International Ministries (IM) is providing $15,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) emergency disaster relief funds to assist IM partners in Venezuela with food and supplies in the aftermath of recent earthquakes. 

IM’s emergency relief funds will help address the immediate survival needs after earthquakes have hit Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24th. Rev. Scipio, Director of BFAD Baptist World Alliance comments: “This doublet earthquake hit north and central Venezuela, including the capital, Caracas. We are watching and praying as survivors are being rescued that God’s mercy will more abound.” Over 900 people have died, thousands are injured and many are still reported missing. 

Elier J. Romero, General Director of the National Baptist Convention of Venezuela, comments that “there are 50 Baptist churches within the impacted region, including 15 churches located in the areas most severely affected by the earthquake.” Cesar Henriquez, Director of the Ecumenical Council of Venezuela, adds: “we will provide the necessary care and intervention for the families during this time of grief, loss and pain. We believe this is where we can make our greatest contribution.”

Pray  

• For Those Displaced and Affected: Pray for comfort, safety, and resilience for families who have been evacuated or lost their homes. Ask for peace and strength as they face uncertainty and rebuild their lives. 

• For Restoration of Critical Resources: Pray for the swift restoration of electricity, clean water, and communication systems. Ask for protection against potential health crises due to the lack of clean water and limited medical access. 

• For Long-Term Recovery and Resilience: Pray for the rebuilding efforts to be effective and sustainable, especially in restoring homes and infrastructure. Ask for wisdom for leaders and communities to strengthen their resilience against future disasters. 

Area Director for Iberoamerica and the Caribbean, Rev. Dr. Adalia Gutierrez Lee, shares “International Ministries remains committed to walking alongside our global partners to help restore hope and rebuild lives. In the coming days and weeks, we will work with our partners to assess the evolving needs in Venezuela and expand our support where it is needed most. We invite our supporters to join us through prayer and sharing this urgent call with others.” 

Those who wish to directly support IM’s local partners that provide disaster relief can do so through their American Baptist church, through giving online, or by sending checks directly to International Ministries. Please designate your contributions “OGHS–Venezuela Relief” on the memo line of your check. 

Checks sent directly to International Ministries should be made payable to “International Ministries” and mailed to: International Ministries. Attn: Gifts Processing 1003 W 9th Avenue, Ste A King of Prussia, PA 19406 

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is administered by the World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA. The Committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work, and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing the distribution of the annual OGHS offering received by churches.