On Sunday 27 September, people all around the world will gather to pray for the victims and survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHTR).
Praying for those who have been trafficked is a powerful way to stand with survivors and to advocate for an end to exploitation.
In this way, we walk alongside victims and survivors and give them a voice through the prayers we offer to God.
Modern slavery and human trafficking affect millions of people worldwide, including within our own communities. This year’s theme is ‘Open Our Eyes’, inspired by Proverbs 31:8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” (New Living Translation)
As The Salvation Army, we are called to uphold the God-given dignity of every person and to seek justice for those who are oppressed. We believe that everyone should be able to live in peace without being exploited and we open our hearts and minds and ask the Lord to hear our prayers to protect the vulnerable throughout communities across the world.
Since 1865, The Salvation Army has worked globally to bring glimpses of the Kingdom of God through community-led responses to modern slavery and human trafficking.
Addressing modern slavery and human trafficking requires a holistic approach that addresses the underlying social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to vulnerability and exploitation. By working together with our diverse teams and ministries, we bring effective and creative community-led solutions.
The thing is, modern slavery acts as an umbrella term, covering several human rights issues, of which human trafficking is one. Essentially, modern slavery is the exploitation of people for their bodies and labour.
Modern slavery includes trafficking in persons, debt bondage, deceptive recruitment, forced labour, forced marriage, organ trafficking, servitude, sexual servitude and slavery.
People trapped in modern slavery situations of exploitation often cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception and/or abuse of power.
A number of resources are available including Bible Studies for adults, and children & youth, a prayer guide among other things – check them out here.
Shall we pray 🙏
Father God, just as with the Israelites thousands of years ago, we pray with confidence at this moment knowing you will hear our cries, especially for justice for those wronged by sexual exploitation and forced labour.
For the oppressed and destitute experiencing darkness, we ask that you shine as the light of hope and peace. Please break the chains of those who bind others in slavery and poverty, that all of God’s children would experience the blessings of freedom and the opportunity to live a valued and healthy life.
Lord, we ask that you give strength to those courageous souls who work with victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and forced labour. Encourage them in their spirit, heart and body, and provide these workers with the resources they need to support those inflicted by the injustices of the world.
We thank you, Lord, that you are the God who hears us, El Roi. May our hearts join in one accord as we lift our voices praying for freedom and justice for all.
Lord, thank you for hearing our cries. Amen!
Commissioner Shelley Hill, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries
Today has been a long full-on day and I’m starting to flag as I write this – so if things seem a bit disjointed they probably are.
You see, I’ve been on the go since 7am this morning – firstly with a webinar that I managed to register for (quite a while ago from memory – but it has crept up on me).
Then I had some administration to do which involved organising upcoming coaching sessions that I have scheduled for the next couple of weeks.
After this I attended an online support group meeting which featured a presentation on Brain Fog (Cognitive Dysfunction / Decline) before travelling into Christchurch for my four-weekly Tocilizumab infusion this afternoon.
I then caught the tail-end of a financial principles presentation that was being held at Christchurch City Corps. Before heading back home for a much needed rest (which possibly will include a snooze) before bedtime 🙂
Irregardless of what I have done today though even amongst the busyness – I am seriously getting a sense of déjà vu, or maybe it’s more like groundhog day. Especially as it pertains to the cyclic nature of my life.
You see, there is a sense of familiarity, or maybe even monotony around my four-weekly infusion schedule and the associated blood tests that I have to have – which are done to ensure that I am OK to get the much needed medications that I’m on – that could start to get to one mentally.
Maybe this has to do with the fact that the appointments all tend to be at about the same time performed by the same people (mostly) each cycle too.
Now don’t get me wrong, it is great to go to the local doctors and they along with the receptionist know me by name as I walk in the front door.
The nurses that are sucking my arteries with a needle are interested not only in the amount of blood that they can draw out of me but are starting to get insights into my life, ministry and family.
You see, due to living in a small community they are starting to make the connection with those who come in for assistance from time to time from the family i.e. mum and dad, daughter and wife – It certainly opens the door for fascinating conversations 🙂
Even the team of nurses at Christchurch Hospital Medical Day Unit know more about me than possibly some of the people that I’ve known for years in ministry. Some of these nurses are even greeting me by name and sharing aspects of their life with me which is an awesome privilege.
