Barrancas, Barinas, Venezuela, August 2026

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

He healeth the broken in heart, And bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Weep with them that weep… Romans 12:15

The above verses come to my mind every time I hear the details of a new contact among the earthquake survivors. The amount of loss, of heartbreak and crushed spirits is overwhelming. But the Lord has promised to be close, to save, to heal, and to care for their wounds. We feel deeply for all the heartache and we weep with those who are weeping. One of the three mentions of the Lord’s tears in the Scripture was when He saw those whom he loved weeping over the loss of a loved one. (John 11). He knows, He cares, He weeps. 

Following the devastating earthquake on June 24, relief efforts have been ongoing for the past six weeks. An estimated 30,000 people are reported missing, and 24,000 have been left homeless. The majority of those displaced are residing in government-provided refugee camps. Each family has been given a tent; those with damaged but repairable homes have set up their tents on the street directly in front of their property, unwilling to leave what little they have left. Tents, mattresses, and plastic tarps have been purchased and distributed to create temporary roofs for protection from the rain and sun.

While relief organizations provide one meal a day, Christians from Caracas and across Venezuela remain dedicated to visiting numerous refugee sites. Even so, upon arrival, they still find individuals who have not eaten that day. Each team is accompanied by at least one doctor and a nurse from among the Lord’s people. A dedicated couple utilizes their van daily to transport supplies and volunteers. Every morning, the team purchases essential provisions, including hygiene products, first aid supplies, medications, multivitamins, chewable vitamin C packets, , apples, mandarins. They also prepare sandwiches, healthy snacks, coffee, and cold lemonade to combat the intense coastal heat. Even the heavy machinery operators pause when they see the brethren arriving with apples, expressing deep gratitude for the support. The Christians set up a tent and table as an operations base. Here, they dress wounds, monitor blood pressure, provide bodily nourishment, and offer a listening ear and emotional support. The Word of God—the only true comfort—is shared with families who have all lost loved ones. 

At various refugee sites—some housing over 200 children—volunteers distribute sports balls, coloring books, and art supplies to keep the young ones occupied. The children now spontaneously sing Bible choruses whenever they see the Christians arriving. Three to four Bible classes are held daily across different areas, complete with prizes for scripture memorization. The adults are also presented with the message of the gospel. Many contacts have been made; in fact, when the brethren were out of town for a few days, locals called to ask why they hadn't visited. They repeatedly express deep gratitude for both the emotional support and the Word of God during this difficult time.

Near the now-unusable gospel hall, a gospel tent has been erected. Chairs were purchased to supplement the wooden benches saved from the hall. It remains open all day, surrounded by refugee tents. An assembly in Caracas prepares several hundred meals daily for this site. Many residents listen to the message with great interest, and a good number have professed faith in Christ. Please continue to PRAY for this ongoing effort.

In our state of Barinas, a group of 15 relocated families (comprising over 50 refugees) was identified. When we visited them, they had gone nearly two weeks without any protein. They were extremely grateful to receive a substantial supply of groceries—including chicken, meat, and eggs—along with essential furniture, missing medications, and multivitamins. They received Bibles and the gospel message with great enthusiasm.

Regarding our school, the construction of the 2 new second floor classrooms and ten additional bathroom stalls have been successfully completed, now accommodating over 150 students enrolled from preschool to grade 6 for September. The necessary teachers have sought us out with expressed dedication to help in this labor of impressing God's word on young minds through education. PLEASE PRAY many children will be saved. At several school events throughout the year, parents are invited and most attend and hear a gospel message with interest. 

Remembering the 17 children who live here in the house with us, we thank you for prayer that has gone up for them. Three have professed salvation this year, we continue to plead PRAYER for Anyi, who seems concerned, for Belen, Antonieta, Alexander, Keily. Five will be attending the public high school this year. We PRAY earnestly for their preservation.

Written By

Sandra Turkington