Read Time: 5 min 21 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

WORLD NEWS

War in the Middle East

The United States and Israel are almost two weeks into a war with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the impact is spreading across the Middle East. 

Here’s what’s happening on the ground:

• Washington says its military objectives are “ahead of schedule” and that Iran’s Navy and Air Force are wiped out. President Trump said America hasn’t “won enough” yet.

• On Sunday, the Islamic Republic named a new Supreme Leader. Mojtaba Khamenei will take his father’s place leading the country. President Trump said he was “not happy” with the choice.

• Iran isn’t backing down. Yesterday, at least three commercial ships were struck in and around the Strait of Hormuz—the narrow sea route through which 20% of the world’s oil supply passes (see map). Iran claimed responsibility for one of the strikes.

The war’s death toll is climbing. A seventh American service member has died in the conflict, and the United Nations says nearly 1,300 people have been killed in Iran. Lebanon said at least 570 people have been killed there and nearly 700,000 people have been forced to flee from their homes. (Israel has been striking its northern neighbor to try to eliminate Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based terror group that Iran funds.)

Around the world, oil prices have been on a roller coaster. 

The price of crude oil (the raw, unrefined state oil is in when it comes out of the ground) spiked to almost $120/barrel Monday. That’s the most expensive it’s been since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Oil got so spendy because of Iran threatening traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. But prices went back down after Trump said the conflict could be over “very soon.”

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
War brings destruction to everything it touches—lands, people, governments, and economies—but our God is the Great Restorer. As we look forward to God making everything new one day, pray that the Middle East would experience a taste of that restoration today and glorify the Messiah Jesus. 

“On this mountain… [the LORD of Armies will swallow] up death once and for all. The LORD GOD will wipe away the tears... On that day it will be said, ‘Look, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he has saved us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him. Let’s rejoice and be glad in his salvation.’” 
Isaiah 25:7–9 (CSB) (read full passage)

Ask your kids how they feel about this story.
Does it make them sad? Afraid? Angry? 

Talk about what emotions the war stirs up, then probe what’s behind that feeling. Knowing where our kids are coming from will help us empathize and share the good news of Jesus. 

Fear of death? Jesus beat it. Anxiety about money? God promises to provide. Sadness about displacement? God will make everything new and provide an eternal home. The goal is not to give trite answers to life’s biggest problems, but to learn where our kids are, sit with them there, and then speak specific encouragement from Scripture.

What good news do my kids need to hear in light of this bad news?
War means many unbelievers are suffering and dying without the hope of Jesus (John 17:3). What can we do with this sadness?

Remember God’s character:

1. It’s OK to be sad. The things that sadden God should sadden us. Jesus Himself mourned the suffering and death that gripped the world because of the pain it caused (John 11:32-35).

2. God will always do right. We don’t have to worry about Him overlooking someone or missing the facts when He judges (Genesis 18:16-33, esp. v. 25).

3. The Lord is generous with mercy. He loves to offer forgiveness, and He eagerly extends His steadfast love (Exodus 34:5-8; Ezekiel 18:21-23; 1 Timothy 2:3-5).

God is completely in control—even in times of chaos—and we can trust His goodness.

• Learn something about Iran. This Middle Eastern country is so much more than a stage for conflict in the news. Check out this FAQ and share something lovely that you discover: a tasty food, a stunning vista, an intriguing cultural custom, a surprising historical fact…
   

• Memorize John 17:3, “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ” (CSB).
   

• Pray for those who are lost and suffering without hope in the Middle East. Pray that the Lord would pierce the darkness—whether through supernatural, direct appearances to those who are His, or by the courageous witness of His people in the region.

CREAM AND SUGAR

Gen Z Word of the Week: She got boo’d up during the mission trip.

Family Fun: Watch for fish on this underwater feed at the entrance to a Dutch canal (learn more here), then ring the doorbell here to notify lock operators to let the fish in. Ding dong!

Whipped Cream on Top: A constructive way to make breakfast...

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