Read Time: 5 min 13 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade
─────── September 3, 2026 ───────
Happy Thursday!
Labor Day is comin’ up. Whether you’re spending your long weekend lakeside or catching up on chores, we’re thankful you took a break to spend some time with us.
This week’s Decaf is brought to you by this must-read that brings to life Stephen’s courageous story and a Bible-based activity book your kids will love.
Today’s story was taken from The Pour Over’s August 28, August 31, and September 2 emails and rewritten at a 7th-grade reading level.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“The gospel says you are simultaneously more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe, yet more loved and accepted than you ever dared hope.”
Tim Keller
READ | REFLECT | RESPOND
WORLD NEWS
Fatal Flooding
Deadly flash floods have hit Nepal, Tibet, and the Grand Canyon.
The flooding in Nepal and Tibet has killed over 1,100 people while more than 4,400 are still reported as missing. The waters came very quickly last Wednesday, rising by about 30 feet in just 30 minutes. A huge piece of a glacier broke off and crashed into a river valley below. It caused what scientists call an “ice-rock avalanche,” which flooded the river downstream (see how a glacier can cause a flood).
Rescuers are flying helicopters to reach villages that are cut off. They are also racing to find hundreds of power-plant workers. The workers may be trapped in flooded tunnels along the river. There is some good news, though: a school principal quickly canceled class to move 900 kids to safety just before the flood washed the school away.
Across the globe, a few waves of heavy rain caused a “wall of water” to rush through a narrow side canyon of the Grand Canyon on Saturday. It killed two friends visiting from Texas, while a third friend is still missing. Rescuers saved about 80 other people.
Scientists say a wildfire last year burned away plants that usually slow down floods. That may have caused the canyon to be more likely to flood. Saturday’s flood also damaged Grand Canyon National Park’s only water pipeline. Now officials have closed lodging and are limiting water use.
__
CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
God has not left us helpless in the face of disasters. He hears the prayers of His people, acting for our good and His glory.
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:17-18 (CSB) (read full passage)
READ | REFLECT | RESPOND
How can I model putting my hope and trust in Christ when discussing this story?
By remembering prayer is always within reach, even when hands-on help isn’t.
Jesus told us the greatest commandment was to love Him and one another (Matthew 22:34-40). But how do we love people suffering thousands of miles away when our time and resources are limited? With prayer.
Calling upon the Lord is not just a backup plan when we can’t do more. It’s an act of love we can always do… for anyone, anywhere (1 Timothy 2:1). It’s our act of trust that God sees every bit of suffering, and He’s able to do something about it, even when we can’t.
What might my kids misunderstand about this story?
All of God’s creation is under the curse of sin, even nature.
Christians walk in the everyday tension of worshiping a completely sovereign God while living in a completely broken world. While nature doesn’t choose to sin, it’s subjected to brokenness and decay because of our sin (Romans 8:20-22). Fires, floods, and other natural disasters are the painful effects of creation’s groaning.
But that groaning won’t last forever. Christ is enthroned above the flood (Psalm 29:10), and He is making all things new (Revelation 21:5).
READ | REFLECT | RESPOND
Go for a walk as a family and pray for your neighbors. If you see anyone out and about, introduce yourself and ask how you can pray for them.
Memorize Psalm 29:10-11, “The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned, King forever. The LORD gives his people strength; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”
Pray for those affected by recent flooding in the Himalayas and the Grand Canyon: King of Creation, we grieve the ongoing deadly effects of wild elements. We ask that You bring order to wreckage and shine Your light in the darkness. Draw near to all those affected by these floods. For the families who have lost their beloved ones, accompany them in their grief. For the lost, search relentlessly and bring them home. For the rescuers, grant them courage and strength. For the fearful survivors, fill them with Your peace. For those who will rebuild, give fortitude, endurance, and hope. And for the land, tend to it, heal it, and restore its beauty. Amen.
CREAM AND SUGAR
Gen Z Word of the Week: I really wish I were river kayaking rn.
Family Fun: Have a hoot and a holler by planning some festive activities to do with the fam for Labor Day.
Whipped Cream on Top: Hopping into the weekend like...
RECOMMENDED
What We’re Reading With Our Kids
Our free copy of Stephen: God’s Courageous Witness*
Stephen was the first person to die for following Jesus Christ. He was so filled with the Holy Spirit that he boldly preached and performed miracles, even as jealous leaders plotted against him. And when false accusations led Stephen to face a violent death, he didn’t respond in fear but with forgiveness.
His martyrdom pushed the gospel far beyond Jerusalem.
Stephen: God’s Courageous Witness brings this story from Acts to life for kids ages 6 to 12. It’s perfect for family devotions or classroom read-alouds, and inspires children to be bold for Christ.
How We’re Getting Our Kids Excited About the Gospel
With this Bible Story Coloring & Activity Book*
Help your kids find joy in interacting with God’s redemptive story of light and love. The Light of the World Bible Storybook gives kids creative ways to engage with God’s redemptive story—through beautiful illustrations, dot-to-dot activities, and Bible story word searches.
It’s the perfect activity book to keep in the car or by the kitchen table for activity time. Plus, it perfectly pairs with the Light of the World film (streaming on Minno, Prime Video, Apple TV, and more!), if you’re lookin’ for a fun, family-friendly movie night that will start gospel-centered conversations.
*sponsored
Curious how we choose sponsors? Learn more | Advertise with us
SPREAD THE WORD
We grow largely through word-of-mouth. If you enjoy our emails and believe in the mission, please share Decaf!
Here’s your referral link: {{ rp_refer_url }}
Your current referral count is: {{ rp_num_referrals }}
