Folks, just a few days after the new year, my heart has been heavy yet hopeful for the nation of Venezuela. Just overnight, January 3, news broke across the world: U.S. forces carried out a large-scale military strike in Caracas and beyond.
As I watched live online, the explosions rocked the capital, fires and smoke rose from military sites, and reports confirm that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and swiftly removed from the country.
President Trump announced it plainly, describing the action against a regime long accused of narco-terrorism and oppression.
For too long, the Venezuelan people have walked through deep valleys under communist dictator Maduro. When the economy had crashed, stores had nothing, and tons of people became refugees, just trying to escape the tough times.
Every day was a fight for food, medicine, and just to feel safe. For years, the government was a mess, always fighting amongst itself. They put people in jail for speaking out, their elections were sketchy, and if you told the truth, you paid for it.
But even with all that going on, the church is still there, holding strong. I mean, Venezuela is a Christian country, plain and simple.
The vast majority, 80 to 90 percent or more, profess faith in Christ. Roman Catholicism came about with deep roots from colonial days, but while many identify with this religion, active life in the church has faced persecution, especially when leaders like certain bishops and cardinals call out injustice, drawing the Maduro regime's anger. Persecution warnings hung over 2026 if the old order continued.
But praise God, evangelical believers, those hungry for the pure Word, have been growing quietly and steadily. Protestant and Bible-believing fellowships now make up a solid and increasing portion, perhaps 17 to 30 percent in some counts.
In hard times, people turn to simple, Scripture-centred teaching: verse by verse, chapter by chapter, just as the Lord gave it. Pentecostal brothers and others have planted churches in barrios and cities alike, feeding souls with the gospel and offering real hope in Jesus.
And yes, there are Bible-believing churches there, with even a Calvary Chapel presence there, Calvary Chapel Caracas, sometimes called Calvary Chapel of Venezuela. Their heart is clear: making disciples right in the nation’s capital.
It is amazing to find churches that share our same vision, expositional teaching through the Bible, worship that's genuine and unpretentious, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to equip the saints.
Their Facebook page still stands as a witness: "Making disciples in Caracas Venezuela." With the recent upheaval, pray this little light can shine brighter, free from past restrictions on evangelical work.
The nation speaks Spanish, warm Venezuelan Spanish, with its own rhythm and slang. English is spoken by only a few, mostly in business or education circles. So, any outreach, any Bibles sent, any encouragement must flow in that tongue God has given them.
Now a door may be cracking open. With the sudden shift, many hope for true religious liberty, no more harassment of pastors who preach boldly, no more fear in gathering to worship, no more barriers to sharing the good news. The Word declares it plainly: "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17, NKJV).
Pray that liberty comes, not only in politics, but deep in hearts, as the gospel runs freely.
What shall we do, dear ones? First and always, pray without ceasing. Lift Venezuela before the throne: for protection over believers amid transition, for peace instead of chaos, for wise new leadership that honours God, and above all, for revival.
Pray the Lord raises up teachers faithful to His Word, plants more churches grounded in Scripture, and draws many to saving faith in Christ alone.
We can also support where possible, perhaps through Spanish resources, Bibles, or ministries aiding refugees who may one day return as messengers.
But most of all, trust the sovereign hand. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28, NKJV).
The Venezuelan people have endured much, but our God is not limited by regimes or borders. This shaking could be the beginning of something glorious, more open doors for the gospel, more disciples equipped and more glory to Jesus.
So please join me in prayer right now: Father, we come boldly before Your throne for the people of Venezuela. You see every heart, every tear, every cry. Please Lord by your Holy Spirit, please bring true freedom, protect Your church the body of believers, heal the broken, and let the name of Jesus be exalted. Raise up labourers, open the Word afresh, and save souls by the thousands. We trust You, Lord. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Keep pressing on in faith, brothers and sisters. The fields are white, let's be faithful where He plants us, and intercede for places like Venezuela.
Your brother in Christ
Peter
Add comment