The worsening crisis in Venezuela

While global attention has shifted elsewhere, the crisis in Venezuela continues to intensify. With limited mainstream media coverage, the daily realities faced by ordinary Venezuelans risk being overlooked. The country is now living under intense pressure following the removal of former president Nicolás Maduro, alongside ongoing United States military and economic intervention.

Maduro’s removal did not bring an end to his political movement. Hardline Chavistas remain in positions of power, including interim president Delcy Rodríguez. For the people of Venezuela, this has meant a further deterioration of an already devastating economic situation. The collapse of essential services, soaring prices for food and basic goods, and growing insecurity have placed unbearable strain on communities across the country.

Standing in prayerful solidarity

The Methodist Church in Britain continues to stand in prayerful solidarity with our partner of over two decades, the Methodist Christian Community of Venezuela (CCMV). Bishop Francisco Mendoza, head of the CCMV, has shared a stark update with Methodists in the UK.

“The economic situation is precarious. Venezuela is currently under a naval blockade and is unable to sell oil, as tankers cannot enter or leave the country. Although Venezuelan crude oil could produce many vital products, the country no longer refines its own oil. To meet basic needs, petrol is imported from Iran, fuelling a growing black market and widespread speculation.

Venezuela relies almost entirely on imported medicines, mainly from India and Iran, resulting in critical shortages. Power blackouts are becoming increasingly frequent due to a lack of fuel for electricity generation, severely affecting both healthcare and daily life.

Basic food supplies, baby formula, and medical services are increasingly scarce. In hospitals, surgeries are being delayed or abandoned altogether because operating theatres lose power mid procedure. Surgeries are being interrupted or cannot be performed due to power outages in operating rooms.”

Growing repression under the State of Emergency

Alongside the humanitarian crisis, political repression has intensified. A recently declared State of Emergency allows police and military forces to stop citizens at any time to check mobile phones or social media accounts. If anything considered anti-government is found, individuals risk detention, prosecution for treason, imprisonment, and possible torture. Fear has become a daily reality for many Venezuelans.

A tense calm, in prayer and hope

Despite these dangers, faith communities continue to hold on to hope. The Revd Glen Mendoza, Treasurer of the Methodist Christian Community of Venezuela, shares: “For now we are living under a tense calm, in prayer and with hope in Christ.”

Caring for children left behind

The CCMV continues to serve faithfully during this time of uncertainty, with a particular focus on children. Over the past five years, many parents are among the 8 million Venezuelans who have migrated to other parts of the region and beyond, leaving grandparents, aunts, and uncles to take on caring responsibilities.

Despite their best efforts, many children still lack adequate education and nutrition. Local churches remain a vital source of stability, care, and compassion for these vulnerable young people.

Please join us in prayer for Venezuela

Almighty God,
We lift up the people and nation of Venezuela before your throne of grace.

We pray that your hand of provision, comfort, strength, mercy, and hope
would uphold the hearts, minds, and lives of all who are suffering.

Lord, remove fear from the hearts of your people.
You promise us that perfect love drives out all fear,
and so we pray that the love of Christ would overcome anxiety, oppression,
and despair across the land.

We ask that you would soften the hearts of those in positions of power,
bringing wisdom, justice, and integrity.
May there be meaningful change in governance,
and a renewed commitment to democracy, peace, and the common good.

We pray for the possibility of free and fair elections,
so that the people of Venezuela may determine their own future with dignity and hope.

We lift before you the children of Venezuela.
Be especially close to those living without their parents.
Continue to strengthen churches and organisations,
including the Methodist Christian Community of Venezuela,
as they care for and protect the most vulnerable.

We pray that every child may one day have access
to quality education, adequate nutrition, and a secure future.

Above all, Lord,
may the peace and grace of Christ reign
in every heart and in every part of the nation.

In the name of Christ Jesus,
Amen.

Prayer by Sandra Lopez, partnership coordinator for the Americas