Bibles delivered in Venezuela
Pastors in Venezuela say ‘thank you’ for new study Bibles
Open Doors Founder Brother Andrew believed so much in the power of God’s Word and reading it that he risked imprisonment to smuggle Bibles into dangerous places.
When thousands of believers behind the Iron Curtain (in 1957) asked for Bibles, Andrew brought them. He loved seeing believers’ faces as they held their very own Bible for the first time. Andrew’s love for God’s Word is one of Open Doors’ foundations: We are committed to bringing Bibles to believers no matter what.
Recently, our partners had the opportunity to deliver study Bibles to church leaders in northwest Venezuela where economic collapse and political corruption have created food insecurity. More than 7 million people have left the country since 2015. Church leaders are struggling to sustain themselves and their churches.
Although there is religious freedom in the country, the church is not fully free—if churches say things the government does not like, they may be censored and experience discrimination and persecution. Additionally, in rural and/or poorer areas, the large presence of the paramilitaries who control the population makes it difficult for the pastors and leaders to work.
That’s why Open Doors recently provided a workshop focusing on ministry leadership skills. At the end of the workshop, the 138 church leaders in attendance received their own study Bibles and participated in an intensive four-hour orientation to equip and empower them to use Scripture to strengthen their ministries across the region.
And just like those Bible recipients that Brother Andrew encountered, these church leaders were moved by their gift and expressed their gratitude, not just to our team on the ground, but also to you, our supporters. Because of your prayers and gifts, we’re able to bring the Word of God to leaders who are walking out their passion to see the gospel permeate their communities.
“Today we understand that we can be filled with more wisdom with the help of the Holy Spirit and with this material that you are giving us,” said Pastor Luis, who received a study Bible. He added that the Bible will be a great help to strengthen the work he is doing in his church.
