Palo Negro, Venezuela
- Samuel & Sharon Ussher
- Feb 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 8
I have been asked to write a report on the Lord's work in Venezuela and the current state of affairs here. We do so desiring that God will receive all the glory and that it will stimulate the Lord's people to continue in prayer for the work, the workers, and the Christians here.
Due to the political turmoil at the end of last year, there was uncertainty as to whether the Christmas conferences could be held. Still, God gave assurance, and His faithfulness was once again manifested. Almost 2,000 believers gathered at the conference in Puerto Cabello to hear the Word of God over 3 days. Around 600 believers attended the conference in Maracay, where the Lord's presence was very evident, giving His people encouragement and comfort through His Word. We were glad to have the visit of three Venezuelan brethren who serve the Lord in Colombia (Jose Batioja, Miguel Castro & Jose Yepez) and our brother Jose Delgado, who serves the Lord in Peru. One of the conference sessions was set aside for reports on the Lord's work in these lands, and we pray that younger believers will be encouraged to consecrate their lives to the service of God.
At the start of the year, we had the privilege of sharing a week of ministry meetings with brother Jose Batioja in one of the assemblies in Maracay, from whence he was commended to the grace of God. There are four assemblies in the city, and their support was much appreciated. On the Lord's Day, after the gospel meeting, three believers were baptized, bringing much joy to the assembly.
On Saturday afternoon, we held the first monthly ministry meeting of the assemblies in this area. We gathered in the small assembly in Tiguigue, and although attendance was lower than in previous years due to transport costs, the Lord's people were encouraged as three brethren spoke words from God.
The following week, I travelled each afternoon to help the assembly in Tocuyito with the ministry of the Word of God. It is located in the greater Valencia area and has experienced difficulties in recent years. It was encouraging to see the Lord's people respond to the Word of God. On the Saturday afternoon, we had the privilege of being at the bi‑monthly ministry meeting of the Valencia area in the hall of the Las Parcelas assembly. Almost 500 believers attended, and five of the Lord's servants took part. There are 17 assemblies in the greater Valencia area and almost as many outreach works where Gospel Halls have already been built. The assemblies have a good exercise to preach the gospel and work among the children, using the gift that God has raised in each assembly. There is no full‑time worker in that area, and there is a great need for the teaching of the Word of God.
“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:38).
Last week was spent with the assembly in Guacara for the ministry meeting to mark 80 years of assembly testimony there. Mr. Eddie Fairfield laboured there and gave valuable help after the assembly was formed. The believers still meet in the Gospel Hall he built. God is faithful and able to sustain each golden lampstand for His glory. Mr. and Mrs. Neal Thompson made their home there in their later years, giving valued help.
On Saturday, we travelled to San Fernando, in the state of Apure, to help with the bi‑monthly ministry meeting of the three assemblies in that area. It was a joy to be with them again and see almost 200 believers gathered on a hot afternoon to hear the ministry of the Word of God. It’s almost 50 years since the first assembly was formed as a result of the labours of Mr. Joe Turkington and my father. After Mr. Turkington passed away, my father spent time there every year seeking to build up the work. There are now two assemblies in the city and another assembly in the countryside.
We passed through Calabozo on our way to San Fernando. It brought to mind much labour in the gospel there by my father and other workers that apparently didn't yield fruit. Later, we spent several years preaching the gospel on Saturdays but with little result. But a few years ago, the door opened, and one of our Venezuelan fellow workers moved there and has seen the hand of God in the same areas where the gospel was preached in the past. We rejoice to see fruit after many days.
We arrived home in time to attend the gospel meeting in Palo Negro, where we live. The assembly will be starting gospel meetings tonight in the home of a sister. Prayer is appreciated that God will work in the salvation of precious souls. We will commence ministry meetings tonight with the assembly in Paya, in view of the baptism of four believers next weekend, Lord willing.
What we have recounted is a sample of the work being done across this country. Assemblies are exercised to preach the gospel, and the Lord’s servants are reaching out to other areas, but there is a vast need. There are currently 26 commended workers, but more are needed. A number of our dear brethren are elderly and have health issues; we commit them to your prayers. Our brother Kenny Turkington suffered a fall in December, resulting in a head injury, and he is still recovering slowly. A young couple, J. Alberto and Aixa Heredia, were commended to the work at the end of last year. We thank God for this.
There are currently 205 assemblies in the country, and we praise God for the happy fellowship among them all. We ask you to pray that this will continue for the glory of God. Many believers are aware of the events here at the start of the year. Since then, there has been a tense calm; the people hardly know what to expect, but we know that “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men.” Pray that conditions favourable to the gospel will continue.
Front, left to right: Pedro Malave, Andrew Turkington, Gelson Villegas, Noel McKeown, Jose Mujica, Nehemias Sequera, Samuel Rojas.
Back, left to right: Hanan Sequera, Adin Sequera, José Yepez (Colombia), Eduardo Jiménez, Ruben Mendoza, José Batioja (Colombia), Jorge Gómez, William Turkington, J Alberto Heredia, Miguel Castro (Colombia), José Delgado (Peru), Alejandro Trías, Mario Vargas.
Written by Samuel & Sharon Ussher samuelsharonussher@yahoo.com
