A Pastor's Burden Leads to Sending Venezuela Aid

By MORGAN STANDIFER
Baptist Progress Team Lead

Volunteers stand ready to load shipping container

Volunteers preparing to load the container

On June 24, 2026, tragedy struck the northern most parts of Venezuela, when two 7.0 plus magnitude earthquakes violently shook the earth along the Caribbean Sea coast in a matter of seconds.
 
These twin earthquakes caused widespread devastation in and around the surrounding areas of Caracas. The United Nations (UN) initially estimated “$37 billion” for buildings and infrastructure damages alone and about “650,000 people … will need humanitarian assistance.” These earthquakes left several thousand injured and homeless. In a short article published by the Associated Press, on July 18 the death toll had risen to 5,069.
 
In the aftermath of these two earthquakes many individuals and organizations worldwide have made efforts to help Venezuela as they begin to recover. One of those individuals was Oscar Rojas, pastor of Getsemiani Baptist Church, Conroe, a BMA of Texas church.
 
Burdened with the desire to help our Venezuelan brothers and sisters in Christ, Rojas spearheaded a donation collection to help these victims. The goal was to purchase and fill a shipping container with supplies, then send them to churches in Venezuela who could distribute them accordingly. Rojas quickly researched the cost to purchase a shipping container, finding the total cost would be $7,000 plus $1,500 for a BMA pastor to travel with the container and see that it arrives safely.
 
In partnership with the BMA Texas Missions and BMA Global, the news of this container spread. Shortly after the announcement of need for supplies and funds, donations started flooding in.
 
The collections that have come through the BMA of Texas alone covered the full cost to send the container for a total of $8,467. They were also overwhelmed with a variety of supplies to fill the container for the survivors of this disaster. With all the donations received, they were able to fill the container.
 
In Acts, Luke writes of a predicted famine and the disciples’ response to the news. Acts 11: 29 states, “then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.” Our brothers and sisters in Venezuela were in need, and you answered the call for help. Through your generosity, love of Christ and hope of relief came to Venezuela. 

Donations stacked inside Iglesia Bautista Under Over Fellowship

Bro. Heith Mitchell adding the ceremonial last box

​When asked about the response of the BMA churches, Elvis Garcia, BMA of Texas Missions Hispanic/Missionary Coordinator, stated, “on behalf of Pastor Rojas and the entire mission team, we would like to express our deepest gratitude. Every box, every piece of medical equipment, and every financial gift represents hope for countless families in Venezuela.”
 
Garcia also expressed gratitude for all who helped make this possible, stating that, “this mission has only been possible because of the generosity of God’s people.”
 
The first container is filled and preparing for shipment. However, there is still an opportunity to help. They are still accepting both physical and financial donations. Currently one of the greatest needs is financial support to help cover the cost of logistical expenses. With the outpouring of physical donations, they are also currently seeking out means to fill a second container.
 
If you would like to support this humanitarian effort, financial donations can be sent to BMA of Texas, PO Box 73, Waxahachie, Texas 76165 with the note Venezuela Relief. All physical donations can be dropped off at Iglesia Bautista Under Over Fellowship, 600 South Frazier Street, Conroe, Texas 77301.
 
Another means to help support this effort is through prayer. The Apostle Paul says it best in Ephesians 6:18, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Rojas has requested continued prayer “for God to open doors throughout the shipping process, remaining resources, and for this aid to arrive safely to those who need it most.”
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Let us join together and pray for these requests and those in Venezuela as they rebuild.