The beauty of Venezuela Now’s ministry was born of tragedy on May 11, 1996. Returning from an exploratory missionary trip to Venezuela, Carlos Gonzalez, Ray Lathem, and Roger and Dana Lane were killed that day in the ValuJet crash in the Florida Everglades. Like all of us when we are faced with conflict and heartbreaking loss, Warren and Jane Lathem had a choice. Thankfully, they chose to believe that “God was with us on that day… and every day since.” Venezuela Now was fueled by Warren and Jane’s belief that God is faithful

Venezuela Now began as a ministry to train church leaders to spread God’s Word in this secular, developing nation. Dr. Warren Lathem, a long-time supporter of missionaries and short-term mission projects, initially traveled to Venezuela to preach a citywide evangelistic crusade, but Venezuelans craved more.

They asked for a much-needed seminary to provide theological education to young leaders. Dr. Warren, along with fellow pastors, Dr. Dan Dunn and Dr. David Cosby, partnered with locals to establish a seminary in 2002.

The development of the Seminario Wesleyano de Venezuela (Wesleyan Seminary of Venezuela) has been the catalyst for transformational change. Ensuring that the seminary is affordable has led to highly successful and well-attended undergraduate and master’s programs. Since the establishment of the seminary, over 900 students have enrolled, and scores of new congregations have been formed. Both the original churches and newly planted churches are starting outreach ministries. With nearly 20 years in ministry, VNI has a proven track record of faithful stewardship — and results for the Kingdom.