{"id":129257,"date":"2026-06-26T05:13:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T05:13:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mwc-cmm.org\/?p=129257"},"modified":"2026-06-26T05:13:30","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T05:13:30","slug":"urgent-prayer-for-venezuela","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mwc-cmm.org\/en\/stories\/urgent-prayer-for-venezuela\/","title":{"rendered":"Urgent prayer for\u00a0Venezuela\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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God is our refuge and strength,\u00a0
\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202fa very present\u202fhelp in trouble.\u00a0
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,\u00a0
\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202fthough the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,\u00a0
\u202f<\/sup><\/strong>though its waters roar and foam,\u00a0
\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202fthough the mountains tremble with its tumult.\u202f\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 46:1-3 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Beloved sisters and brothers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We call on your prayers and actions of solidarity with our members in Venezuela.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 24 June 2026,\u00a0Venezuela was struck by two earthquakes\u00a0of greater than 7.0\u00a0magnitude
each, followed by aftershocks.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The earthquakes affected a significant region of the country but the severest effects have been reported in La Guaira and the capital city, Caracas.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At time of writing,\u00a0confirmed deaths were near 200\u00a0with\u00a0some\u00a01\u202f000 wounded. However,
thousands are missing with\u00a0many\u00a0buildings\u00a0collapsed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Recent pastoral letter<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Anabaptist-identifying churches in Venezuela include Mennonite Brethren, Brethren in Christ and Mennonite. Casa de Restauraci\u00f3n 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe emotional impact has been strong especially for those in the Caracas area,\u201d says Pablo Stucky, MWC regional representative for Latin America \u2013 Andino region. \u201cThe 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord, comfort the people of Venezuela. Console the bereaved. Heal the wounded. Rescue the trapped.<\/em>\u00a0Minister peace to those who are anxious and suffering.\u00a0Equip your people with resilience to help their neighbours\u00a0and guide governments to respond\u00a0with\u00a0wisdom,\u00a0fairness\u00a0and compassion.\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace, amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Henk<\/figure>
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Henk Stenvers, <\/em>
president, <\/em>
Mennonite World Conference<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Tigist<\/figure>
\n

Tigist Tesfaye
secretary,
Deacons Commission<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>
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Pablo Stucky<\/em>
Regional representative, Latin America \u2013\u00a0Andean Region<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Urgent prayer & pastoral letters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n