Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, 

We come before God with heavy hearts, lifting up the people of Maybrat in South West Papua. On 13 August 2026, three Indigenous Papuan civilians, Anike Fatie, Selfiana Sorry, and Silvester Asem, were shot and wounded in Ainod Village, in the District of Aifat. They were in a camp near the Kamundan River, preparing a meal, when drones were seen and gunfire broke out. Witnesses testify that the perpetrators wore military uniforms and carried military equipment. The victims were ordered to lie down and were not evacuated until the following day. Two women underwent surgery; one remains in need of further operations. Since the incident, victims, witnesses, and advocates have faced intimidation.

We are called to be a people of prayer and of justice. Let us cry out to the God who hears the cries of the afflicted, the God who is near to the brokenhearted, the God who commands us to seek justice and defend the oppressed.

Prayer

God of compassion and justice,

We come before you with sorrow and with hope. You are the God who sees every wound, who hears every cry, and who knows every name. We lift up Anike Fatie, Selfiana Sorry, and Silvester Asem to you. Your beloved children, made in Your image, wounded by violence in the land of Maybrat.

We pray for healing for their bodies. Touch the wounds that still bleed, the infections that persist, the surgeries yet to come. Comfort them in their pain, calm their fears, and surround them with your peace that surpasses understanding.

We pray for the witnesses who have spoken truth. Protect them from intimidation, pressure, and revenge. Be their shield and their strong tower. Give them courage to speak and grant safety to all who stand with them.

We pray for justice, O God. You are a God of justice, and you do not ignore the blood of the innocent. We ask that every fact be verified, every testimony be heard, and every act of violence be examined in the light of truth. We pray for the authorities and all who investigate. Grant them wisdom, clarity, and compassion as they seek justice and protect the vulnerable. 

We pray for the military and security forces. Where power has been misused, bring conviction and repentance. Where orders were given unjustly, bring them to light. Let those who bear arms do so with restraint and respect for human life.

We pray for the churches in Papua and across the world. Strengthen the advocates, the pastors, and all who accompany the victims. Give them endurance, protection, and unity. May the church be a voice for the voiceless and a refuge for the vulnerable.

We pray for the people of Maybrat, for the communities of Ainod, Aifat, and the Kamundan River. Heal the trauma of this violence. Restore trust. Bring peace where there is fear, and hope where there is despair.

We pray for the coming of your kingdom, where swords are turned into ploughshares and where justice rolls down like waters. Until that day, make us faithful witnesses to your love and your justice.

Amen.