The disaster, described as one of the worst in Venezuela’s modern history, was triggered by back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude that struck just seconds apart near the country’s northern coast. The destruction has been catastrophic. Entire blocks of apartment buildings and high-rises have collapsed. Hospitals and emergency systems are overwhelmed. Tens of thousands of families have been affected, and thousands remain displaced after losing homes, apartments, and businesses. The death toll continues to climb as rescue teams search through mountains of rubble and thousands are still missing. Reports estimate that tens of thousands of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, with some of the worst devastation concentrated in La Guaira, Caracas, and surrounding coastal communities.
“We have been in war zones and disaster zones around the world,” said Pastor Todd Lamphere of Paula White Ministries. “This is as bad as we have ever seen. Whole blocks of high-rise buildings are demolished. Venezuela is in a time of national crisis.”
Pastor Todd traveled to Venezuela on behalf of Pastor Paula White-Cain and Paula White Ministries to help assess conditions on the ground, strengthen relationships with local pastors, and work with ministry and humanitarian leaders to develop a coordinated relief response. During the trip, PWM connected with church leaders, government officials, and relief organizations to establish a pipeline for aid distribution and long-term support.
“This is the time for the Big C Church to arise and come alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ,” Pastor Paula White-Cain said. “There are approximately 100 churches, and that number continues to grow, that have been completely demolished. Pastors are needing a place for their congregations to meet. We are creating a path for churches to adopt congregations in Venezuela.”
That vision is now becoming a reality through a growing coalition of churches and relief partners.
In the video, you can literally see the destruction all around – homes, churches, and entire communities destroyed, shaken to the core. Pastor Todd shares that we are talking about tens of thousands of lives impacted, with many lost and many more now displaced, grieving, and in desperate need.
“It’s just absolute destruction… But this is why Paula White Ministries is on the ground here… We’ve got to be able to help these churches out, help these people out.” – Pastor Todd
Paula White Ministries is an integral part of the Compassion Collective, a collaborative network of ministry and humanitarian organizations that come together to serve the hurting in times of disaster. The Collective includes organizations such as CityServe, National Faith Advisory Board, World Vision, No Child Hungry, MedicCorp, and Love and Life Foundation, among others, each bringing critical expertise and resources to the response effort.
Relief efforts are already underway. Starlink systems are being deployed to churches and clinics to restore communication in hard-hit areas. Food, water, and clothing are beginning to flow into the country. Medical needs are being addressed, though the healthcare system remains overwhelmed by the scale of the crisis. It is currently estimated that around 100 churches have been completely destroyed, leaving pastors and congregations without a place to gather for worship, prayer, and community support.
For many pastors, the burden is twofold. They are not only navigating the devastation experienced by their own families, but also the urgent needs of their congregations and surrounding communities. In the midst of collapsed buildings, displacement, grief, and uncertainty, the local church remains one of the most trusted and strategic centers of hope.
That is why Paula White Ministries is committed not only to immediate relief, but also to helping rebuild the Church in Venezuela.
In the days ahead, PWM will continue working with local pastors, humanitarian partners, and government leaders to develop a detailed relief and rebuilding strategy. A key part of that strategy is creating opportunities for churches in the United States to adopt churches and congregations in Venezuela—helping provide practical support, ministry resources, and long-term encouragement to pastors serving on the front lines of this tragedy.
At a time when Venezuela is facing deep loss and overwhelming need, Paula White Ministries is standing with the Church, serving the vulnerable, and helping carry hope into one of the nation’s darkest hours.
Right now, Paula White Ministries, in partnership with our Compassion Collective, the National Faith Advisory Board, and even the Churches in Venezuela, is on the ground in Venezuela. We are:
But we cannot do this alone. This is our urgent call to you!
In moments like this, the Body of Christ must rise up together. I am asking you to watch Pastor Todd’s short video from Venezuela and let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart as you see the devastation for yourself.
Because of you we are able to make a difference with our Compassion Coalition. The Prayers and Support of Partners and Friends like you allow us to transform lives, heal hearts and win souls worldwide every day!
Because of your support, we are able to make a tremendous impact every single day through the outreaches of Paula White Ministries, like our Global Gospel Outreach reaching hundreds of millions of people online and the daily Paula Today program broadcasted in potentially 190 countries. Jesus to the nations!
Our Massive Food and Household Outreaches distributing truckloads of food weekly through our local outreaches, and have distributed 30+ million pounds of food in the last 5 years alone.
Our Disaster Relief Efforts, delivering multiple tractor-trailer truckloads in hurricane disaster relief, helping to bring hope and rebuild communities.
Community Transformation rebuilding, restoring, and mobilizing over 3,000 volunteers to bring donations, love, and support to help resurrect and rebuild communities.
Impactful Outreach Events like our annual Back to School Bash, Thanksgiving Table in the Wilderness, and Children’s Christmas outreach, impacting thousands every year. Prison Ministry and Revival, going into the prisons and sharing the gospel.
Advocacy for Biblical Values, spearheading, organizing, educating, and activating church leaders to bring back biblical values in America, through the National Faith Advisory Board and the annual National Faith Summit.
Making a Difference at Our Borders: connecting together hundreds of pastors with local, state, and national leaders, with the US Border Patrol, who educate and inform them on the process and challenges faced on the border, as well as blessing the families of fallen border patrol agents through Operation Border Blessing.
And there’s much more to do… I need you.
Your much-needed financial support makes it possible for this ministry to do what God has called us to do: to preach the gospel, to equip believers, to reach the lost with the message of salvation, and to speak truth to the culture and to leaders.
Because of your prayers. Because of your faithfulness. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you!
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