VENEZUELA San Carlos

God buries His workers but carries on His work (Charles Wesley) is a true saying. Allan Turkington & James Walmsley, two Irish born workers who left their mark in Venezuela were laid to rest during 2022 with great lamentation, but God is still at work in this land.

We were with the saints in Barinitas on Saturday for their yearly conference, an assembly Allan saw formed in 2015, after much labour with Antonio Márquez. The 4 other assemblies in Barinas were represented, and the prayer and teaching sessions were solemn, considering the charge of passing on the deposit to the next generation, from 2nd Timothy. We trust some of many unsaved present left saying…surely God is in this place!

Rosa, a hard working sister at the conference, lives in Santo Domingo, in neighboring Merida, 1½ hours west over a narrow mountain road. Strenuous gospel labour in this fanatically Catholic town over years, might seem in vain, were it not for a believer like Rosa! Allan had a gospel spell in January with little to encourage, in spite of much visitation, up and down steep streets. PRAY for Santo Domingo!

Returning on Sunday, we visited the Turkington home in Barrancas, where 3 of Allan’s daughters hold the fort while Sandra visits family in Canada. 13 needy children are being cared for and a primary school functioning on the premises is in construction. Knowing how God’s Word can bless these children, opposition is no surprise, and official permission has not yet been granted. PRAYER can change things!

Joseph, our oldest son and beloved helper was called Home on August 1st, age 35. Saved at 9 in Guanarito, and baptized with the first believers in Elorza in 2009, he was serious in eternal matters and a born mechanic. His support was invaluable, even after he left us for employment, marriage and setting up a new home in San Carlos. The young Colorados assembly grieves the loss of a true shepherd and tireless worker. María and 3 little ones, grieve a Daddy…but God’s work continues.

Family health issues limit our movements, but doors have opened in Manrique, Cojedes, and nearby areas, and the Lord has granted blessing in salvation and the building up of believers and assemblies. In 7 short visits to Portuguesa and Apure during 2022, there was mutual joy seeing the saints in Guanarito, Guasdualito, Elorza, Mantecal and Puerto Nutrias remaining steadfast despite manifold temptations. These last 2 towns just have a handful of believers in fellowship, who rarely can get to an assembly meeting, a cause for concern. The need is great…the doors are open…Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.

C.1989 (Ven)