“In the midst of the country's situation, we reiterate our prayer for this year 2026: that the wellbeing of children and their families in Venezuela may increase through the sowing of knowledge of Jesus Christ, His Gospel of Salvation, His principles and values that strengthen love and service to others and to themselves (Matthew 22:36-40), bearing fruit that prevails in children raised with respect for their dignity, with affection and tenderness, and with education that takes into consideration their stages of development, thus respecting their rights enshrined in the Bible and the National Constitution.”

These words are a prayer and a call to action, which typify the approach of Pastor Maritza Sibila, the director of RENACSENIV, our partner network in Venezuela.

A Country in Crisis

Maritza recently shared at a Viva Supporters’ Prayer Community meeting about some of the exact challenges being faced by the people of Venezuela, and reports that “more than eight million Venezuelans have left the country. A large part (80%) of the population is food insecure and cannot meet their basic needs. Essential services such as health, education and electricity are in ruins.” Being in a state of political crisis, this profoundly affects the daily lives of communities, as so many physical, social, and spiritual needs are unmet:

Girls, boys and adolescents face school dropout, anxiety, lack of food, and few opportunities for development.
Parents are living under enormous economic and emotional pressure, struggling to support their families amid inflation, insecurity, and unemployment.
The churches are overwhelmed by the demand for support: soup kitchens, spiritual guidance, emotional support, and emergency assistance.
The network itself is working at the limit of its resources, responding simultaneously to humanitarian crises, food needs and contexts of violence in several states.

An Ambitious Goal to Bring Hope

Despite the difficulties, Pastor Maritza Sibila notes that, “Even so, faith, unity, and hope keep the churches and volunteers going.” Knowing that working together is the most effective approach, RENACSENIV is responding in very practical ways, currently raising funds and support to address some of these needs. The goal is to mobilise 150 participating churches to provide comprehensive care for 4,060 families, including 12,200 children, and 615 teachers, in the neighbourhoods where the participating churches are located. If you are interested in supporting their work, please visit our giving page and specify Venezuela as the reason for your donation.

A Network of Networks

CAFI RENACSENIV Venezuela.jpeg — *A RENACSENIV-supported CAFI*

The fact that RENACSENIV, the National Network for Service to Venezuelan Children, is one of the broadest and strongest expressions of the church's united work throughout Venezuela gives it the scope and confidence to launch this appeal and relief project. The network operates in 21 of the country's 23 states, with a structure that connects national leadership, state coordinating teams, and local networks in dozens of cities. RENACSENIV works with 1,138 member churches, which together support and protect 52,348 children and adolescents nationwide, with over 3,300 volunteers serving their communities. The national team—a staff of just nine people—trains and mobilises state coordinators, who in turn train city teams. This “network of networks” model allows for rapid, contextual, and coordinated action, even in places where almost no one else can reach. Viva appreciates the input RENACSENIV gives to our own regional and global ‘network of networks’ - with RENACSENIV one of 12 networks in nine countries that have been implementing a joint CAFI programme, offering informal learning and care to children and families.

An Opportunity to Build Hope

Their response is not just focused on short-term relief. RENACSENIV is strengthening and forming new local networks in states where the situation has become even more complex: border areas, territories with the presence of armed groups, communities affected by displacement, regions with extreme poverty, and areas where clashes or military attacks have been recorded. These new networks will initially operate with groups of 10 to 15 churches per city, with the purpose of:

Mobilising humanitarian aid in emergency situations.
Protecting vulnerable girls and boys.
Providing emotional and spiritual support.
Supporting families who have lost their livelihoods or who face severe food insecurity.
Maintaining safe spaces for children when violence or instability increases.

Supporting these local networks means strengthening the front line of response in the most affected communities, where the church remains a living and reliable presence, despite the turbulence.

A Strategy for Economic Hope

RENACSENIV is confident that expanding its reach will be effective because it has developed a comprehensive strategy for economic strengthening and food security, including:

Family and community gardens.
Breeding of small animals(chickens, pigs, ducks, laying hens).
Vegetable cultivation and production of staple foods.
Agroecological micro-enterprises.
Training in local commerce and income generation.

The network’s family economic strengthening activities aim to “provide participants with the tools and methodologies necessary to start or strengthen small productive ventures in attention to their talents and their gifts of service in their family and eclesial environment.”

Family Strengthening RENACSENIV.png — *Family strengthening is a key aspect to help children experience stability and safety.*

This model is bearing fruit: families who previously depended entirely on donations can now produce their own food, share with neighbours, and even sell part of their production. A pilot project began with 60 families; today, there are 240, with the potential to multiply fivefold and reach 1,000 families. The programme combines training, practical business tools, and church support to create opportunities for home-based businesses, increase family stability, and reduce risks for children. Early results have been encouraging, with many families reporting increased income, stronger family relationships, and greater church involvement.

At a global forum of Viva’s partner networks held in August 2025, the network presented about this economic strengthening initiative so others could learn from its approach. The summary feedback from breakout rooms showed how much the other networks appreciated “RENACSENIV’s integrated approach, noting that empowering families economically benefits both children and the wider church community. Economic stability is a vital prevention measure against risks such as trafficking.”

Christmas Hope: Being FOR Children and Families

Venezuela RENACSENIV.png — Children enjoying a RENACSENIV Christmas party

Our recent feature about the Christmas Parties programme focused on the hope that they offer children. Evidence that this is an important and valuable initiative can be seen in the fact that RENACSENIV decided to run the Christmas Parties programme, despite the insecurity they are experiencing. Although the number of participating churches was greatly reduced from the norm, 282 children, 36 unreached, were still impacted, as four Christmas parties were held. Maritza notes, “Every year the Christmas festivities are a different experience; this year, the prominence of children has a positive impact, defining the celebration as an important activity that serves as a catalyst to close a whole year of intense activity in favour of children and their families.”

Network Togetherness - Regional Hope

Isaac, the network’s coach, notes that networks across Latin America and the Caribbean are raising their voices to call for protection, peace, and justice for the Venezuelan people, both in solidarity and also because they directly feel the impact of the instability. “Viva's sister networks in Latin America and the Caribbean have joined in prayer for Venezuela, deeply feeling the weight of the current crisis. Countries like Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, which share a border with Venezuela, are experiencing this reality even more acutely: their churches and communities are already supporting Venezuelan migrant families, many of them fleeing violence, hunger, or sociopolitical instability.”

What is notable and encouraging is that, despite fear, spiritual and human solidarity is prevailing. Networks across the region are prioritising the well-being of people inside Venezuela, praying that:

The hunger should not deepen.
The violence should not spread or be prolonged.
Families find refuge, hope, and support.
May the Venezuelan Church have the strength and resources to accompany those who suffer the most.

As Viva, we are praying alongside the regional and global networks for the people in Venezuela, and are playing our part in supporting the network as it brings hope to so many people in so many ways.

viva.org/donate can be used for any financial support you may want to give to RENACSENIV, noting ‘Venezuela’ as the reason for your giving. Thank you.

RENACSENIV - Bringing More Hope in Venezuela