When historic flooding struck along the Colombia–Venezuela border this summer, more than 7,000 families were left in crisis. People lost homes and crops, and entire communities were cut off from food, medicine, and clean water.
From Crisis to Action
Soon after the disaster began, the SOM South America team was asked to develop a plan to help. Within just three days, they had created a proposal to provide relief for 1,000 families — including food, medicine, shelter supplies, portable water purification systems, and Bibles.
Even as the proposal was being written, the SOM South America leaders experienced a flood of their own, causing a sewage backup. After hours of exhausting cleanup, they felt an even deeper connection with those they were seeking to serve. The urgency to help became personal.
Shared Abundance
God provided quickly. A generous organization was ready to quickly partner with SOM International to get funding and supplies distributed in a miraculously short period of time. Russell and the rest of the team went to work, sourcing food and supplies, packing family baskets, and coordinating transportation.
For several weeks, volunteers showed up daily to pack, label, and lift boxes. Families brought their children to help, modeling generosity and compassion. Local donors provided rice, coffee, oil, and other essentials. Together, the team surpassed the original goal, packing 1,100 family baskets, which is enough to sustain each family for two to four weeks.
Convoys of Hope
The first convoy rolled out in August, carrying 750 family baskets, hammocks, awnings, and nearly 10 tons of supplies. Just days later, the second convoy departed with the remaining baskets, medical kits, and roofing materials — more than 20 tons in total.
Because ground transport carried risk, five portable water purification systems were shipped by air. These systems will provide safe drinking water for families in the disaster zone, protecting them from waterborne illness in the weeks ahead.
On-the-Ground Distribution
Team members are now in Venezuela, continuing the work. They will personally distribute the aid and install water systems.
God’s Provision at Work
This project has been a testimony of God’s perfect timing. What began during a season of financial tightness for the SOM South American team turned into a story of abundance, with every need met — and more. This serves as a reminder of God’s provision as they look ahead to the mounting needs for radio equipment and Bibles. For now, God has placed them in a place to share the Gospel in love and deed.
SOM International continues to trust the Lord to multiply each effort so that families in crisis will experience not just practical help, but also the hope and love of Christ.
How You Can Help
You can help extend this work by giving toward future relief efforts. Every gift helps meet urgent needs and reminds families that God sees them and cares.
