Alliance Churches in Venezuela Bring Relief and Hope After Devastating Earthquakes

After two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, Alliance churches quickly mobilized to provide food, medical care, blankets, prayer and the hope of the gospel while preparing for the long journey from relief to redevelopment.

On June 24, two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Venezuela within 39 seconds of each other. The disaster became the country’s deadliest earthquake since 1812 and the worst natural disaster in its recent history.

Alliance leaders immediately attempted to contact the national church. Communication systems, however, had been disrupted, and no one knew whether their messages had been received.

Then the Alliance family in neighboring Colombia stepped in. Longstanding relationships between churches in the two countries made it possible to reestablish contact with church leaders in Venezuela and begin coordinating support.

As reports emerged, the scale of the devastation became clear. More than 5,000 people lost their lives, approximately 17,000 were injured, more than 46,000 were reported missing, and nearly 18,000 homes were destroyed. Thousands of families were left sleeping in shelters or tent camps.

Yet, even as the nation mourned, Alliance churches were already serving.

Although many pastors and church members experienced personal loss, the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) churches in Venezuela were grateful that none of their members died in the earthquakes.

Church buildings quickly became centers of prayer, compassion, and relief. Pastors and volunteers prepared meals and collected food, drinking water, medicine, clothing, hygiene supplies, and household items for families in need. Medical teams also provided care, while churches shared the hope of the gospel.

Some of the most meaningful acts of compassion began with a simple request.

Families sleeping in tent camps told volunteers that the nights had become cold. One Alliance church with a sewing ministry immediately went to work making blankets, sheets, and children’s pajamas. Before packing each item for distribution, volunteers embroidered words of encouragement on them, reminding every family that they had not been forgotten.

Behind every relief package is a personal story.

Church member Bernardo Angarita traveled to La Guaira after learning that the building where his sister and brother-in-law lived had collapsed. After more than a week of searching, his family recovered their bodies.

Another Alliance family from Chuao had recently moved to La Guaira for work. They lost their father, mother, and son when their apartment building collapsed.

Throughout the tragedy, local churches continued to stand beside grieving families, offering prayer and practical support.

“Our churches see the need to share the message of salvation while bringing help to everyone in need,” said Rev. Natanael Gil, national president of the C&MA of Venezuela.

The response has expanded through the support of the global Alliance family. CAMA Services, the relief and development branch of the C&MA in the United States, together with other churches and individual donors, has provided financial assistance. This support has enabled the national church to continue purchasing supplies and reaching affected communities with practical help and the hope of Christ.

Although emergency relief remains the immediate priority, church leaders are already looking toward the next phase of the response. They anticipate moving from relief to redevelopment, helping families rebuild their lives while continuing to share the love of Christ.

Despite the trauma, they have already witnessed lives being touched through acts of compassion and relationships formed during the response.

Please pray for:

• Children who lost one or both parents, that they will be protected and cared for.
• Families grieving the loss of loved ones, that the Lord will fill their hearts with peace.
• Those who lost their homes and are now living in shelters or tent camps.
• Humanitarian ministry that Alliance churches are resuming in La Guaira using resources provided through Alliance partners and individual donors.
• Pastors, volunteers and ministry leaders as they continue serving people who have experienced deep trauma, asking the Lord to give them strength and peace.
• Natanael Gil, asking the Lord to grant him wisdom, strength and good health as he leads the ongoing response.

Through the unity of the Alliance family, churches across borders came together so that food, blankets, medicine, prayer and the hope that can only be find in Jesus Christ could reach thousands of people. As the country begins the long road to recovery, Alliance churches continue reminding their neighbors that they are not walking alone.