I am Venezuelan by birth, American through naturalization, and a recipient of the covenants of promise because of the blood of Christ. Nicolas Maduro, the illegitimate president of Venezuela, was captured by American troops in the early hours of Saturday, January 3rd 2026. Since then, news and social media has exploded with all kinds of discussions and opinions on what transpired and on what might take place in Venezuela now that Maduro has been removed.
It was towards the end of Bible College that God made me aware of a growing love in me that wasn’t there before. A love for studying the Scriptures. Unbeknownst to some people, I didn’t go to Bible College to become a pastor…I went to college (like most young people) not knowing what I was going to do with my life, so I started as a music student and graduated as a music student…. Here I am, a wife, three kids, a master’s degree, and 3 years of pastoral experience later getting ready to start a doctorate in the spring. How did this happen?
I believe the Scriptures teach that God has a decree, a plan that he made before the foundations of the world (Isa. 14:24). This is a plan that He is sovereign over, it is a plan that is unchanging, and it is a plan that is all-encompassing (Lam. 3:37–38). This means that, yes, it is a plan that not only includes the death of His son (1 Pet. 1:20) … This plan includes Ela's journey and the "normal" to which we had to adjust.
