Venezuela 2001
Reflections of Venezuela
by: Mark Ogle - Team Leader

Reflections of Venezuela - Mark Ogle - Team Leader

 From the moment our team stepped off the plane, everyone was excited about being in Venezuela. After arriving in the capitol city of Caracas, a team of nine of us boarded a bus for a 4 ½ hour ride to the city of Calabozo, in north central Venezuela. Calabozo is the agricultural center of the country. Forty-two percent of the rice consumed in Venezuela is produced there. Farming is the main economy. Actual population in Calabozo is approximately 300,000. Most of the people live in barrio neighborhoods with concrete buildings and tin roofs.

 There were nine members of the Mercy and Truth team. The team worked with Dr. John Powell of Evangelism Task Force. Dr. Powell along with his wife, Elsa, pastor the Torre Fuerte church in Calabozo. "Torre Fuerte" means strong tower in Spanish.  His church is a former movie theater that he is renting. This is where the team had clinics each day. This outreach was geared towards daily medical clinics; however, ministry time spent with the children was also a highlight. 

While families passed through the clinics, the salvation story was shared with the children and salvation bracelets were given out. The colors of the beads were explained and related to Christ's life, His Death, His resurrection, and His forgiveness. Coloring books, paints, rubber balls and various toys were given to the children as they left the clinic. One child from the church led a young girl to Christ by explaining the salvation bracelet to her.

The team was blessed by a mid-week service on Wednesday night with worship being lead by the young people of the church. The worship team was mostly teenagers and those in their early 20's. A time of testimonials and sharing from the word of God was given, and by this time, the Venezuelans and Americans were feeling more like brothers and sisters instead of strangers.

 There were over 435 patients who passed through the clinics and pharmacy. Many were treated for colds, parasites, and body aches. There were four known adult salvations and one child. The way of salvation was presented to 79 people. Dr. Powell's staff will follow up on the people who filled out forms, and members of his church will also call on the residents in the barrios. Dr. Powell would like to see a personal level of evangelism with friendship ministry in his church.  On the team's last night, a special service by the youth was presented for the American team. Several songs and testimonials were given by the Venezuelans and Americans. It was a time of reflection on what God did for us doing clinics and the friendships that were made. It was sad to say goodbye and the American team had second thoughts about leaving. After the service, there were many teary eyes and hugs and kisses. Everyone knew what a blessing the week had been. Dr. Powell and his church welcomed us to their country and blessed us with the love of Christ. The people who passed through the clinics were touched by the Spirit of Truth and Love.

 On a personal note, I was blessed to lead this team. Everyone came on the trip with a servant's heart and I was proud of the way the young people on the team interacted with the Venezuelans and how the medical members were praying for both the physical and spiritual well being of their patients. The traveling was long by plane and bus, but everyone stayed in unity throughout the trip. I hope and pray to see them on mission trips again.

For Another report of the Venezuelan Trip Click here!