Lifeline
RESOURCES:
For the last 30 years, Venezuela has been in crisis, which has continued to deepen over the last 10 years. Over five million people have chosen to emigrate, and for those who remain, life is increasingly precarious. Hyperinflation has destroyed the value of the local currency. There is a breakdown in public services — water, electricity, gas for vehicles and cooking, public transportation, and medical services. Drugs to treat significant diseases such as diabetes, HIV, and cancer are only available to those who can pay for them, and preventable diseases such as diphtheria, TB, and malaria are making a comeback. The elderly struggle financially as their senior’s bonus equals only $1.50 per month. Many go without food on a daily basis, and the situation has only worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic.
FAIR is responding to the need in Venezuela through the Lifeline mini-appeal. In partnership with retired Fellowship International missionaries Bevin and Janie Wray and local church leadership, much needed materials are being shipped from Canada to Venezuela. Because the Venezuelan currency is so devalued, shipments are necessary to maximize the impact of dollars spent. The goal is to raise $25,000 to cover the cost of 11 shipments primarily containing donations of dehydrated food, but also hygiene items, medical supplies, and children’s shoes. Shipments are received by local church leaders with joy and celebration and distributed among the most needy — the sick, poor, homeless, orphaned, imprisoned, and underserviced.
There is great need in Venezuela, both for the shipped materials and for encouragement and support for the local church leadership. Each shipment is a reminder that believers in other parts of the world are standing with them.