Venezuela is a beautiful nation with a rich history, but is now suffering a severe humanitarian and economic crises. The country is ravaged by corruption. The economy and basic human services are failing. Over nine million people are considered food insecure, representing one-third of the population. Human rights violations include over 20,000 extrajudicial killings. Nearly seven million people have left the country in a mass exodus.
God is still moving in Venezuela! Pastor William Quintero, a former drug addict who spent 18 years in prison, is reaching 2,900 inmates through a vibrant ministry in six prisons. This includes convicted criminals and political prisoners. Hundreds have come to Christ. They often come together for all-night prayer vigils and recently filled the prison baseball stadium in worship and intercession for their country. Pastor Quintero provides Bibles and Spanish-translation copies of Walk with Me for inmates and brings the Gospel message of freedom and salvation through Jesus Christ.
The purchase of a home, agricultural field, and fish ponds has now provided a half-way house for released prisoners to receive life-changing discipleship and life-skills instruction. Agricultural and fish production makes the location fully sustainable and provide men with the ability to re-enter society with skills and dignity.
Urban Harvest Ministries is honored to partner with Pastor Quintero in spreading the Gospel among inmates in Venezuela.
Earthquake Response
When the devastating earthquakes took place on June 24, our outreach team sprung into action, immediately providing shelter for people displaced by the tragic events. For the next several days, we filled trucks with food and water for people left homeless and with nothing but the clothes they were wearing when the earthquakes took place.
As relief agencies began to arrive, we shifted our focus to provide shelter in our outreach home for families from the areas hardest hit in this tragedy. Several families and adults consisting of 42 people were able to rest in peace and take the steps to begin a new life. Outreach on the streets continues as the effects of this tragedy will be long-lasting. We are thankful to have our team in place to compassionately reach out to the desperate needs in the people in Venezuela!
To donate to the outreach in Venezuela, click here and designate “Venezuela” with your gift.
Corruption: Widespread corruption within the government and state-owned enterprises has been a significant factor in the country’s decline.
Human Rights Abuses: Maduro’s government has been accused of human rights violations, including over 20,000 extrajudicial killings.
Anti-Democratic Governance: Maduro has faced accusations of anti-democratic practices, including undermining election processes and suppressing the opposition.
Mass Exodus: The ensuing humanitarian and economic crisis has forced an estimated seven million Venezuelans to flee the country, according to the UN and Human Rights Watch.
Political Crisis: Doubts and controversies surrounding the legitimacy of the 2024 presidential election under Maduro triggered another political crisis.
