Today our team established its first operational Community Refuge Center at Iglesia Bautista Centro Cristiano Misionero in Caraballeda, La Guaira—an area that has suffered some of the most severe destruction from Venezuela's recent earthquakes.

The dangers extend far beyond collapsed buildings. Powerful aftershocks continue to shake the region, extreme heat is exhausting both survivors and rescue workers, and growing concerns over contaminated water, poor sanitation, and overcrowded conditions increase the risk of disease. For thousands of families, every day brings new uncertainty.

Current estimates suggest that 60-70% of the buildings in this coastal community have been destroyed or rendered unsafe. This same area is home to both Venezuela's principal international airport and its largest seaport. Both sustained significant damage and remain closed, making it extremely difficult for humanitarian supplies to enter the country.

Despite these challenges, hope is beginning to emerge.

Inside the church, our team has assembled a basic industrial kitchen. If we are able to secure sufficient food over the next day or two, we expect to begin preparing hot meals for survivors, rescue workers, and volunteers. Tonight our staff will sleep inside the church, despite continuing aftershocks, because they are committed to serving the community where the need is greatest.

We are also deeply encouraged by the arrival of Wesley, Sano, and Erick, three firefighter and rescue specialists from Brazil. They have responded to major disasters in Morocco, Lebanon, and Turkey, bringing invaluable experience, calm leadership, and life-saving skills. Their willingness to serve the people of Venezuela is inspiring our entire team.

The emotional weight of this disaster is difficult to describe. The smell of death lingers throughout many parts of the community as search teams continue their work. With tens of thousands of people still unaccounted for, many families are anxiously waiting for news of loved ones. Every recovery operation is a reminder of both the scale of the tragedy and the urgent need to care for those who have survived.

Our response is only beginning. This Community Refuge Center is the first of a planned network that will provide food, clean water, emergency assistance, communications, and a place of refuge for families during the difficult weeks and months ahead.

Today, we have two immediate needs.

First, we need local volunteers from other regions of the country to help prepare and serve meals for survivors and the men and women working tirelessly in the rescue effort. People are in shock with all that has happened, and most are still searching for relatives.

Second, we urgently need financial support to purchase canned goods and other food supplies locally. Because the airport and seaport remain closed, importing relief supplies is extremely difficult. However, through our established relationships inside Venezuela, we can purchase food locally and put it into the hands of families almost immediately.

Thank you for standing with us during this critical time. Your prayers, encouragement, volunteer service, and financial partnership are helping transform a church building in the middle of devastation into a place of refuge, compassion, and hope.