Pray for Venezuela on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Lectionary Selection: Mark 7: 24 – 37
Prayer for Venezuela
Oh, God we pray for the vibrant, enthusiastic young people of Venezuela. They are the source of hope for the present and the future of God’s reign in Venezuela. We pray that the opportunities to be trained professionals and to serve their country in areas such as education, health, anthropology, cultural studies and technical careers are used to serve with compassion and justice. We pray for Venezuela and the coming presidential election on October 7. Grant your peace to the people of Venezuela, and a real reconciling process towards peace with justice for the whole land. We pray for local pastors, regional coordinators, Presiding Bishop Rev. Gamaliel Lugo and Auxiliary Bishop Rev. Eseario Sosa. In times like these they need wisdom to discern your will and the strength to lead that comes from the Holy Spirit. Be their vision, Oh, God in the days ahead. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, herald of your reign and the giver of peace with justice. Amen.
Mission Stewardship Moment from Venezuela:
The text in the gospel of Mark 4:24-37 is focusing on two major dimensions, human need and Christian compassion. Jesus’ ministry is centered in healing and accompanying people. Even when his actions are surrounded with controversy, his attitude remains focused on the people and their situations. The annual General Assembly of the Evangelical Pentecostal Union of Venezuela was held August 23-26, under the theme “God’s reign is among us”. The 410 delegates, mainly youth and women, came from the various states of Venezuela. They got involved in intense Bible studies, group discussions and plenary sessions. There I experienced, firsthand the ministry of compassion and healing. For me the Youth Gathering Friday night was the highlight of the whole Assembly. I preached on Colossians 3:14-17, insisting to an audience of mostly young people that the love of Christ is the source for building community; that peace is at the center of any process that promotes justice; that a singing faith is based on God’s wisdom and needs to be shown in word and deed. — Praising God always, in all things is the way to go! At the end of my preaching we had an altar call and 25 young people came to renew their commitment to God’s reign and the church’s mission in Venezuela.
Prayer and Mission Moment by Carmelo Alvarez
Video Resources about Venezuela
Interview with missionary Carmelo Alvarez on the history of partnership in Venezuela:
http://globalministries.org/resources/multimedia-resources/videos/video-mission-moments/venezueal-partnership-alvarez.html
Interview with missionary Carmelo Alvarez on the social, political challenges in Venezuela
http://globalministries.org/resources/multimedia-resources/videos/video-mission-moments/venezuela-context-alvarez.html
Global Ministries International Partners in Venezuela:
Programa Abierto de Capacitacion Teologica (PACTO)
Union Evangelica Pentecostal Venezolana (UEPV)
More information on Venezuela:
http://globalministries.org/lac/countries/venezuela/
Global Ministries Missionary in Venezuela:
Carmelo Alvarez serves the Latin American Evangelical Pentecostal Commission (CEPLA) and the Evangelical Pentecostal Union of Venezuela (UEPV) based in Chicago, Illinois. He works as program consultant and visiting professor for the CEPLA and the UEPV.