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Dear John,
Now that we've stepped out of 2025 and into 2026, I want to take a moment to express my sincere thanks for the many ways you have supported and encouraged Family Research Council over the past year -- whether through prayer, engagement with our Bible reading plan, following our news and commentary, or standing with us financially, I am truly grateful for your continued involvement and support.
From the bottom of my heart -- thank you!
With January already upon us, FRC is preparing for important opportunities and challenges ahead, including the midterm elections, crafting key legislation, and celebrating America's 250th anniversary by spotlighting our nation's biblical foundation.
As we turn our attention to the year before us, we are already navigating a rapidly changing political landscape -- one marked by uncertainty, high stakes, and situations that demand the wisdom of God.
In the early hours of January 3, U.S. military and law enforcement forces carried out a strike in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of longtime Venezuelan dictator Nicol??s Maduro and his transfer into U.S. custody to face criminal charges.
This development, which continues to unfold and is the subject of intense discussion around the world, has implications far beyond Venezuela. International responses range from celebratory optimism to deep concern about legal and geopolitical ramifications.
From a religious freedom perspective, however, we are reminded of the very real suffering endured by Christians and churches under Maduro's rule. Decades of state control over civil society, interference in church activities, and the intimidation of pastors and religious leaders who were not aligned with the regime have made Venezuela a difficult place for believers.
Nearly 30 percent of Venezuelans reportedly identify as evangelical Christians, and many in the body of Christ there have endured oppression, threats, and severe restrictions on sharing the gospel and even caring for the poor in the name of Jesus.
For now, the future is uncertain. Doors may have just opened for greater religious freedom and flourishing -- or this event could bring fresh dangers and instability.
In times like these, our best response is to seek the Lord.
The Scriptures call us to pray for those in authority, for justice, for peace, and for the advance of the gospel. With that in mind, please join me in prayer for this moment:
- Pray for the Trump administration, for wisdom to act with God-given discernment and understanding. Pray for accountability and humility where it is needed but also pray that our leaders would exercise their true, God-given authority to bring about what is good (Romans 13:1-4). Ask the Lord to stir their hearts toward Him (Proverbs 21:1-8).
- Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Venezuela -- for their safety amid upheaval (Psalm 46:1), and for freedom to worship and share the gospel openly (1 Peter 2:16). Ask the Lord to use this moment to open doors for the proclamation of the gospel, and that any change ahead would be for the good of the Venezuelan people and for His glory (Romans 8:28).
- Pray for other nations affected by these events, including Cuba, Iran, Russia, China, and others who are allied with Maduro -- that the hearts of their rulers and people would be turned toward truth and revival. Pray for peace between nations as the consequences of this event unfold. Ask the Lord to confound and humble the enemies of righteousness in the days ahead (Psalm 2).
Together, let us hope and pray that what follows from this serious and historic military interdiction is God-ordained, righteous, and ultimately for the good of a nation long held captive by tyranny.
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2026 Family Research Council.