Making a Difference in Venezuela

Dear friends, the situation in Venezuela is very critical at the moment. In the last two weeks the electricity and water supply has been severely limited in 95% of the country due primarily to the lack to maintenance and qualified personnel to properly run it.

Maduro rule is literally destroying the people in this nation. Venezuelans who are able to work, are earning the equivalent of $1 per day (average). This is not enough to provide subsistence for a family. As for example 1 kilo of rice costs $1, 1 kilo of cheese $10, 1 kilo of chicken $18 (when found in stores). 

A working family of 5 can be assisted with two bags per month of basic supplies for $30 per month.

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We have been actively involved through two local churches and pastors who have chosen to stay back and minister to people. Their decision is indeed a courageous one as anyone seeking to help outside the existing government structures is viewed as an enemy of the state.

We are directly working with two churches outside of the capital city of Caracas who are helping their local community anyway they can: The Lord is our Refuge Church in Colonia Tovar (42 kms outside Caracas) with Pastor Abihail Lara and New Jerusalem Church in Turmero (90 minutes from Caracas) with Pastor Alexis Cortez.

We would like to provide two bags of food per month to 300 families over the next three months. Each bag contains pasta, rice, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sanitary napkins for ladies, 1 kg of sugar, 1 kg of flour, 1 kg of precooked meat, 1 dozen eggs. To make this reality, we need to raise

$9,000 each month for a total of $27,000

Accountability
Once the funds are available, a transfer will be immediately made of 100% of funds to an account that is accessible to our team in Venezuela. They use a debit card there to make wholesale purchases of the goods to be distributed.

We are in touch with our partners on a daily basis. We get receipts and updates for purchases made on a weekly basis. Pictures are sent of goods purchased and then pictures are sent of distribution opportunities. We continue in regular discussions regarding impact and response. 

People need food now and we are prepared to purchase and deliver as soon as possible. 

Any gift is tax deductible and should go though Next Step Ministries Tax ID 20-0287873  Address: 809 Pinon Ave. Millbrae, CA 94030  

See the video: Walking Backwards: One woman’s journey in Venezuela.