Anyhow, needless to say I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have the kind of conversations that I do. But it does feel like a bit lie déjà vu when I waltz on in and get my four-weekly medication hit 🙂
The Tocilizumab certainly seems to be doing what it needs to do, as it would appear that the progression of interstitial lung disease has slowed quite significantly. Thankfully I haven’t had any adverse reactions – which is a huge bonus.
Although it would be significantly easier if I was able self administer it, which currently is not a funded option.
Over the past few months I have been adequately managing my energy levels which has improved fatigue levels and my sleep patterns have returned to some semblance of what I would envisage as normal (if there is ever such a thing). This has also had a flow on effect in what I feel I can contribute going forward to ministry and other activities that I know I would have the capacity to do.
Obviously, this would mean keeping a close eye on my physical, mental and spiritual health which is something that I probably neglected for a number of years previously – but recognising when I need to rest and how has been a bit of a journey of discovery.
You see, breaking down some of the unhealthy habits that I had learnt and focusing on what brings life rather than steals it has not always been easy – but this is something that has inspired me to develop Spiramentum Ministries; and it is certainly something that constantly comes up in my coaching and mentoring of others both from a health perspective, but also from a ministry and overall holistic life viewpoint.
So even though I get a sense of déjà vu today – I am also enthused to do so much more than I currently am – Health notwithstanding. Maybe God has been reinvigorating me and refreshing me through enforced rest and recovery over the past few months or possibly even years of retirement to reignite my passion of serving Him in whatever capacity that I can (although I don’t think that my passion ever really diminished).
Recognising that whatever happens going forward that I need to be constantly mindful of the revitalisation and refreshment that comes through His ‘true’ rest.
Matthew 11:28-30 shows us how we can tap into the unforced rhythms of His grace: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (The Message)
Afterall, His calling on my life has not diminished or gone away from when He called me over 20 years ago – but it does look significantly different to what I have experienced and even expected. And possibly I can’t encapsulate what that looks like fully in words.
But the thing is, my capability may look different than what it used to be due to my health and I am obviously older than I once was – but the motivation and my overall capacity isn’t and with His guidance I am sure that I can continue contributing to His mission and ministry.
As I said at the start maybe this is all a bit disjointed – but hopefully you get the intent. I’ve always been a high-capacity / A-type personality kind of person and going forward I’m looking forward to the future; the doors that may open and the opportunities that may present themselves.
Over the weekend I had the privilege of preaching at the Oxford Service, and seeing as we are in the ‘Season of Creation’ I explored this theme and the importance of looking after creation.
In the days since, I have seen a significant number of articles and news reports touching on climate issues. And a new report that has recently been released shows that the key indicators of Earth’s health are ‘outside the safe operating space’ as climate disaster looms.
The thing is, there seems to be many conversations happening around the world;
✪ Baku Climate Week was held between the 7th-11th of September in Baku, Azerbaijan, serving as a regional milestone under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) climate week initiatives.
✪ Climate Change & Business Conference 2026 which was held on the 7th & 8th of September at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland, New Zealand. Focusing on energy security, adaptation costs, and sustainable economic growth ahead of local elections.
✪ The Climate Action Summit which took place on the 16th of September was hosted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) brought together global leaders, community voices, and climate innovators to explore how locally led action can help the world get ahead of climate disasters.
✪ UN Climate Summit 2026 was held on the 23rd of September at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres alongside the 81st UN General Assembly high-level week.
It featured multi-stakeholder ‘Solutions Dialogues’ focusing on climate finance, scaling the energy transition, and advancing climate justice ten years after the Paris Agreement.
… to name just a few.
Currently the U.S. Climate Week NYC is being held – this conference was set up to connect the people and ideas shaping how we live, work and build a low-carbon economy and a more secure future. In coordination with the UN General Assembly, this event brings together the decision-makers and experts shaping capital, policy and markets across sectors and regions.
All these conversations seem to be in preparation for ‘The 2026 UN Climate Change Conference’, which will convene from the 9th-20th of November in Antalya, Türkiye. Which originated from the original UNFCCC established in 1994. This conference has evolved significantly over the years, with landmark agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol adopted in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015.
Now, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years or so, I’m sure we have all seen images of mass destruction caused by wildfires, floods and droughts in the news, or on social media.
Maybe the gremlins in my phone have been listening to me and flooded my social media platforms with information that they think may be of interest to me, or possibly the algorithm’s have simply been working overtime to fill my feeds with anything and everything associated with climate change.
