Global Ministries Statement on Venezuela Earthquakes
Global Ministries grieves with the people of Venezuela as the full destruction and impacts of the current humanitarian crisis unfold. The 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes (with over 430 reported aftershocks since) have so far resulted in the death of 1,500 people, leaving thousands more injured. Prior to the earthquakes, 70% of the population lacked access to health care services, 40% suffered from food insecurity, and over 60% lacked reliable access to drinking water. The United Nations estimates that around 125 buildings have collapsed, and UNICEF projects that about 1.8 million people, including 680,000 children, need humanitarian aid.
Venezuelan aid workers, rescue teams, and citizens have mobilized immediately, carrying relief supplies and searching for those caught under the rubble and debris. The global community has committed hundreds of millions of dollars and technical expertise to assist the Venezuelan people. Global Ministries continues to pray for those who grieve the loss of loved ones, as well as for those who are holding on to hope to find their missing loved ones. We pray for Global Ministries’ partner, Union Evangélica Pentecostal de Venezuela (UEPV) and all other faith-based and civil society organizations mobilizing life-saving actions.
Union Evangélica Pentecostal de Venezuela (UEPV) is activating and mobilizing the following efforts:
- Creation of a facility for food, medicine, rescue tools, and animal food
- Rescue teams for accompaniment and intervention
- Medical teams
- Care and attention for rescued pets
- Convening prayer and coordination events with other churches and society
Resources
Pastoral Care Worship Service from UEPV
