More Than a Rescue Mission 

When a devastating earthquake struck Venezuela in late June 2026, Gideon Rescue Company immediately began preparing to respond. Traveling with three searchandrescue K-9s, specialized listening devices capable of detecting signs of life beneath collapsed buildings, and a burden to share the hope of Christ, the team set out for the disaster zone.

Even before they arrived, however, it became evident that this mission would require much prayer. Navigating the visa process proved to be one of the first challenges. Every hour mattered as anxious messages continued arriving from contacts inside Venezuela. 

“There are collapsed buildings with church members under them,” one contact wrote. “Their relatives are praying for help. We are trying to coordinate to take you there.”

Knowing lives could depend on every delay, supporters around the world united in prayer that God would clear every obstacle and open every necessary door. eon Rescue Company’s Leadership Program

When the team landed in Venezuela, those prayers were answered in a remarkable way. Airport officials quickly surrounded them with questions. Additional approvals were requested, and discussions began about involving the U.S. Embassy before they could continue. For a time, it appeared the response might stall before it had even begun.

Then, just as unexpectedly as the problem had arisen, God provided the solution. A man quietly walked up and asked, “What do you need?” Without hesitation, he took charge of the situation. He helped retrieve their luggage, navigated the remaining airport procedures, and personally escorted the team out of the airport. What had moments before seemed confusing and uncertain suddenly became simple. 

Only later did the team learn that the man worked in the Venezuelan presidential office. Before saying goodbye, they thanked him, shared Christian literature, and prayed together—
a fitting reminder that every delay God allows can become an opportunity to minister.

Outside the airport, the divine appointments continued. The team soon met several police officers who were curious about why they had come to Venezuela. Conversations that began with searchandrescue quickly turned to faith, and before long the officers gladly accepted GodPods loaded with The mission had barely begun, yet God was already opening hearts.

Those early encounters set the tone for the days that followed. Working alongside Venezuelan search-and-rescue teams, firefighters, police officers, and volunteers, the Gideon Rescue team developed friendships that went far beyond disaster response. Long hours searching unstable buildings created opportunities for meaningful conversations about far more than rescue techniques.  coordinate to take you there.”

Knowing lives could depend on every delay, supporters around the world united in prayer that God would clear every obstacle and open every necessary door. eon Rescue Company’s Leadership Program

Again and again, people asked why the world seems to be unraveling with increasing disasters. The team shared Christ’s own words that earthquakes, along with other signs, would increase as His return draws near. Rather than dismissing the conversation, many of the rescuers thoughtfully nodded in agreement. “It makes sense,” several of them said. 

Those simple conversations often led to discussions with eternal significance. 

Rescue workers spoke openly about the uncertainty they were witnessing and their desire to understand what God is doing in these closing moments of earth’s history. Together they talked about the hope found in Scripture and the promise that one day suffering, death, and disasters will come to an end.

What began as strangers working beside one another soon became lasting friendships built on mutual respect and a shared desire to help those who were suffering. Before entering dangerous search areas, rescuers often gathered to pray together, asking God not only for safety but also for wisdom as they searched for survivors hidden beneath the rubble. 

Only later did the team learn that the man worked in the Venezuelan presidential office. Before saying goodbye, they thanked him, shared Christian literature, and prayed together—
a fitting reminder that every delay God allows can become an opportunity to minister.

Outside the airport, the divine appointments continued. The team soon met several police officers who were curious about why they had come to Venezuela. Conversations that began with searchandrescue quickly turned to faith, and before long the officers gladly accepted GodPods loaded with The mission had barely begun, yet God was already opening hearts.

As the mission continued, the search for survivors would become intertwined with something even more important—the search for hearts longing to know the God who never abandons His children, even in the darkest of disasters.