Pray for Venezuela

For decades, Venezuelans have longed for leaders who use their power to make their country flourish. In 1998, dissatisfied with the corrupt policies of the nation’s traditional political parties, Venezuelans elected Hugo Chávez as president. He promised to reduce poverty and bring prosperity to all. Instead, he brought deeper corruption, poorly handled the economy, and forced an authoritarian government on the people. His successor, Nicolás Maduro, followed closely in his steps. In 2014, strained by fifteen years of mismanagement, Venezuela’s economy suffered one of the worst collapses in modern history; within twelve months inflation reached over 60 percent. Millions have fled the country since then. In 2026, a US military operation removed Nicolás Maduro from power. Though the country’s political future remained deeply uncertain, Venezuelans began to hope again, praying that their nation would be restored to a place of peace and stability.

Oil — once a great gift — became a curse as the nation grew dangerously dependent on it. In 2014, oil prices collapsed and Venezuela’s economy crumbled, plunging millions of families into poverty. Food and medicine shortages have brought great suffering, and a major earthquake in 2026 brought further devastation. Large urban populations live in informal settlements — “barrios” — that are often controlled by gangs and drug cartels. The nation’s corrupt government fuels poverty, shortages, and gang rule. Leaders enrich themselves through the oil trade, and those who challenge them are imprisoned. The nation’s military has also been accused of helping cartels transport drugs throughout the Americas to collect more money.

Yet, many Venezuelans place their hope in God, and they remain hopeful. Eighty-two percent of Venezuelans identify as Christian. However, many do not truly understand who God is and do not participate in church life. Other Venezuelans have formed their own version of Christianity by mixing Catholic traditions with Caribbean spiritualism. Genuine believers find that the nation’s Christian background opens doors for spiritual conversations, yet it also creates a false sense of spiritual security. Moreover, believers must speak carefully because anything perceived as criticism of the government can bring consequences. Since foreign missionaries struggle to enter the country, the Venezuelan Church must often persevere without outside help. Still, by God’s grace, faith within the Church is strong and its numbers continue to grow. Even though its resources are few, God continues to provide in miraculous ways.