Treating Forgotten People in Colombia

Venezuelan migrants enter Colombia afraid, anxious, and uncertain about what’s next. The millions of families who have crossed the international border over the last 10 years are left without resources, support, or community. Amid the chaos of adjusting to a new life, those suffering from chronic illnesses are among the most vulnerable.

A new Samaritan’s Purse programme now focuses on these pressing medical needs of the overlooked.

Before we arrived, Gabriela had said, “No one helps us.” The elderly Venezuelan woman lives with hypothyroidism and high blood pressure. “Sometimes people think that because we are older, it’s no longer worth taking care of us. I would like to live my final years well—not just survive.”

Gabriela, and her husband, Lucas, who has diabetes, have gone without medical care or doctor checkups for over five years, since they left their home country of Venezuela for a better life in Colombia. Many migrants are excluded from the formal health system in their new country. Often, they suffer in silence.

Bringing Medical Care to Venezuelan Migrants

Now, Gabriela and Lucas can find the care they need and a love and peace they never knew existed.

Over the last three months, Samaritan’s Purse medical teams have been treating Venezuelan migrants for their various chronic illnesses. Patients who arrive at our two treatment sites receive medicine, nutrition supplements, and essential education on how to manage their illness. The programme offers extensive follow-up care that includes medications and diagnostic tests that track progress on their treatment.

“I am very grateful to Samaritan’s Purse,” Gabriela said after her consultation. She and Lucas will return in three months for further care, education, and tests.

Since the programme started in March, many dozens of patients, young and old, have visited our facilities with questions and fear about what’s next. They leave with answers and hope.

Luisa, only 26 years old, talked to our medical staff about her burdensome health problems.

“The hardest part is not knowing,” she said. “Not knowing what I really have, or how to treat it properly.”

She was given the proper medical care she deserved, but for Luisa, healing also meant understanding.

“For the first time someone explained to me what I have—not with complicated words, but simply and showing me that my life truly matters.”

Sharing the Hope of Jesus with Weary Souls

Weary and overwhelmed when they arrive, migrant men, women, and children are introduced to the only solution to a lasting peace: Jesus Christ.

“It’s not only about the medicine,” said Liliana, 61, another patient to receive care at one of our facilities. “They also speak to us about God, encourage us, and make us feel loved and cared for.”

The crisis in Venezuela forced Liliana to leave her grown children, her grandson, and the only life she knew for Colombia to survive. The deep emotional pain, coupled with a battle against high blood pressure and a heart condition, could have caused her to give into fear. Instead, through Samaritan’s Purse, she’s been given a new start.

“The most difficult part was knowing you need care and not having access to it,” she said. “I may have arrived feeling tired and discouraged, but I leave strengthened.

“I always say that I am on the right path, because the person who walks with God has everything,” Liliana said.

Our intentional care of these patients is only beginning. As the programme continues, pray that our relationships with migrants will grow with each visit and consultation, and that the Gospel seeds sown will bring many weary people to Jesus Christ.

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest … for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

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