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VENEZUELA — Olga had gone to Maiquetía to spend time with women from her church family, planning to read devotionals and share the Word of God together. Instead, their time of fellowship was interrupted by a powerful earthquake that shook the city and left destruction in its wake.“It was horrible to see how buildings collapsed,” Olga recalls. “There was dust everywhere and how people fell on the ground.”
The noise was overwhelming—Olga describes it as being like the roar of a lion. The ground moved beneath them like waves, making it nearly impossible to stand or find something to hold onto. Somehow, Olga and the others made their way outside. But when Olga looked toward her own building, something seemed strange.
A Venezuela Earthquake Survivor Faces the Unthinkable
Olga’s eight-story building appeared to still be standing. But the reality was far more devastating. The first four floors and half of the fifth floor had been swallowed by the earth. Olga had been on the first floor when the earthquake struck, and 15 people were buried from the first through fourth floors. They never had time to escape.
Olga did.
As a Venezuela earthquake survivor, Olga reflects on her rescue as more than simply being spared from a devastating disaster. She believes God brought her through it so she could continue serving others. “God took me out from where I was comfortable so that I can continue in His ways,” Olga says. “So I can continue sharing His Word. So I can continue helping.”
Serving Others After the Earthquake
Through the prayers and support of friends like you, Operation Blessing is helping survivors like Olga and giving local volunteers opportunities to bring practical help and hope to their communities. For Olga, serving others has become a deeply personal calling. She knows there are people who are overwhelmed and worried, but she also believes there is a way for ordinary people to step forward and help those who cannot help themselves. “Spend two or three hours helping your brothers that are struggling and they can’t come,” she encourages. “Come and use your hands so they can eat. This is a divine mission.”
Hope Through a Venezuela Earthquake Survivor’s Story
Olga survived an earthquake that changed her community forever. Now, she is using the life God spared to serve people who are still hurting. “I’m useful where I am,” she says. Your prayers and support help make it possible for Operation Blessing and local volunteers to meet people in their greatest moments of need—offering practical assistance, compassion and the hope of Christ. Olga’s message is simple: don’t stop serving. “Sincerely, I congratulate you and I hope you never leave.”