The surprise US military intervention to capture the leader of Venezuela’s Chavista regime has left a state of tense calm in a deeply divided country.

The country's president, who clung to power despite losing the elections, was captured at his residence along with his wife by an elite US unit in the early hours of 3 January after a series of air strikes. Both were transported to New York to be tried by a court that accuses them of narco-terrorism, among other crimes under US law.

In a media appearance hours later, US President Donald Trump justified his intervention, which violated international law. “We are going to run Venezuela until there is a safe and orderly transition”, he said. Although “talks are underway with people in Venezuela” for a political change, the US government has not clarified whether Delcy Rodríguez, the vice-president and right-hand woman of Maduro’s autocratic regime, will be allowed to control the country’s political apparatus. Trump admitted that US oil companies intend to exploit the Venezuelan country’s reserves.

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Uncertainty and faith

The uncertainty among the population is evident at this time. Venezuela is divided between supporters of the Socialist regime initiated in1999 by Hugo Chávez, who timidly took to the streets, and detractors in Caracas and other regions of the country, who expressed their hope on social media for a ‘Free Venezuela’ that can restore democracy in the medium term.

Within this context, the Evangelical Council of Venezuela (CEV) issued an official statement calling for prayer, serenity, and trust in God in the face of the events that have shaken the country.

The CEV expresses its closeness to the Venezuelan people. “We extend our prayers and solidarity to all our brothers and sisters and fellow citizens who are going through moments of uncertainty or fear”.

On 5 January, a week of fastingh and prayer and online meetings with other evangelical movements in Latin America were announced.

Prayer, temperance and service against anxiety

The evangelical organisation emphasises its conviction that God remains in control of history: “We reaffirm our trust in the sovereignty of God, who reigns over the nations and guides history according to his eternal purpose. Nothing escapes his control, and in him we find our peace”.

The statement also calls for individual and community responsibility, encouraging people not to be swept away by fear or information overload. “We urge everyone not to be overcome by fear or anxiety”, the text states, recommending “limiting your exposure to social media and the constant flow of information” and devoting more time “to prayer, fellowship, service, and other activities that build the well-being of our families and advance the Kingdom of God”.

Finally, the CEV prays “for peace in the country and for a true and lasting transformation that honours justice, truth and the dignity of every citizen”, reiterating its commitment to “proclaiming the Gospel, building up the people of God and seeking the common good”.

The message concludes with a final request: “May the Lord grant us wisdom, temperance, and courage to be a light in the midst of darkness”.

Venezuelans in exile

Other evangelicals, including evangelical pastors and Christian musicians, both within Venezuela and in exile in countries across the Americas, have largely expressed their joy at what they see as the end of Nicolás Maduro and a window of opportunity for fair elections and economic recovery after years of deep crisis that has caused millions of Venezuelans to emigrate abroad.

Opposition leader Corina Machado, widely considered the de facto winner of Venezuela’s last election and a recent Nobel Peace Prize laureate, addressed her fellow citizens in a letter from abroad. “Venezuela will be free. We are walking hand in hand with God, until the end”, she said.

Spain: celebrations after the fall of Maduro

An example of the Venezuelan exodus in recent years is Spain, where it is estimated that there are more than 600,000 Venezuelans. Arrivals in the southern European country from Venezuela have increased during this decade of Maduro’s rule.

In Madrid’s Puerta del Sol square, thousands of Venezuelans gathered over the weekend to show their joy at Maduro's downfall and their hope for a better future for their country. They celebrated with music and calls for unity.

Many have fled political persecution by an authoritarian regime; others are seeking a better future for their families, given the serious security and economic crisis that has ravaged the country for years.

Smaller, more isolated groups defended the Chavista regime, denouncing US interference.