Venezuelan Churches Step Up in the Face of National Meltdown

The Venezuelan financial crisis has left countless people starving and desperate. But President Nicolás Maduro refuses to allow any international humanitarian aid reach his people. 

"The situation in Venezuela is of a scarcity and desperation," Rosa Contreias Hart, with Christian Aid Mission, said. "There are no food supplies or basic items for cooking in the stores. So even if you have money, it's not available to buy."       

The Venezuelan economy built on socialism is in ruin and so is the country.

But while President Maduro rejects any humanitarian aid, Venezuelan churches are providing hope in the crisis.

Christian Aid is using churches on the border of Venezuela and Colombia to bring life-saving food and clothes to starving Venezuelans. 

"Every week, Venezuelans cross the river border to Colombia looking for basic food supplies and medicine," Hart said. "The ministry Christian Aid supports is providing items such as flour, oil, beans, rice, and clothing. And most of all, they are sharing with them the Word of God and giving them a Bible with these supplies."

These churches are doing more than satisfying physical hunger.

"The churches have built relationships with some of these families, and as they build a relationship, now many of these families are crossing the border to the church on Sundays and worshipping with the church in these cities in Colombia, so basically becoming members of the congregation," Hart said.

Although international humanitarian aid cannot enter the country, Venezuelans are getting food, clothes, and the love of Christ despite the crisis.