Houston's First and Champion Forest Unite for Venezuela Earthquake Relief
On Fri, July 31, Houston's First Baptist Church and Champion Forest Baptist Church came together for Noche de Clamor por Venezuela, an evening of worship, prayer, and generosity in response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wed, June 24. Hosted at The Loop Campus of Houston’s First Baptist Church, the gathering brought together thousands to stand with the people of Venezuela. Offerings collected that evening were donated to Send Relief, the global compassion ministry and nonprofit organization of the Southern Baptist Convention, to support those affected by the earthquakes and ongoing recovery efforts.
The gathering began with a warm welcome from Pastor Kike Puig of Houston's First en Español and Pastor Ramón Medina of Champion Forest Español, setting the stage for a night centered on prayer, encouragement, and hope.
Internationally recognized Christian artists Ingrid Rosario, Danilo Montero, Job González, and Alex Campos led those gathered in worship while offering words of encouragement. Ingrid Rosario reminded the congregation that just as Jesus rose from the dead, Venezuela too will rise again. Danilo Montero pointed hearts toward Christ as our true refuge, while Job González, joined by accordionist Tony Falcón, filled the room with joyful hymns and familiar Latin rhythms. Alex Campos closed the evening by reminding those gathered of God's faithfulness, even in seasons of deep pain.
Heartfelt prayers and moments of quiet reflection were woven together with trumpets, accordions, and familiar Latin rhythms, reflecting both the beauty of Hispanic worship and the resilience of a community holding tightly to hope.
Throughout the evening, attendees were reminded that the headlines are more than just statistics; they represent families, neighbors, and communities whose lives have been changed forever. In one of the night's most moving moments, Venezuelans in attendance were invited to stand as the congregation surrounded them in prayer, encouraging them and reminding them that they are not walking through this season alone.
One powerful message captured the heart of the gathering: "Tonight we are not united by tragedy, but by hope... under the flag of Jehovah Nissi."
That hope was expressed not only through prayer, but also through generosity.
Representatives from Send Relief shared how decades of partnership with local churches in Venezuela allowed them to respond within hours of the earthquakes, providing food, clean water, shelter, medical assistance, and ongoing spiritual care. So far, nearly $27,000 has been donated from this event, with every dollar directly supporting immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery in Venezuela.
Noche de Clamor por Venezuela was a powerful and beautiful demonstration of the Church united across cultures, lifting a nation in need while proclaiming the unshakable hope found in Jesus Christ.