The article was written by Oliver Milman and published in The Guardian on Monday.
He writes:
“Of the nine “planetary boundaries” that help determine whether life can flourish on Earth, seven are being breached at their highest ever levels of transgression, according to the latest planetary health check, a process that was established in 2009.
The seven key indicators in the danger zone include climate change, change in biosphere integrity, land system change, freshwater change, modification of biogeochemical flows, introduction of novel entities and, for the first time last year, ocean acidification.
Only two of the assessed areas, stratospheric ozone depletion and atmospheric aerosol loading, have shown improvement over the last decade, although researchers warn that atmospheric aerosols, which can form air pollution, are still a problem in several regions of the world.“
He goes on to say that: “The coalition of 60 scientists who conducted the analysis of the key guardrails for human life under the auspices of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research warned that the consequences of breaching these planetary boundaries is “becoming increasingly clear all around us”.
The report comes on the heels of a series of extreme events around the world in the past year that scientists say have been made far more likely by the upending of our environment.
Huge floods hit Pakistan last year, while this year has seen record heat and wildfires across Europe, the hottest ever summer in the US, and a disastrous flood on the Tibet-Nepal border.
The oceans, which are absorbing much of this extra generated heat, have hit new temperature records.
The report was released on Monday shortly after the start of Climate Week, a major gathering of politicians, business leaders and activists in New York City that leads up to the UN general assembly.“
Regardless of what some people may say about the validity of climate change, if we pay attention to what is happening around us we can certainly recognise that things are not what they once were.
Even here in the South Island of God’s Zone (Aotearoa New Zealand) the spring season seems to be all over the place. One week it looks like we are heading in to summer-like conditions, the next we are gripped by a blanket of low cloud and freezing temperatures – it certainly messes with my raynaud’s that’s for sure 😦
As I shared in my message on Sunday evening – “carelessly destroying nature by polluting the water and air, destroying wildlife and animal habitats, or wastefully using resources however we please – is not exactly in keeping with God’s character, or the dominion mandate that God gave to mankind.“
“In the past month we have seen the devastation that can be caused through our potential mismanagement of the world – the glaciers are melting at an ever-increasing pace. Rivers are drying up and wildfires rage. Even the temperature of the oceans are rising. All of which can be attributed to climate change due to big companies and governments raping and pillaging the world in which we live.“
And, “I’m pretty sure that we are not exactly leaving this world in a better position than when we inherited it. We all have a part to play in making this world a better place not only for us, but also for our children, and our children’s children.”
The late evangelist Billy Graham wrote that “When we see the world as a gift from God, we will do our best to take care of it and use it wisely, instead of poisoning or destroying it.”
Helen Clarkson, chief executive of the Climate Group, said that “The world is standing on the edge of the abyss, and people are seeking change.”
Queen drummer Roger Taylor has recently released his seventh solo studio album, ‘Violence Insane in a Beautiful World‘.
The first track entitled ‘A Beautiful World’ features the Ndlovu Youth Choir, the song reflects on the wonders of nature, humanity, and existence – celebrating everything from the stars, galaxies, and elements to human romance, knowledge, and the family of man, while concluding with a poignant message about preserving our planet.
Sir David Attenborough has described climate change as “a man-made disaster of global scale” and our “greatest threat in thousands of years“. He goes on to share that “Our planet hangs in the balance. The only way to operate is to believe we can do something about it, and I truly believe we can.”
“The future of humanity and indeed, all life on earth, now depends on us.“
Climate Change is real! We are so lucky to live in a beautiful world – so don’t screw it up!
The following article appeared in a ‘Preliminary Field Assessment Report’ written by Child Nepal. In the days following the 26 August 2026 Bhote Koshi flash flood a team from Child Nepal set about identifying critical needs across Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Dhading districts to help inform the organization’s response.
A 16-year-old SEE aspirant from Rasuwa, was a bright and motivated student with dreams of academic excellence. On 26 August 2026, his life and his future changed forever.
Before the flood, his life was defined by routine and purpose. A Grade 10 student at Uttargaya Public English School in Nuwakot, he was widely regarded as one of the brightest students in his school. Since the beginning of the academic year, he had been deeply focused on his studies, driven by a singular aspiration: to achieve a perfect GPA 4 in the upcoming SEE examinations; a feat that would open doors to higher education and a brighter future.
