Effective Ministry at Casa de Dios (House of God) UMC of VZ

Pastor Thoby and Pastora Elizabeth Ramirez have developed a remarkable church and ministry in the large city on the eastern side of the country, Puerta Odaz.  The city is one of industries, universities and beauty. The church was started with nothing but a Bible and the faith and faithfulness of the Ramirez family.

The Casa de Dios is especially effective in reaching the youth of the Puerta Ordaz city.  Last year the pastors planned and executed a nation-wide UMC youth camp. Dozens of conversions occurred in that camp.  It was so effective and transformational that the youth requested the pastors include the entire family in the next camp.  So one year later the Camp is for families and will be held in Puerta Ordaz in a park where the families will live in tents and learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and hear the preaching of the Gospel. This is reminiscent of the early days of Campmeeting in the US.  The camp is during Holy Week, so please keep this ministry in your prayers.

In the attached pictures you will see the celebration of Christian Baptism led by pastors Ramirez.  Notice the various ages being baptized. In Venezuela, baptism follows conversion.  So these are new Christians reached and now being discipled by the pastors and church at Casa de Dios.

Pastor Thoby has been assigned additional responsibilities by Bishop Juvenal Perez.  He is now the District Superintendent of the Bolivar state.  He makes sure the Connectional System of United Methodism in Venezuela is strengthened and enhanced and provides counsel and support and supervision to all the pastors and churches in his district.

As the area Superintendent, he and the pastors have issued an invitation to me to preach a State-wide Evangelistic Crusade next October.  Pray with us about this possibility.

Pastor Thoby and Pastor Elizabeth have been students in the Seminario Wesleyano de Vdenezuela for over 5 years and will soon graduate.  Their ministry has been greatly enhanced by their educational experience at the Seminary.  Your giving to Venezuela Now, Inc. provides the funds necessary for them to acquire an excellent theological education.  Thank you for your faithfulness. You are having an eternal impact on a people and nation.

Please send additional gifts to:

Venezuela Now, Inc.

PO Box 1655

Duluth, GA  30096