Support UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery for Venezuela.

Standing with Venezuela:

A time to love Our Neighbors.

On Wednesday, June 24, Venezuela was shaken by a devastating series of powerful earthquakes that forever changed the lives of thousands of families. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble, hospitals were overwhelmed, and countless people were left without homes, food, clean water, or access to medical care. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors while many families wait for news of missing loved ones. The disaster has intensified an already difficult humanitarian situation, leaving communities in urgent need of support.

In moments like these, it is easy to feel helpless. Yet as followers of Christ, we are reminded that our compassion is not meant to remain a feeling—it is meant to become action.

Scripture reminds us, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

At Bethel, we've been reflecting on what it means to be good neighbors. Jesus taught us that loving our neighbor is not limited by geography, nationality, language, or culture. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, our neighbor was defined not by proximity but by compassion. Being a neighbor means noticing the suffering of others and choosing to respond with mercy, even when they live thousands of miles away.

Our world is more connected than ever. A family grieving in Venezuela may never meet us, but that doesn't make them any less our neighbors. When disasters strike, when communities lose their homes, or when children go without food, we have the opportunity to extend God's love beyond our own streets and into the wider world. Compassion crosses borders because God's love crosses borders.

As followers of Christ, we are called to respond not only to the needs we can see in our own neighborhoods, but also to the cries of those around the world who need hope. When we pray, give generously, and stand with those who are suffering, we become part of God's work of healing and restoration wherever it is needed.

Today, our brothers and sisters in Venezuela are carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. Families have lost everything they owned. Children are sleeping in temporary shelters. Many communities are struggling to access clean water, food, medicine, and basic necessities. Even before this tragedy, many Venezuelans were living through economic hardship. The earthquake has only deepened their suffering.

As a church, we have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ. Every gift—large or small—helps provide emergency relief, including food, clean water, medical supplies, shelter, and other essential resources for those affected. When we give, we do more than meet physical needs. We remind people they are not forgotten. We tell grieving families that someone across the world is praying for them, standing with them, and responding with love.

Please continue to pray:

• For those who have lost loved ones.
• For families who have been displaced.
• For rescue workers, medical teams, and volunteers.
• For churches and organizations serving those in need.
• For hope, healing, and strength as Venezuela begins the long journey of recovery.

Together, we can be a tangible expression of God’s love during one of Venezuela’s darkest moments. If you would like to support relief efforts for families affected by the earthquake, you can make a donation through UMCOR using the link below. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help bring hope and practical assistance to those who need it most.

Support UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery for Venezuela by clicking the button below. Fill out the donation form and select Venezuela Earthquake under the dropdown labeled "Select preferred IDR gift designation:" toward the bottom of the form. 

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