Beyond academics, he was equally passionate about extracurricular activities. He actively participated in poetry, debate and speech competitions, and enjoyed playing volleyball and football with his friends. His days were full; classes, practice, study sessions and the company of friends who shared his ambitions.
26 August 2026 began as any other day. He had just completed his morning classes and sat down to have lunch when he heard loud noises and shouts of an incoming flood. As he stepped outside to see what was happening, he was met with chaos; people running, teachers frantically trying to get students to safer ground.
In the confusion, he instinctively ran towards a higher area. But as he reached a relatively safe spot, he saw other students struggling to escape. Without hesitation, he turned back to help, pulling three of his peers to safety; an act of courage amidst the unfolding catastrophe.
What he witnessed next, however… he says he will never be able to forget.
His school; the place where his dreams were nurtured, was being engulfed by the floodwaters. The older school building collapsed entirely. Only the new building remained standing, but it was now covered in thick mud and debris. Students were injured; some were bleeding, others crying in pain. The visual of his school being destroyed and his friends being hurt has left a permanent scar on his mind, one that continues to haunt him at night.
In the aftermath, he was rescued and taken to a temporary holding center near Nuwakot Durbar. For three days, he was separated from his family. In that time, he lived with the gnawing uncertainty of not knowing whether his parents, siblings and relatives had survived. Surrounded by other survivors, listening to their cries and stories of loss, the psychological toll was immense. The weight of not knowing was unbearable.
Three days after, his uncle arrived from Rasuwa to take him home. The relief of being reunited with family was profound, but it was short-lived. Upon returning to Rasuwa, he learned that several of his family members were still missing. The joy of reunion was overshadowed by the grief of loss. The flood had not only destroyed his school and disrupted his studies; but it had fractured his family too.
He now resides at a temporary holding center in Rasuwa with his family. His days are no longer defined by study schedules or practice sessions, but by uncertainty and fear. His educational materials are gone, destroyed in the flood. His textbooks, notebooks and stationery everything he had prepared for his SEE exams have been lost.
When he thinks about the future, his mind feels foggy and heavy. He is uncertain about whether he will ever return to school, whether his SEE exams will happen and whether he can carry forward his aspirations with the same motivation and dedication.
The path that once seemed so clear… now feels dark and uncertain.
He worries not just for himself, but for the younger children at the holding center.
Some of them, he says, speak of things that reveal the depth of their trauma; “there are dead bodies in our house,” “the river is flowing through our house.” Though they may not fully understand what has happened, their words reflect the weight of what they have witnessed and lost. They have no toys, no books, no recreational activities to distract them, only the reality of displacement and loss.
His story is not isolated. Across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, countless children, each with their own dreams and aspirations, now face a future defined by uncertainty. They are not merely victims of a natural disaster; they are survivors of a catastrophe that has disrupted their lives, their education, and their development at a critical stage. The road ahead is long and uncertain.
What they need is not just food and shelter, but a renewed sense of purpose; a chance to return to school, to resume their education and to rebuild their dreams.
The challenge before us is not only to address the immediate needs of survival but to invest in the long-term recovery of children like this young person, ensuring that their futures are not defined by loss, but by resilience, opportunity and hope.
The clean up is well and truly underway – but the trauma of that day will live on in the minds of those left behind for an awfully long time 😦
Here in New Zealand, which can often feel like a world away, Child Nepal New Zealand is in the process of raising funds to go towards replacing much needed educational resource packs (ERP’s) for the many students that have lost all of their learning materials in the flood.
If you are able to contribute towards this it would be very much appreciated – Every ERP will make a world of difference in the lives of children that long to “return to school, to resume their education and to rebuild their dreams.“
My dear Bagginses and Boffins, Tooks and Brandybucks, Grubbs, Chubbs, Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles and Proudfoots today is a very special day.
The 22nd of September is Hobbit Day 🙂
The novels The Hobbit and the trilogy The Lord of the Rings trilogy written by J.R.R. Tolkien, bring to life the world of Middle-Earth and the many fictional characters and names such as those mentioned previously.
According to the stories, Bilbo and Frodo were born during the Third Age in the years 2890 and 2968 respectively.
Translated to Shire-reckoning, Bilbo was born in 1290 and Frodo in 1368. And so, Hobbit Day is celebrated every year on 22 September, marking the shared birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the two best-loved hobbits in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
It is the centrepiece of Tolkien Week (20-26 Sept) and an invitation for fans around the world to honour the author, his stories, and the gentle, food-loving folk of the Shire.
