Helping Venezuelans
Through Uncertain Times

Dear Friend,

The people of Venezuela have suffered for more than 25 years under the darkness of socialist oppression imposed by the leadership of Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. There's still a great deal of uncertainty, but Venezuelans now have hope.

Since 2014, more than 8 million people have fled this Caribbean nation, which was once the wealthiest country in South America. The world watched as a corrupt regime of narco-terrorists took nearly everything from the people they claimed to be representing. Tragically, there were also millions who had no choice but to stay and endure extreme poverty and persecution.

That's why Samaritan's Purse has supported churches in Venezuela for over a decade to bring people the hope of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. We partner with an extensive network of churches to help them spread the Good News and serve their neighbors in Jesus' Name.

While the country has been disintegrating, pastors have stepped up to meet urgent needs around them, including providing hot meals to hundreds of thousands of people. "Samaritan's Purse has brought its helping hand and love to us, working in every community with so many vulnerable people," said one pastor in Valencia. "Thank you from Venezuela."

Samaritan's Purse is also supporting more than a dozen local Christian medical organizations that provide treatment to those with nowhere else to turn. The healthcare sector was one of the worst hit by hyperinflation. Venezuelan currency at one point became completely worthless, and the country simply has not been able to maintain its hospital equipment, medical staff, or pharmacies.

For over two decades, Samaritan's Purse has been delivering our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to boys and girls in need across Venezuela—over 330,000 total. Thousands of teachers have been trained to lead The Greatest Journey discipleship course, and they continue to teach the children despite gang violence and chaos. One leader held class just hours after a murder in a nearby neighborhood, but said, "Young and old left very calm and happy knowing that we have a Savior who frees us from all evil!" We praise God that we have seen over 52,000 decisions for Christ since 2004.

While Maduro held power, about 3 million Venezuelans settled in Colombia. There, Samaritan's Purse has been providing food, water, shelter, and medical care since our field office opened in 2018. I've preached in Cucuta and seen the migrant trail with its constant flow of people—sometimes whole families—dragging their suitcases behind them.

Many newly settled Venezuelans, including pregnant women, rely on our medical clinics in Colombia, as do some who often cross the border for healthcare and then return home at night. For moms-to-be, we offer a checkup, prenatal vitamins, nutritional counseling, and a gift kit full of baby care items. Many mothers report that their babies are thriving.

We need to pray for the people of Venezuela, that their tremendous suffering would end soon. Please pray especially for the churches and ministers of the Gospel. No one knows what will happen next, but we know God will supply the needs of His children. Let's ask for courage for them to boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and help meet the needs of their neighbors. The Lord tells us in His Word: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).