Public prayer, music event to send message of solidarity to Venezuela

By THE STAR STAFF

Nearly a month after the twin earthquakes that shook Venezuela on June 24 -- leaving behind destruction, loss of life, and entire communities in crisis -- Puerto Rico is preparing to respond with a gesture of faith and brotherhood.

The organizations Puente de Esperanza, Casa Venezuela and Nueva Vida 97.7FM have joined forces to organize the “Unidos por Venezuela” (United for Venezuela) event, a day of music and prayer to be held this Sunday in front of the island Capitol in San Juan.

The event, running from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., will bring together various Christian music artists who will unite their voices in a concert from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a time of intercession from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will also be a live link-up with Venezuela, ensuring that the message of hope reaches those currently facing the aftermath of the tragedy directly.

The organizers of the event, which is free of charge and open to the general public, are calling on the Puerto Rican community -- regardless of denomination -- to join the initiative. All donations collected during the evening will be channeled through Casa Venezuela Puerto Rico to continue supporting the survivors of the catastrophe.

Pastor Wilmer Guédez, a coordinator of Puente de Esperanza, said the event’s goal is simple: to tell the Venezuelan people that they are not alone. He noted that Puerto Rico, rooted in its Christian identity, seeks to serve as a bridge between need and provision, standing with Venezuela during this time of pain through concrete acts of faith and solidarity.

Guédez also expressed his gratitude to Puerto Rico for the aid already sent to Venezuela through government initiatives, the church, and Puerto Rican civil society leaders -- a gesture that, in his view, reflects the great heart of the Puerto Rican people.