Those Who Seek the Lord Will Rejoice in the Lord
Venezuela Has the Largest Economic Refugee Outbreak in Latin American History
In 2013, President Nicolás Maduro strengthened control under the authority of a socialist government. Venezuela, ranking 11th in the world in oil exports, pursued a populist policy that provided free domestic oil products, electricity, telecommunications, water, and daily necessities at low prices, relying on high oil prices. However, due to these policies and economic collapse, hyperinflation set in from 2015, plunging the entire population into poverty. The United Nations Refugee Agency estimated that since 2015, 1,800 to 2,000 migrants have been leaving Venezuela, a country with a population of 30 million, every day. As of 2022, more than 6.8 million refugees and migrants have fled due to political turmoil, social and economic instability, and an ongoing humanitarian crisis. This is the second-largest displacement crisis in the world after that of Syria.
Seventeen Latin American Countries Host Over 5 Million Venezuelan Refugees
Seventeen countries across Latin America and the Caribbean have taken in over 80% (more than 5 million) of Venezuelan refugees. Most of these refugees have settled in South American countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Chile. Venezuelans continue to flee across borders, and there is little sign that the refugee movement will stop. Most refugees and migrants entering neighboring countries are families with children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Many have fallen victim to smugglers, human traffickers, robbers, and armed groups. As more families arrive with minimal resources, the need for legal documentation, protection, shelter, food, and medical aid has become urgent. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans remain in neighboring countries without legal documents or residence permits, limiting their access to basic rights.
Growing Number of Refugees Increases Discrimination and Economic Burden
While neighboring countries continue to host refugees, they are also facing growing economic hardships and political discontent. As job competition intensifies and access to public services becomes more limited, refugees and migrants are increasingly stigmatized and scapegoated for the current situation. Thousands of Venezuelan refugees walk across multiple South American countries. Many of them leave their homeland without knowing their final destination, which they reach through land, air, and sea routes, sometimes putting their lives at risk. As sea travel increases, many risk their lives by escaping through illegal human trafficking networks or dangerous maritime routes.
Colombia Hosts Over 1.73 Million Venezuelan Refugees
Several countries in the region have opened their borders to Venezuelans, granting them access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. However, the number of refugees continues to grow. Some countries have initiated large-scale regularization processes to provide legal rights and public services to refugees and migrants, but additional financial support is needed for these efforts to be successful. Colombia is the largest host country for Venezuelan migrants, having taken in over 1.73 million refugees. It has issued 10-year residency permits to refugees and undocumented migrants on humanitarian grounds but has indicated that it is struggling to take in more refugees. The UN Refugee Agency Special Envoy stated, “Venezuela was one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America, and it is unprecedented for so many people to leave a country that is not at war,” expressing concern that the Venezuelan refugee crisis will impact all of Latin America.
》Scripture Prayer
Matthew 5:3-10(NIV)
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Psalm 40:16-17 (NIV)
16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The LORD is great!”
17 But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.
》Pray that the Word may become the Conclusion.
1. Due to political turmoil and economic instability, many people are leaving their country without knowing where to go. Let us proclaim to the poor and grieving refugees that now is the time to receive grace and the day of salvation. Let us pray that wherever they are scattered, they will hear the gospel through churches that serve as channels of life and encounter God, who helps and saves the needy.
2. Let us pray that Venezuelan refugees and immigrants will receive the blessing granted to those who are poor in spirit and become heirs of the kingdom of heaven. Let us pray that only God will be their rock of refuge, that they will be protected by the Lord’s mighty hand, and that they will long for a better homeland with gentleness and patience.
3. Let us confess that we are all called to live as pilgrims on this earth. Let us remember that we were born again through the gospel of the cross so that we might inherit the eternal kingdom of God, rather than the perishable nations of this world. Let us pray that refugees, as they seek the Lord, will find true joy in Him and experience the blessings of the heavenly kingdom.
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