Disaster Relief

Team en route to Venezuela
July 6, 2026

This morning, a three-person AVC team departed for Venezuela. The long journey will take them directly into the earthquake-affected area, where they will meet with Rev. Lewis Rodriguez. He will give them a current update on the situation of the churches and the region.

Due to the high risk of infection and contamination on the ground, the team is carrying masks, gloves, and hygiene supplies. In addition, the necessary funds are available to help as many people as possible on-site.

Thank you so much for the generous support we've received over the past few days — whether through financial gifts, personal messages to our staff, or prayer.

More news to follow once the team has met with Rev. Rodriguez.

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We were able to have a direct conversation with Reverend Lewis Rodriguez, Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Venezuela. His report is heartbreaking:

• 33 Assemblies of God church buildings have been completely destroyed.

• Hundreds of their members have lost their lives. One single congregation alone is mourning the loss of over 100 members.

• Government support for recovery efforts and care for survivors is completely inadequate. The most basic necessities are lacking: drinking water, food, and hygiene supplies are barely available. Hospitals are also facing a dramatic shortage of essential medical supplies, such as gloves and masks.

Our Commitment and Strategy

As AVC, we immediately launched an emergency relief appeal. Since Venezuela's economic situation was already extremely difficult even before the disaster — bank transfers are essentially useless, as cash withdrawals are severely limited even under normal circumstances — we have chosen a direct approach:

• Rapid response: We are sending a small team on the ground as early as next week to personally deliver the funds we've raised.

• Local procurement: These funds will be used to purchase relief supplies directly on site. This ensures that help reaches those who need it most, without being held up by bureaucratic or financial obstacles.

How You Can Help

We're not just calling for a one-time act of emergency relief. We see our task as standing alongside our brothers and sisters and the destroyed congregations for the long term — supporting them through rebuilding and through this difficult time of grief and loss.