AGWM, Convoy of Hope Responding to Venezuela Earthquake Disaster

“Our hearts are with the people of Venezuela as communities respond to last week's devastating earthquakes near Caracas,” states John Easter, AG World Missions executive director. “While the full extent of the damage is still being determined, many families have lost loved ones and homes. The Venezuela Assemblies of God have shared with us that churches and pastors have been affected and countless people are facing uncertainty without the hope of Jesus.”

The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, were classified by seismologists as a "seismic doublet" — an extremely rare phenomenon in which two major quakes strike almost simultaneously, compounding the damage. They rank among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, and officials report more than 1,400 people dead, over 3,100 injured, and more than 12,700 displaced with those numbers expected to rise.

Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a national state of emergency as infrastructure across the country, especially in Caracas, remains in crisis.

AGWM Latin America-Caribbean missionaries on the ground are asking for prayer: "Please continue praying. It's too early to know the full picture, but we know many people have lost their homes and rescue efforts are still underway."

Survivors are still being pulled from the debris, as dozens of buildings have collapsed, and families with missing loved ones are clinging to hope as rescue teams work around the clock.

Convoy of Hope, based in Springfield, Missouri, is also on the ground, providing food, water, and hot meals from mobile kitchens to help meet immediate needs.

"The loss of life is staggering," said Convoy of Hope National Spokesperson Ethan Forhetz. "As we distribute life-sustaining items, we give hope to people who are walking through unthinkable tragedy."

“Together, we're committed to walking alongside Venezuela for the long haul,” Easter says, “meeting physical needs while pointing to the hope found only in Jesus.”

AGWM asks people to pray for those waiting to be rescued, and for every family affected; for pastors, churches, and believers ministering to others while facing loss themselves; and for God's peace to be evident throughout Venezuela.

Those who desire to help with the relief effort are encouraged to donate to the AGWM Disaster Relief Fund.

AG News