Please pray: Christian communities in Venezuela increasingly vulnerable after earthquakes

In the horrific aftermath of two earthquakes in Venezuela, communities are experiencing the devastating impact of the crisis. Please pray for all affected, especially our brothers and sisters made even more vulnerable at this time.

Two earthquakes struck Venezuela last week on Wednesday 24 June, flattening buildings, destroying infrastructure and causing the deaths of at least 188 people, as well as over 1,500 injured. The earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and were a mere 40 seconds apart, devastating communities in northern Venezuela and notably those living in the capital Caracas and La Guaira.

Search and rescue operations continue for hundreds of missing people, whilst the Venezuelan government has declared a national state of emergency given the extent of damage. Collapsed buildings, limited access to drinking water and widespread infrastructure destruction are rapidly growing the urgent need for humanitarian aid. Thousands of people are facing displacement, insecurity and a growing inability to access essential resources.

Given damages to infrastructure, communication has also become extremely difficult. Families abroad are awaiting news of their loved ones with deep anxiety; communities in places like La Guaira are especially hard to reach.

“The main concern for Venezuelan families at this moment is knowing whether their missing relatives are still alive. Another major difficulty is for the injured and for those who have seen their homes destroyed. All of this adds to an emotional shock that creates anguish and despair,” shares a local Christian. “In addition, people outside the country with relatives in the affected states may be going through pain and distress as they learn that their loved ones are dead or missing.

“Power outages and communication disruptions in these areas are severely affecting the emotional stability of family members abroad. There is also fear of further aftershocks that could claim more lives and further damage already affected homes and belongings.”

Whilst the horror of the natural disaster has affected many, vulnerable communities are especially feeling the sharp end of the disaster – amongst them, our brothers and sisters.

A church overwhelmed

Life for Christians in Venezuela is marked by pressure from authorities, surveillance and restrictions on the population. Believers could face detention or intimidation for denouncing injustices, and threats can also arise from criminal networks. These pressures reduce the church’s capacity to respond to emergencies like the recent earthquakes, as they strive to be a refuge to those in need.

Christian communities are not only suffering the consequences of the natural disaster but must also navigate an environment where there are reports of unequal access to humanitarian aid, with distribution prioritised for those perceived to align with the authorities, leaving church communities neglected.

Believers have suffered damage to homes and churches – simultaneously, leaders are trying to support their congregations and surrounding communities. In La Guaira, a church collapsed completely.

“Last night we were very frightened,” shared a pastor from one of the affected areas.

“Many people are in distress after losing everything, with multiple structures collapsed,” said Edilberto*, a Christian resident, through tears.

Despite growing needs, believers are sharing what they have and coordinating the delivery of aid to the hardest-hit areas. “Out here with the neighbours, we have been supporting one another, staying together and bringing calm during the night and this difficult time,” explained a Christian from the state of Aragua.

A grieving land

“The Venezuelan church, as a social actor in the country, has been living in constant uncertainty,” says an Open Doors local partner. “Now, this tragedy – one that has plunged society as a whole into mourning – is added to that context. The church is overwhelmed, mobilising to contribute in any way possible while praying for divine intervention amid the immense needs the country is facing.”

Your prayers are urgently needed for Venezuela in this recent crisis – especially for vulnerable communities like our brothers and sisters as they seek to be a blessing to others, even as they experience deep need themselves.

Thank you.

*Name changed for security reasons