God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Psalm 46:1-3
Beloved sisters and brothers
We call on your prayers and actions of solidarity with our members in Venezuela.
On 24 June 2026, Venezuela was struck by two earthquakes of greater than 7.0 magnitude each, followed by aftershocks.
The earthquakes affected a significant region of the country but the severest effects have been reported in La Guaira and the capital city, Caracas.
At time of writing, confirmed deaths were near 200 with some 1 000 wounded. However, thousands are missing with many buildings collapsed.
29 June 2026 update: Close to 1,500 people are confirmed dead. Tens of thousands are still missing.
3 July 2026 update: The United Nations reports more than 2 000 dead, more than 10 000 wounded, more than 10 000 displaced from homes. With some 60 000 buildings destroyed, many people are relocating their families to other parts of the country.
“I have been in touch with all the leaders in Venezuela,” says Pablo Stucky, regional representative for Latin America – Andean region. He has connected Mennonite, Mennonite Brethren and Brethren in Christ leaders in neighbouring Colombia with their counterparts in Venezuela.
More than 35 Anabaptists from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala joined an online prayer meeting 29 June 2026.
“There are places that haven’t even received any water yet. In many areas, there is a need for sleeping mats, blankets, personal hygiene items, and even toys or crayons to keep the children occupied, because many of them are depressed and don’t want to eat,” says a church member in Caracas.
The disaster strikes while the vast majority of the population is still hoping for economic and social improvement after a USA-imposed government change and following years of hyperinflation.
Anabaptist-identifying churches in Venezuela include Mennonite Brethren, Brethren in Christ and Mennonite. Casa de Restauración y Vida Shalom is an associate member of MWC. Anabaptist leaders in Venezuela report their members are generally unharmed physically, although some church members took shelter in a church building after damage to their homes.
“The emotional impact has been strong especially for those in the Caracas area,” says Pablo Stucky, MWC regional representative for Latin America – Andean region. “The damage and loss of life has been very significant, along with disruptions in communication for example. All this requires rebuilding in a country already economically fragile.”
Lord, comfort the people of Venezuela. Console the bereaved. Heal the wounded. Rescue the trapped. Minister peace to those who are anxious and suffering. Equip your people with resilience to help their neighbours and guide governments to respond with wisdom, fairness and compassion.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace, amen.
Henk Stenvers,
president,
Mennonite World Conference
Tigist Tesfaye
secretary,
Deacons Commission
Pablo Stucky
Regional representative, Latin America – Andean Region
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