What does a transformational church look like?
In Latin America, it sometimes looks like a hot meal served among the rubble, medicine placed in the hands of someone who needs it, or a pastor applying lessons learned from one crisis to serve people facing another.
When devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, Free Methodist churches quickly mobilized. Pastors and members cared for one another, but they did not stop there. They provided meals for families and rescue workers, collected emergency supplies, offered temporary shelter, and prayed with grieving families.
Medicaracas, our Free Methodist medical clinic in Caracas, became a key hub for relief efforts. The clinic distributed medicine, clothing, personal hygiene kits, food and other essential supplies, including bandages and antibiotics for hospitals facing shortages. An ambulance delivered food and supplies to some of the hardest-hit communities and transported injured survivors out for medical care.
Recognizing recovery will take years, Free Methodist leaders are now exploring the purchase a property in La Guaira that could serve as a long-term shelter and food distribution center, providing an ongoing Christian presence among families rebuilding their lives.
The church also refocused its planned annual conference to provide encouragement, worship and trauma-care training for hundreds of pastors and ministry leaders, including leaders from other denominations.
Then, on August 10, another powerful earthquake struck Colombia.
Pastor Miguel Quintero had recently traveled from Colombia to Venezuela to participate in the trauma-care workshops. When his own community in Cali was affected, he and his wife, Yole, put that training into practice, organizing a team and preparing hot meals for survivors.
In Pereira, Pastora Yenni Mena continued serving while facing her own loss. Her home had been declared unlivable, yet she and her church were distributing food, water, tents and other emergency supplies. “I’m so busy helping others,” Yenni said, “that sometimes I forget I’m an earthquake victim too.”
This is one way the Free Methodist Church is participating with God in the restoration of Latin America. In both Venezuela and Colombia, churches and leaders are moving toward people who are hurting, combining practical service with spiritual care, and remaining present even as they experience suffering themselves.
Recovery in both countries will take years. Pray with us for wisdom, strength and endurance for these leaders. And pray the church will continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope and healing to communities on the long road to recovery.
