Global Ministries Statement of Support for Venezuela and Colombia

published on Aug 11, 2026

Venezuela

On June 24, 2026, two earthquakes registering at 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes struck northwestern and central Venezuela. The impacts of the earthquakes and aftershocks were felt nationwide, particularly in Caracas and La Guaira, where 80% of buildings collapsed. As of early August, more than 6,300 were reported dead, 61,000 hospitalized, and tens of thousands still missing. The World Bank estimates that the quakes caused $19.6 billion in direct physical damage. People are still looking for the remains of their loved ones – which requires removing debris and rubble, estimated at 1.2 million tons. The spread of pollutants and rising levels of trash is creating a serious concern for the spread of disease. Thousands of volunteers and humanitarian workers have joined the relief efforts but are now prone to developing respiratory illnesses due to their direct exposure to collapsed buildings. There is also a growing need for psychosocial and wellness support for first responders.

Dr. Luz Lugo, of the UEPV “Cordero de Dios” Church, is active in providing pastoral medical care in the state of La Guaira—an area severely affected.

Global Ministries partner, the Union Evangélica Pentecostal Venezolana (UEPV), is on the front lines of the humanitarian response. With support from Global Ministries, the UEPV has activated a humanitarian brigade to accompany those impacted in the aftermath of the earthquakes. The UEPV Brigade is distributing non-perishable food items, medicine, potable water, and clothes and is using their congregations as storage centers. The brigade also includes veterinarians dedicated to rescuing and treating abandoned pets. Because the work is fatiguing, the UEPV is providing psycho-social support to pastors and first responders.

The humanitarian brigades delivering aid on behalf of churches

UEPV leadership has reiterated its appreciation in saying, “We thank Global Ministries for their timely support during this humanitarian crisis.”

Colombia

On August 10, 2026, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia – the most powerful recorded earthquake in Colombia in the past decade. While the details are still emerging, early reports register more than 120 deaths and 1,495 injured – these numbers are expected to rise in the coming days and weeks. Damage assessments and rescue efforts are currently underway to clear debris and rescue those trapped in the rubble. Global Ministries’ partner, the Peace Commission of the Evangelical Council of Colombia (CEDECOL), reported that their personnel and campus are largely safe, although several walls came tumbling down in the quake. Global Ministries partner Justapaz also reported limited damage, confirming that all staff were safe and accounted for. Both organizations are currently evaluating the full extent of damages nationwide.

Global Ministries remains committed to accompanying our partners and the peoples of Venezuela and Colombia as they navigate these moments of grief and loss. Our partner Red CLAI offers the following resource to guide us in our prayers.