Venezuela coup not affecting missions work

The recent military coup in Venezuela threatening the leadership of the country’s president failed to stop missions efforts by Alabama Baptists.

President Hugo Chavez returned to his office in the capital of Caracas April 14, two days after he was ousted and arrested by Venezuela’s military. Chavez had resigned April 12 under military pressure after a massive opposition demonstration against his government ended in a bloodbath.

While the current status of temperaments remains uncertain, Alabama Baptist missions volunteers and Southern Baptist missionaries serving in Venezuela plan to continue striving forward in their goal to reach the country for Christ.

Supporting the state’s missions and evangelism partnership with Venezuela, two Alabama Baptist teams scheduled to leave April 18 are still on go, according to Reggie Quimby. Quimby serves as director of the global partnerships and volunteers in missions office at the Ala­bama Baptist State Board of Missions.

Wayne Shelton of New Temple Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs Association is leading a three-person team to Colonia Tovar, a city northwest of Caracas, Quimby said. New Temple launched a partnership with a church in that area and is seeking opportunities to help the congregation.

The trip beginning April 18 will be a discovery trip for future missions activities, Quimby noted.

Also leaving April 18 is a team from Eastern Hills Baptist Church, Montgomery. The eight-member team, led by Charlie Winsett, plans to begin construction on a back wall behind the Venezuelan Baptist camp, Camp Carabobo, to provide security.

Quimby said no advisements have come from the International Mission Board (IMB) about canceling the trips.

“If we feel there is a danger or a threat, then we will re-evaluate,” Quimby said. “Otherwise we are moving forward.”

IMB spokesperson Mark Kelly said the missionaries in Venezuela are not reporting any concerns. “It seems OK and all seems quiet,” he said.

There are currently 14 Alabama Baptists serving as IMB missionaries in Venezuela.