Revd Dr Hugo Adán is encouraging people to support the Venezuela Earthquake Appeal launched this week by the Disasters Emergency Committee.
The two earthquakes which struck the country on June 24 were felt as far away as neighbouring Colombia and parts of the Caribbean. The second was the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900. Buildings have been reduced to rubble, and many survivors are sleeping in makeshift tents on the street in urgent need of shelter, food and water.
Families are mourning loved ones, searching for those who remain unaccounted for, and coming to terms with the destruction of homes and means of making a living.
Fr Hugo, Rector of Holy Trinity with St Matthew, Southwark, and Priest-in-Charge of Christ Church Brixton Road, explained the scale of devastation people are experiencing is heartbreaking.
He said: “The people of Venezuela urgently need our solidarity, our prayers and our practical help.
“The earthquakes have left families grieving, communities devastated and many people facing the terrible reality of losing homes, loved ones, livelihoods and the basic security of daily life. For many survivors, the need is immediate: shelter, food, clean water, medical care and the assurance that they have not been forgotten.
“As Christians, we cannot look away from this suffering. In moments like this, compassion must become action. Prayer matters deeply, but prayer must also open our hands, move our hearts and lead us to concrete generosity.
“The launch of the DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal is an important opportunity for us to respond together. Through the appeal, humanitarian agencies, including Christian Aid and its local partners through the Act Alliance, will be able to reach affected communities with urgent and practical support: emergency medical treatment, food, clean drinking water; and help for those beginning the long and painful task of rebuilding their lives.
“In our Hispanic Anglican Mission and parish communities, many people have family, friends and deep personal connections with Venezuela. This tragedy is not distant for us. It touches real names, real families and real stories.
“I encourage all those who are able, to give generously to the DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal. Every gift, however small it may seem, can become a sign of hope for people facing fear, grief and uncertainty.
“Please keep the people of Venezuela in your prayers: those who have died, those who mourn, those who are injured, those who are searching for loved ones, those who have lost their homes, and all those responding with courage and compassion.
“May God strengthen Venezuela, comfort its people, and move us all to respond with faith, love and generosity.”
The Disasters Emergency Committee is an umbrella group of 15 UK charities, including Christian Aid, which come together to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of humanitarian crisis overseas.
You can donate to the DEC Venezuela appeal via https://caid.org.uk/HelpVenezuela .
