But God is a tower of refuge for the poor

Isaiah 25:4-5 But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall, or like the relentless heat of the desert. But you silence the roar of foreign nations. As the shade of a cloud cools relentless heat, so the boastful songs of ruthless people are stilled.

When, Lord? How long must the people of Venezuela suffer from the ruthlessness and oppressive acts of their rulers?

But you ARE a tower of refuge to the pastors of Venezuela who have chosen to stay, and serve, and care for your people, under impossible conditions. This is an amazing thing to watch. Their love and commitment are a continual wonder to me.

Here is a translation of an email I received last week from a dear pastor’s wife in Venezuela. She—who must struggle daily to find food for her family to eat, who constantly faces blackouts, violence in the streets, failure of public services including her children’s schools, where 80% of public transportation is no longer functioning (and they have no car), and on and on it goes—is praying for Dave and me:

“From the balcony of my house, looking out on a rainy vista and listening to the calling of a variety of birds, I have the privilege of praying for you. May God continue to renew his mercy in your lives. I am asking our Father to increase your energy, abolish your fatigue, and supply you with all that you need to hear and obey God’s voice. May his plans for you in these days be fulfilled and his Spirit flow through you to bless many more people with the love, perseverance, and passion for God’s ways that have marked our hearts and so many others. May he bring to fruition the dreams he has yet to accomplish. I bless you as fathers and friends to us here, with a hug from my heart.”

Only a person who has found the Lord to be her tower of refuge can so generously pray for us, well fed, free, and spoiled in every way. Please, pray with us for God’s protection, miraculous provision, and encouragement for the pastors of his people in Venezuela!