongoing conflict has displaced over 3.5 million people and caused more than 75,000 deaths. Around 55,000 civilian structures have been destroyed, and 17.6 million people require humanitarian aid. The crisis has led to severe food insecurity and limited access to healthcare.

Sudanese Civil War:

Since April 2023, clashes between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced more than 14 million people. The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly in the Darfur region.

Ukraine Conflict:

Since February 2022, Ukraine has been engaged in a conflict following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support for separatist movements in Eastern Ukraine. The war has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with ongoing international efforts seeking a peaceful resolution.

Yemeni Civil War:

Ongoing since 2014, Yemen’s conflict involves Houthi rebels and forces loyal to the internationally recognized government. The war has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions facing famine and disease.  

Peace-Making in Canada

While Canada is a place of safety and opportunity for many, it also carries a history of conflict and displacement, particularly with Indigenous Peoples.

Being a Peace-Maker means acknowledging this reality with humility and hope. We invite you to explore the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action as part of this journey.

We don’t become mature human beings by getting lucky or cleverly circumventing loss, and certainly not by avoidance and distraction. Learn to lament. Learn this lamentation…Take up your cross. It prepares us and those around us for resurrection.

Eugene Peterson, “Leap Over a Wall”

Let’s Pray

How long, Lord? Will You forget us?

How long will You hide your face from us? 

How long are we to feel anxious in our souls, 

With grief in our hearts all day? 

How long will conflicts persist? 

We do not understand.  

But we trust in Your faithfulness;

Our hearts shall rejoice.  

We will sing to the LORD, 

Because You are good.  

Amen.

We are deeply grieved by the devastating escalation in the conflict in Israel and Gaza and how it is impacting the most vulnerable. Right now, the situation is extremely volatile and the ability to send humanitarian aid is very limited. We are vigilantly monitoring the situation and working with our partners at the Foodgrains Bank and Tearfund Family to determine if and how we can respond.

While we wait for more clarity on the situation we must fall to our knees in prayer. We know that nothing is too big or too impossible for our God to change; His righteous purposes will be accomplished. Join us in praying for the conflict in Israel and Gaza. You can use the prayer points below.

We Pray:

• For all those grieving and devasted by the violence, including children, older people and people with disabilities.
• For a breakthrough to bring an end to this recent escalation and ask God to bring peace to the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• For churches, Christian communities and faith leaders across the region to help others and bridge divides.
• For an immediate ceasefire and an end to hostilities, and for urgent humanitarian access.
• For all those who are terrified, in mourning, and suffering, and for the protection of innocent civilians.
• For us and our partners, that God would grand us wisdom and discernment to help navigate this incredibly complex situation and how best to respond.

Morocco and Libya have been struck by devastating natural disasters. The unprecedented floods in Libya follow a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Morocco. Please join us in prayer for the people of Morocco and Libya.

WE PRAY FOR LIBYA

We lift up our brothers and sisters in Libya as massive flooding in the city of Derna has killed over 6,000 with over 20,000 still missing. Over 30,000 have been displaced from their homes.

The believers in Libya are strong, but not able to gather regularly, so responding communally at times like this is challenging. We stand with the believers who are seeking to help and support their neighbours in whatever way they are able.

We Pray:

• That people who have been driven from their homes will find safe places to go and that they will be received in other parts of their country.
• For the divided government in this country to find unity to work together to help their people during this time of tragedy.
• That those who are missing will be found by their loved ones.
• Against the spread of water-borne disease that often comes with flooding.
• That believers will be strengthened to help their neighbours.

WE PRAY FOR MOROCCO

We pray for the people of Morocco who lost their homes and communities when an earthquake hit the mountainous region of the county.

Most of those affected lived in small rural villages with traditional mud brick houses which could not withstand the tremors. Entire villages have been devastated and the residents are isolated and trapped due to their locations.

There are no Christian organizations that are operating in Morocco and the government of Morocco has been very selective about the aid it is willing to accept. We continue to support through earnest prayer.

We Pray:

• That villagers affected by this disaster will use their strong communal practices to help one another during this tragedy.
• That rescuers will be able to access the affected villages with aid as travel is difficult and treacherous.
• That the government will have wisdom to best know how to support their people at this time.

We join our prayers with the believers in Afghanistan and stand with them at this time as they pray for salvation and peace to come to their country.

We join our prayers with the believers in Afghanistan and stand with them at this time as they pray for salvation and peace to come to their country.

For more information about how to pray with believers in Afghanistan click here.

Click here to watch a video from Open Doors about the importance and power of praying with our brothers and sisters.