Urgent prayer for Venezuela

26 June 2026

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.

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.

Pastoral letter from January 2026

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.