FaithWatch Headlines and Midnight Call Reflections- 17th September 2025

 

---

🌌 Midnight Call – September 17, 2025

---

🌙 The Need to Love

When night falls and the noise of the day grows silent, we are left with the thoughts that truly matter. Among them, none weighs heavier than love—the one virtue that defines our humanity and binds us to God’s purpose.

Love is not a sentimental luxury; it is the foundation of meaningful existence. Without it, every structure of human achievement collapses. Scripture reminds us: “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2). The Apostle Paul was not exaggerating—he was laying bare the principle that all brilliance, power, and influence become void in the absence of love.

History has shown that the lack of love breeds division, hatred, and endless cycles of violence. Nations rise in pride, only to crumble under the weight of their own selfishness. Families fracture, communities suffer, and even the church becomes powerless when love is not its heartbeat. Love is not merely an emotion; it is a moral force that sustains life.

To love is to see beyond differences and discover the image of God in another. It is the courage to forgive when wronged, to share when resources are scarce, and to stand in unity when the world preaches division. Love makes justice possible, because without love, justice turns to revenge. Love makes peace real, because without love, peace is only a fragile truce.

Jesus Himself declared: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). This is not an optional marker of faith—it is the divine signature that validates every claim of following Christ.

Tonight, as the world tosses in uncertainty, we are called back to this eternal truth: love is our greatest need. It is the medicine for broken relationships, the glue for fragmented societies, and the light that prevents us from stumbling in darkness. To love is to live in the very rhythm of God’s heartbeat.

🌌 Midnight Prayer

Lord, teach me to love as You love. Heal every root of bitterness in me, and give me grace to see others through Your eyes. Let my life be a testimony of love that reconciles, heals, and builds. Amen.

---

🌍 Global Headlines

• Markets are watching the U.S. Federal Reserve closely as speculation builds for a 25 basis-point rate cut, possibly the first of the year, which would bring the federal funds rate to 4.00-4.25%.
• The dollar has weakened to multi-year lows against the euro. U.S. gold and equities are rising amid expectations of dovish monetary policy.
• Investors are also focused on Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming statements and updated economic projections, including the “dot plot.”
• At the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo:
   • Isaac Nader of Portugal won gold in the men’s 1500m, overtaking Jake Wightman.
   • The women’s pole vault saw USA’s Katie Moon win her third consecutive title.
   • Faith Cherotich of Kenya broke the championship record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase.

---

🇳🇬 Nigeria & Sports Highlights

• Team Nigeria Athletics: The National Sports Commission has cleared outstanding allowances and bonuses for Nigerian athletes competing at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
• Nigerian Amputee Football gets a boost: Paul Maduakor, President of Nigeria Amputee Football, has been appointed to a Pan-African role to drive growth and funding.
• In football, there’s controversy: Cyriel Dessers was criticized in a match report by the NFF (blamed for being “too slow” and weak in the air) after Nigeria drew 1-1 with South Africa. The NFF later disavowed the report, saying it was not official.
• Up next in the UEFA Champions League: Liverpool hosts Atletico Madrid in their opening match of the 2025-26 league phase.
• Boxing news: Anthony Joshua may return to the ring in early 2026, in a fight that could be hosted in Nigeria. Plans are underway.

---

✨ Religious Highlights

1. Church Attacks in Nigeria
   A report from the NGO Intersociety reveals that around 100 churches are attacked every month in Nigeria by jihadist groups like Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen. Since 2009, approximately 19,100 churches have been destroyed, sacked, or forcibly shut down.

2. Vatican Documents Modern Christian Martyrs
   Through its partnership with charities like Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the Vatican has collected the stories of 1,600+ Christians who have been killed for their faith since 2000—documenting testimonies of persecution and sacrifice across many countries.

3. Tragic Road Accident Claims Lives of Carmelite Sisters
   In Tanzania, four Carmelite sisters and their driver were killed in a road accident. The sisters had been on service when the crash happened—bringing sorrow to their religious community and wider church.

4. WCC Hosts Ecumenical Webinar & Ongoing Commission Work
   The World Council of Churches (WCC) is convening webinars & commissions focused on global Christian unity, justice, and theological dialogues—continuing its efforts to nurture inter-church cooperation and shared faith discussions.

5. “One Million Children Praying the Rosary” Campaign
   The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need is gearing up for its annual One Million Children Praying the Rosary initiative, where children worldwide will gather (physically or virtually) to pray the rosary, uniting their prayers for peace, healing, and spiritual renewal.

---