In 1969 Tolkien sold the film, stage, and merchandising rights for “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” to United Artists for £100,000 and are currently owned by Middle-earth Enterprises (formerly Tolkien Enterprises).
The first installment of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ movie trilogy, “The Fellowship of the Ring“, was released on 19 December 2001 and introduces the Hobbits to the big screen. The movie version of the original adventure of “The Hobbit” (also a trilogy of films) was released on 6 December 2012.
The American Tolkien Society first proclaimed Hobbit Day and Tolkien Week in 1978 and it has since gained some measure of legal dignity through a variety of proclamations, declarations, tributes and similar U.S. governmental documents prepared by elected officials who support the Society, its goals and the observance of these holidays.
Here are some activities that you could do on Hobbit Day, or throughout the week to celebrate Tolkien Week:
Have a feast – Hobbits enjoyed as many as six meals a day, so make sure that your festivities include a good amount of food. Known for their well-stocked pantries, Hobbits never miss a chance to sit down among friends and share a good meal and lively conversation.
Give a few gifts – Represent one of the peaceful pursuits of Hobbits by giving gifts and sharing in the spirit of community. Simple, creative gifts, such as toys, jewelry and small musical instruments are perfect tokens for the festivities.
Go on an adventure – In the spirit of Hobbits, throw caution to the wind and step out from your cozy household. Whether it be a short walk in a new neighborhood or organise an overseas trip (this could even be an imaginary one), experience the thrill of the unknown – just like a Baggins. Explore the world!
Read a book – You could start reading one of the many books associated to Middle-earth – The Hobbit is a great place to start as an introduction, followed by The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Then likes of The Silmarillion, The Children of Húrin, Beren and Lúthien, and The Fall of Gondolin to name just a few.
Watch a movie – The motion picture legacy of Middle-earth, from the 1977 made-for-television animated film based upon The Hobbit, to the latest adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, including the live-action The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies, equals an enduring testament to the power of storytelling and cinematic artistry. Read more about the movies here.
Personally, I can’t wait for the latest installment The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum that is scheduled for release on December 17, 2027.
Watch the TV Series – The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s history of Middle-earth. Set thousands of years before the novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the series covers the major events of Middle-earth’s Second Age, beginning after the defeat of the “Dark Lord” Morgoth and his army of Orcs. The third season is due out in a few months 🙂
Or possibly you can check out The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim an original anime feature film journeying back to Middle-earth through the eyes of legendary director Kenji Kamiyama. The tales of Helm Hammerhand are true.
Set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films, the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan is explored.
A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg – a mighty fortress that will later come to be known as Helm’s Deep.
In the meantime, take some time to enjoy the following sneak preview that was released by Warner Bros. prior to its international release on 11 December 2024.
Blessings ’til next time 🙂
* John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892–1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor – His intricate world-building, rich mythology, and profound themes have captivated readers worldwide, establishing him as the father of modern fantasy literature. His stories continue to inspire countless adaptations and a global fandom.
On 21 September, the world marks the International Day of Peace.
On this special day, “let us all be inspired by the courage of those who champion peace in neighbourhoods, classrooms and communities. And let’s call on world leaders to invest in a peaceful future for all people.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Amidst staggering volatility today, the search for peace can feel overwhelming.
But it has never been more urgent than it is right now.
You see, peace is more than the absence of war; it is the foundation necessary to collectively tackle humanity’s challenges. It is the lived experience of safety, dignity, opportunities and cooperation in our daily lives.
Under the theme Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day, this year’s International Day of Peace honours the ‘everyday architects of peace’ – people driving local action, laying the groundwork for stability, and building a lasting peace from the ground up.
Remember, peace isn’t just built in conference rooms – it is shaped by everyone, everywhere, every day.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly and two decades later, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.
We can each do our part for peace by taking one small step for peace every day:
The International Day of Peace is different to The World Day of Peace, which is a Catholic Church feast day held on the 1st of January. But Pope Leo XIV’s message that was shared for the 59th World Day of Peace at the beginning of the year is just as relevant today as it was then. You can check it out here.
The World Day of Peace is a Catholic observance established by Pope Paul VI in 1968 and is tied to the Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God, focusing on prayer, reflection, and Catholic social teaching regarding peace. This year’s theme was “Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace”.
