The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is rallying aid to Venezuela after two deadly earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday, June 24.
The humanitarian response includes the distribution of approximately 5,000 aid kits, which are expected to benefit more than 23,000 people, according to a news release on the church’s Spanish-language newsroom website.
The kits include food, drinking water, hygiene products, and other essentials. Churches are also working to provide mattresses, blankets, and pillows to people in evacuation centers.
The Church is responding in coordination with other humanitarian organizations and government authorities. The church is also preparing other projects focused on supporting recovery for families who have lost belongings.
Area Seventy Elder Bhanu Hiranandani wrote in an email to Church News that some of the church’s meeting halls have been set up as collection centers to assist the community. He also wrote: “Due to limited access and restricted visits to the most severely affected areas, we are currently awaiting the opportunity to arrive in those locations and provide volunteer services.”
Elder Hiranandai wrote: “These are difficult times, and we must trust in the promises of the Lord. Isaiah 41:10 says, ‘Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Indeed, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'”
I was shocked by the news
Elder Pedro
He said the many trials and challenges facing the people of Venezuela remind us of Mosiah 24:13-16. In these verses, the Lord comforts us by promising, “I, the Lord God, will visit my people in their affliction.”
Elder Larreal said: “I have no doubt that our Heavenly Father will bless this nation through His Son, Jesus Christ, during these difficult times that we live in. He has promised, “I will also ease the burdens that are on your shoulders.”
2 strong earthquakes
Earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck the country late on Wednesday night, June 24th. The earthquake was the largest in the South American country in more than 100 years, the Associated Press reported.
The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.2, occurred west of Moron on the Caribbean coast, about 165 miles west of Caracas, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Its depth was about 14 miles. Just a minute later, the USGS reported a second magnitude 7.5 earthquake with an epicenter 16 miles southwest of Moron and a depth of 10 kilometers (about 6 miles).
As of Monday morning, June 29, the death toll had risen to 1,450, with thousands injured and thousands still missing. Damage and casualties were high in the coastal area of La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas.
Officials said Sunday that more than 770 buildings were completely or partially destroyed by the quake.
As aftershocks continue, the risk of further damage remains. Earthquakes with magnitudes of 4.2 and 4.5 occurred on Sunday morning.
Local church leaders express condolences
Hours after the earthquake, the Caribbean Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement expressing its “heartfelt support, solidarity, and prayers for all those affected.”
A statement from Elder Valerie V. Cordon, Elder Hugo Montoya, and Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt, General Authority Seventy members of the Area Presidency, stated:
“We are deeply saddened by the recent earthquakes that affected Venezuela, causing anxiety and concern to many people and families.
“We extend our heartfelt support, solidarity and prayers to all those affected. At this difficult time, we stand with the Venezuelan people and wish them strength, peace and comfort in the face of this situation.”
“We pray that a spirit of hope, unity and service will prevail, and that affected communities will find support and strength in times of adversity.”
church in venezuela
Venezuela is home to 179,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, comprising 33 stakes and 235 congregations.
President Gordon B. Hinckley of the Church dedicated the Caracas Venezuela Temple on August 20, 2000. On April 7, 2024, President Russell M. Nelson of the Church announced that a temple would be built in Maracaibo, Venezuela, during the April 2024 general conference.
Then, on February 2, 2020, President Nelson and then-Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke directly to Latter-day Saints in Venezuela through a videotaped devotion.
