Skip to main content

Nurturing a Strong Reformed Identity in Venezuela

January 29, 2025

The Go Navidad initiative, launched by the Christian Reformed Church in Los Teques, Venezuela, as part of its “Go” mission program, continued its work in the lives of nearly 200 children, from babies to teens, in its second year of providing an intensive Christmas education program. 

The six-week program, which ran from Dec. 1 to Jan. 12, provided children with a deep understanding of Advent and the foundational principles of the Reformed faith. 

Children ages 4–11 explored six key themes: Waiting for the Savior (Isaiah), John the Baptist (preparing the way for the Lord’s coming), Joseph (a man guided by God), Mary (responding to the angel’s message), the manifestation of the Lord to the shepherds and worship (Simeon and Anna), and Epiphany (the visit of the Magi and their worship of the Lord). Teens also deepened their faith by studying the Heidelberg Catechism.

“Our goal was not just to teach children about the birth of Christ but to guide them in understanding and living out the fundamental principles and values of our Reformed tradition,” explained Nuvia de Zambrano, coordinator of the children's program. In addition to spiritual growth, the initiative focused on the children's physical well-being by offering warm meals, snacks, and a safe learning environment. At the end of Go Navidad, each child received a special gift, made possible by the church's fundraising efforts and generous donations. 

To further support their spiritual and academic development, children enrolled in a follow-up after-school prayer program that will last five weeks. 

Watch a video presentation about this in-depth Christmas-season program : Go Navidad.