Mark Carney has called a snap federal election for 28 April, aiming to secure a strong mandate amid rising tensions with Donald Trump. A political newcomer and former banker, Carney was sworn in just weeks ago after succeeding Justin Trudeau, who stepped down following internal party strife. The election sets the stage for a fierce contest with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, a populist who once led comfortably in the polls. The central issue is who can best defend Canada against Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and trade threats, including proposed tariffs and talk of annexation. Carney accused Trump of seeking to undermine Canadian sovereignty and vowed to build a more secure, self-reliant nation. Poilievre, meanwhile, blamed Liberal policies for Canada’s current vulnerability and called for a nationalist shift in governance. The 37-day campaign is poised to reshape the nation’s future at a critical crossroads. Trump’s actions have infuriated Canadians - and upended their politics.

‘“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy” (Isaiah 35:1). Spending an afternoon in the garden with my grandchildren brought unexpected joy. As we worked, my grandson discovered tiny snails and shared them with his sister, who excitedly named them and took them home. Amidst the simple beauty of spring’s arrival, my heart rejoiced. Spring symbolises hope and new beginnings. Just as crocus shoots break through the soil, God renews our weary hearts. Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us that He is always doing a new thing, making a way in the wilderness. Jesus, too, experienced a wilderness season, yet He overcame temptation, fulfilling His mission. We face trials, but we are never without God’s grace. His mercies are new every morning. As we step into each day, let us rejoice in the promise of resurrection and renewal.’

Aubrey writes: ‘Moving into a new home was chaotic - boxes everywhere, toddlers running around, and a landlady waiting for rent. I knew I had stashed my cash somewhere safe, but no matter how much I searched, I couldn’t find it. Frustrated, I stepped into the bathroom and prayed, 'God, help me find that money.' Suddenly, a strong thought came to mind: If you quit smoking, you’ll find that money. I was stunned - this wasn’t what I had prayed for! I stormed out, refusing to obey, but after more fruitless searching, I knew I had no choice. Angrily, I went back, sat down, and declared, 'All right! I’ll quit smoking! Now where is that money?' But the voice pressed further: ‘How will I know you are serious?’ Reluctantly, I found all my cigarettes, soaked them in water, and threw them away. Still frustrated, I walked to my jewelry box and, for the umpteenth time, opened it. This time, I lifted the top section - and there was my wad of cash, right where I had placed it! God had spoken, and I couldn’t ignore Him. From that moment on, I never smoked another cigarette - I didn’t dare.’

The Government has announced major welfare reforms aimed at cutting costs and encouraging work. The changes include stricter eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), reduced incapacity benefits, and new work incentives. From November 2026, PIP eligibility criteria will tighten, making it harder to qualify for support with daily living tasks. However, those with severe, lifelong conditions will no longer face reassessments. Incapacity benefits under Universal Credit will freeze at £97 per week from April 2025 and drop to £50 per week for new claimants in 2026. Young people under 22 will lose access to incapacity benefit top-ups, with funds redirected to training programs. To ease fears about job loss, those trying work will not face automatic reassessments. The government is investing £1bn to help disabled people and those with long-term conditions to enter the workforce. See

Nicholas Prosper, 19, has been sentenced to 49 years in prison for murdering his mother and two siblings and planning Britain’s deadliest school shooting. The former school dropout meticulously planned a massacre at his old primary school, intending to kill thirty children and teachers. On 13 September 2024, Prosper shot and stabbed his family before heading towards the school. His plot was thwarted when police in a passing car noticed him acting suspiciously and arrested him. The court heard that he was obsessed with mass murder, child abuse, and online gore content, idolising past school shooters. He forged a gun licence to buy a shotgun and ammunition, using a loophole in UK firearms law. The government has now pledged to tighten gun laws in response. Prosper showed no remorse, expressing regret only that he had not killed more. The judge ruled that he might never be eligible for release.

The Court of Appeal has dismissed challenges against a £3 billion rescue plan for Thames Water, allowing the utility to continue operating despite severe financial difficulties. The High Court had previously sanctioned the deal, which was designed to prevent the company from running out of money. However, a group of secondary creditors and Thames Water’s parent company appealed, arguing that the plan unfairly benefited senior lenders. MP Charlie Maynard also called for the company to be placed under special administration, to protect customers. The appeal was rejected, with judges ruling that the approved restructuring should stand. Thames Water serves 16 million customers and manages over 88,000 miles of water infrastructure. The deal is an interim measure, with a long-term financial restructuring expected later this year.

A nationwide health alert has been issued in Scotland following a surge in deaths and overdoses linked to heroin laced with nitazene-type synthetic opioids, known as ‘Frankenstein’ drugs. Nitazenes are up to 500 times stronger than heroin, with no safe way to use them. Overdoses have been sudden and severe, often requiring multiple doses of naloxone to reverse effects. Public Health Scotland (PHS) has warned that the unregulated drug market remains highly toxic and unpredictable. Authorities are advising people not to use the drugs alone, avoid mixing substances, recognise overdose signs, and carry naloxone. As Scotland faces a worsening drug crisis, prayers are needed for protection, recovery, and wisdom for those working to combat addiction and save lives.

Former prime minister Theresa May has criticised Kemi Badenoch’s claim that achieving net zero by 2050 is impossible. Badenoch, the new Tory leader, argued that current environmental policies raise energy costs while failing to protect nature, suggesting the UK should rethink its approach. May said that net zero is challenging but achievable, and warned that delaying action would harm future generations and increase economic and social costs. Former Tory environment minister Chris Skidmore criticised Badenoch’s shifting stance, pointing out her past support for net zero policies as business and trade secretary. Business leaders, including the CBI, also voiced concerns, warning that retreating from net zero could damage economic growth and investor confidence. Environmental groups and opposition politicians condemned Badenoch’s remarks, arguing that fossil fuel dependency threatens both the economy and living standards. Badenoch insists she is not rejecting climate change science but believes net zero is unattainable under current policies.

More than 3,500 churches have closed across the UK in the past ten years, with falling attendance and rising repair costs cited as major factors. The National Churches Trust estimates that between 3,000 and 5,000 parish churches are either closed or rarely used, often lacking a resident vicar. While many church buildings have become derelict, others have been converted into mosques, gyms, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The CofE reports closing around 20 churches a year; some are put up for sale or lease. Meanwhile, church attendance continues to decline, with Sunday worshippers dropping from 788,000 to 557,000 since 2013. Census data also show the number of people identifying as Christian falling from 59% in 2011 to 46% in 2021, while atheism and Islam saw increases. Editor: We give thanks for the sparks of revival reported last week. See

Vladimir Putin has agreed to a thirty-day pause in strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following a phone call with Donald Trump. The two leaders spoke for 90 minutes as the Trump administration works toward ending the conflict that began with Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, Putin refused the broader ceasefire which the USA has proposed. Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the energy-targeting pause but insisted that Ukraine should be involved in future negotiations. Putin also demanded a halt to Western military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine before agreeing to any long-term deal. Zelensky rejected this, calling it an attempt to weaken Ukraine. The White House announced that peace negotiations would begin in the Middle East, with talks including a potential Black Sea ceasefire; Putin has agreed to further discussions on these terms. One immediate result of the phone call has been a major exchange of prisoners: see