Faithful Minister Dies Rescuing Earthquake Victims in Venezuela

Faith Facts

• Joaquín Rodríguez, a minister at La Guaira Church of Christ, died of a heart attack after three straight days helping earthquake victims in Venezuela
• Twin earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude killed at least 1,700 people and devastated coastal Venezuela on June 24
• Christian nonprofits including Healing Hands International and One Kingdom are organizing relief efforts for the crisis-stricken nation

The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week continue to exact a heavy toll — now claiming the life of a dedicated minister who gave everything to help survivors.

Joaquín Rodríguez, a minister and leader at the La Guaira Church of Christ in coastal Venezuela, suffered a fatal heart attack after working three consecutive days in the aftermath of the June 24 disasters. The twin earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, killing at least 1,700 people and injuring thousands more.

Germán Chirinos, a minister in Falcón state in northwest Venezuela, described Rodríguez’s final hours.

“He was helping others and looking for survivors. Some brothers told me that they prayed together with him, and while he was driving, he died.”

La Guaira state sustained massive damage from the back-to-back quakes. At least four members of the La Guaira church are among the dead, Chirinos confirmed.

Chirinos remembered Rodríguez as a man of deep faith and servant leadership.

“He was a humble man with a big heart. [He was] very concerned and committed to the church in La Guaira.”

In Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, at least two church members also perished. Minister H. Jose Silencio painted a grim picture of conditions on the ground.

“The situation is critical. There are many dead, many injured and many missing. Many people have died in the rubble, and many survivors are left without hope.”

Christian nonprofits are mobilizing to bring relief to the beleaguered nation. Healing Hands International, One Kingdom, and Great Cities Missions — ministries associated with Churches of Christ — are collecting funds and organizing relief shipments for Venezuela, which has endured severe economic and political crises over the past decade.

Despite overwhelming loss, Christians across Venezuela are turning to Scripture for strength and comfort. Carlos León, a minister in San Antonio de los Altos, said believers are finding peace even amid profound suffering.

“In spite of the situation so difficult that we’re living through, we have a peace that passes all understanding. There’s sadness because of the pain people are suffering, that our brothers and sisters are suffering, and for the loss. There’s mourning, but there’s hope of something beyond.”

For León, the earthquakes call to mind the Old Testament prophet Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings, Chapter 19. When Elijah was overcome with grief, God told him to leave the cave where he had sought refuge.

“An earthquake appeared, but God wasn’t there in either the earthquake or the hurricane-force winds, but rather God was in the peaceful and gentle whisper that gives us peace, that gives us confidence,” León said.

The Venezuelan minister emphasized that Christians are called not to offer easy answers during times of suffering, but to provide genuine comfort and presence.

“Listen to victims and pray with them, pray or listen to them, cry with them and be there … be there serving them, so they feel our love and our empathy.”

Chirinos expressed gratitude for the global Christian community’s response.

“The whole congregation, nationally and worldwide, are together in this trying to help any way they can. So thanks to God and to all of you.”

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