Faith Forged in Exile: A Venezuelan Testimony of Hope

In moments of national upheaval, personal testimony reminds us that history is not only shaped by headlines, but by faith in the power and promises of God. Many times God forges our faith in seasons of suffering. The following interview is with Solimar Gutiérrez, a Venezuelan Christian whose family lived through political collapse, persecution, and forced migration to the United States. Yet, they never lost their unwavering trust in God. Her story is one of loss, resilience, and enduring hope in the sovereignty of God and His redemptive purposes through Christ.

– Jason J. Nelson

This testimony is presented in Solimar Gutiérrez’s own words and reflects her personal experience.

Can you begin by telling us a little about yourself?

It is an honor, and with gratitude, I share my testimony as a Venezuelan. My name is Solimar Gutiérrez. I am a Christian, Venezuelan by birth, and a professional in Managerial Administration and Finance, with over 20 years of work experience. I am married to Oswaldo Fuentes. We serve in the Evangelism and Theater Ministry at Grace Latino, and our daughters, Nicole and Angely, serve in the Grace Youth Ministry.

What was Venezuela like when you and your family left?

Venezuela is an extraordinarily rich nation in natural resources. It holds the world’s largest reserves of heavy crude oil, significant natural gas reserves, and vast deposits of gold, iron, bauxite, and diamonds. However, this abundance was overshadowed by a deep social, political, and moral crisis that began in the late 1990s.

The concentration of power and authoritarian policies led the country into a progressive collapse. Reality became unsustainable: minimum wages ranging between $3 and $10 per month, more than 18,000 political detentions, approximately 900 political prisoners, thousands of arbitrary arrests, and protests violently suppressed. Added to this is an exodus of more than 7.8 million Venezuelans and millions of people living in extreme poverty.

Furthermore, the expropriation of more than 5,500 companies in key sectors such as food, energy, banking, and telecommunications destroyed the national productive system. Hospitals were left without supplies. Basic services became irregular or nonexistent, and living in fear became part of everyday life for the Venezuelan people.

Can you share your family’s personal experience during this time?

During Christmas 2016, our family faced a traumatic experience involving extortion and kidnapping threats. When we reported it, we received no support from the authorities. In the midst of fear, we chose to cling to God and persevere in prayer.

We were forced to liquidate the family businesses we managed, suspend all commercial activities, sell all our vehicles, and leave trusted individuals in charge of caring for our homes.

We continued serving in the work of the Lord, and over time, God confirmed—through brothers and sisters in the faith and through our pastoral covering—that we would leave the country as a ministerial family, sent to the nations. Thus, we emigrated, sustained by faith and the conviction that God was guiding every step.

Everything we achieved in Venezuela we attribute to God’s faithfulness, the support of our family, and the opportunities that, at one time, our country provided.

How do you feel about the recent developments in Venezuela?

In the early morning of January 3, 2026, reports began circulating on social media about significant events in Caracas and other cities, along with communication disruptions. We contacted our family members to alert them.

This week, through an Official Gazette, the interim government has threatened to imprison anyone who supports the events of January 3, arbitrarily reviewing their social media activity.

That Saturday, true hope was awakened in many Venezuelans, both inside and outside the country. As a family, we are grateful for the actions taken by the United States on that day, recognizing that God can use nations and their authorities as instruments to open paths of justice and order, even in complex processes. For the first time, we see actions carried out with clear objectives.

How do you feel about America?

For our family, the United States has been a nation of opportunity, order, and grace, where we have been able to rebuild our lives with dignity.

We deeply value the freedom to openly share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to congregate, disciple, and serve without fear. God gave us a new spiritual family at Grace Church, where we have received love, support, and spiritual guidance. We live with gratitude, aware that God works sovereignly through nations. The U.S. has become our new home.

Where do you see God’s intervention, and what hope do you have for Venezuela?

We are convinced that God has never abandoned Venezuela. Scripture affirms that He loves justice and hates violence (Isaiah 61:8). Even in the midst of the diaspora, God has raised up a remnant that prays and intercedes for profound change.

We pray for a reconciled Venezuela, with restored institutions, renewed education, healthcare, and economy, and above all, hearts surrendered to Christ. We believe that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.

By faith, we await a free and restored Venezuela, surrendered to the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.

Solimar’s testimony reflects a tremendous amount of faith in the providence of God, attests to God’s continued blessing upon the United States, and reminds us all of the power of prayer. As followers of Christ, we are called to 'pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17).' Let us continue to specifically pray for God to move powerfully across our great nation, within Venezuela, and, for that matter, throughout all the nations of the world.