Awana is a global ministry.
As part of our effort to widen our gaze and think more globally, we want to use this blog as a platform for sharing stories and needs that arise around the world.
This past week, we received word from Miguel, Director for Latin America, about a shocking event that took place in his home country of Venezuela. A word of warning: there is some heavy imagery below.
Here are Miguel’s words:
“I covet your prayers for Venezuela.
This past weekend we were holding a camp. There were 160 attendees, children ages 6-11 and 50 leaders. On Saturday night, a gang of (20-30 men) busted into the meeting venue and held everyone at the camp site.
The men took everything they could: phones, money, computers, tablets, cameras, a console, a stereo system, speakers, microphones, and vehicles. They only kicked some leaders, thank God.
While the children had just been learning about Daniel in the Lion’s Den, leaders and children were praising God and reciting Bible verses as they were being held hostage on the camp site.
- We praise God for protecting everyone’s lives.
- We pray for the emotional recovery of children, their families and leaders.
- We pray for the situation in Venezuela.
- Pray for Awana’s development in Venezuela”
Miguel’s words strike a deep chord in me. Sitting in my office in Streamwood, Illinois, I’m struck by what it means to be a part of God’s church:
Being the church means bearing each others’ burdens.
Being the church means sitting with others in solace and solidarity.
Being the church means offering our prayers for their courage and love.
Being the church means paying attention.
Being the church means lifting our eyes from our own paths, seeing others.
Being the church means asking, seeking, listening, and serving.
Being the church means humbly seeking justice and mercy.
For those of you reading this post inside the US, I’m asking you to pray for the children, leaders, staff, and churches effected by this event.
There is no one outside of God’s gracious reach.
There is no tragedy that He cannot redeem.
But this is still a very hard story to hear.
Please pray with me:
“God, I thank you for your mercy in keeping Your children safe. I praise You for sovereignty and protection over this meeting.
And I pray that justice would be done on those who don’t yet know you. I ask Your grace would intervene in the lives of these men. Rescue them through Your rare combination of justice and mercy.
Give the leaders wisdom and love. Protect Your church. Show us how to love and serve those around the world as a global community – looking toward the day when You come again to bring us home. In the name of Your Son. Amen.”
