Seventh-day Adventist churches in Venezuela remain open and active despite political unrest, church leaders in the region say.

The country has plunged into uncertainty as the result of violence, demonstrations and a now two month-old strike protesting the government of President Hugo Chavez.

According to church reports, some church members are unable to attend services because of scarcity of fuel and lack of funds to purchase bus tickets, but many of them are meeting in homes in local neighborhoods.

Many Venezuelans have lost jobs as a result of the strike, which has shut down many businesses, according to Rodolfo Escobar, communication director for the church’s Venezuela-Antilles region.

“It has been more than 57 days since the nation has come to a standstill,” Escobar says. “Many of our brothers and sisters have lost their jobs. We are reviewing some of their situations and creating a contingency plan to meet their needs.”

With affordable fuel almost non-existent, transportation is difficult and food, medical and sanitary supplies are in short supply. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency in Venezuela is responding to humanitarian needs caused by the strike.

Church leaders in Venezuela say the church remains strong and committed to its mission, and they ask for prayers for a quick and peaceful resolution to the country’s predicament. “Even though things in our country are uncertain, heaven has not abandoned us,” Escobar says.