Pray for Venezuela on Sunday, August 27, 2017
Lectionary Selection: Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28
Prayers for Venezuela:
Oh, God, as we confess that you are the foundation of our faith and the foundation of the church, give us the strength and the power to be active agents of your reign in our world.
In times of conflict, confrontation, and despair in Venezuela, grant that the Evangelical Pentecostal Union of Venezuela could be an agent of reconciliation and peace. Give to the Evangelical Pentecostal Union of Venezuela the courage to be a prophetic voice in the midst of silence and complacency.
There are evil forces that become obstacles in the way to do justice and promote peace.
Help the leadership of the Evangelical Pentecostal Union of Venezuela to discern ways in which a pastoral accompaniment could provide vision and hope for the future, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to open spaces for dialogue to reconstruct a society in which justice and equality prevail.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace. Amen.
Mission Stewardship Moment from Venezuela:
The Evangelical Pentecostal Union of Venezuela is approaching the celebration of 60 years of active ministry in the country. From the very beginning the founders of this national, indigenous Pentecostal movement embraced a pastoral and prophetic commitment among the poorest and most marginalized sectors of Venezuela. This commitment included orphanages which they called “hogares de paz” (Peace Homes). Many children were raised and educated in these homes. Some of them are pastors, teachers and lay leaders, to this day, in local congregations.
A Youth Ministry was developed early on, including the founding of an association called “Unión Juvenil Imitadores de Cristo” (Youth Union Imitators of Christ). This ministry is a strong witness to the fact that in all congregations, young people play an important role in the life of the church. Women also play an important role in the life of this denomination, “Unión Misionera Femenil” (Women’s Missionary Union). They are key leaders in the life of the church, including been ordained as pastors, presbyters and bishops.
Being an indigenous church, the Evangelical Pentecostal Union of Venezuela developed a self-supporting, self-propagating and self-governing, national church. Two key components support their concept of Mission: Education and Ecumenism.
(Prayer and Mission Moment by Carmelo Alvarez)
Mission Partners in Venezuela:
More information on Venezuela: http://www.globalministries.org/venezuela
Global Ministries Mission Coworker in Venezuela:
Carmelo Alvarez serves the Latin American Evangelical Pentecostal Commission (CEPLA) and the Evangelical Pentecostal Union of Venezuela (UEPV) and is based in Chicago, Illinois. He works as program consultant and visiting professor for the CEPLA and the UEPV. His appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples’ Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts.