Read Time: 4 min 53 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

WORLD NEWS

Captured in Caracas

The U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise raid on Saturday.

President Trump said the dictator and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized during a “large-scale strike” in the capital of Caracas. Special forces breached the steel doors of their H home to catch them off guard. The couple was choppered to a U.S. Navy vessel, then flown to New York (see their journey). 

The U.S. estimates that 75 Venezuelan and Cuban security forces and some civilians were killed in the confrontation at Maduro’s home. No Americans died, but seven were injured. 

Why did the U.S. want Maduro?
The U.S. is accusing him of helping drug traffickers, planning illegal drug sales, and breaking weapons laws.

In 2020, the U.S. said Maduro helped run the Cartel de los Soles, a drug-trafficking network that allegedly moved massive amounts of cocaine into the States. Then, Maduro remained in power after Venezuela’s 2024 election, even though most people agree he actually lost by a lot. In August, the Trump admin said it would pay $50 million for info leading to Maduro’s arrest.

How are people responding to the capture?
Videos showed Venezuelans taking to the streets to celebrate Maduro’s capture (watch here). 

Democrats in Congress call Trump’s Venezuela plan “vague,” illegal, and a distraction from issues on the home front. Republicans are defending Trump’s “decisive and justified” operation. 

What’s next?
President Trump said the U.S. will take control of Venezuela’s oil (they have a lot) and “run the country” until an election. Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, was sworn in as acting president. She didn’t like Maduro’s “kidnapping” but promised to cooperate with Trump.

Maduro and his wife appeared in court in New York on Monday. They pleaded “not guilty,” and Maduro said he’s “still president.” The couple will remain in custody in Brooklyn, with another hearing scheduled for March and a full trial expected in 2027.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Political chaos doesn’t intimidate the King of kings. Uncertain times are an opportunity for believers to demonstrate our faith in His good leadership. 

“God ascends among shouts of joy, the LORD, with the sound of a ram’s horn. Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our King, sing praise! Sing a song of wisdom, for God is King of the whole earth. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.” 
Psalm 47:5–8 (CSB) (read full passage)

How can I model putting my hope and trust in Christ when discussing this story?
Regime change stirs up fear, anxiety, and anger. 

Believers have an opportunity to radiate hope in Christ our King, who can’t be toppled in an overnight raid. His rule is steady, and His plan is not shaken by even the biggest world news. His unchallenged power means that ultimately, all will be well with us and our world.

Shine Christ's light into the tense corners of your community this week: “You are the light of the world... No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house... Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father” (Matthew 5:14-16 CSB).

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Venezuelans are facing uncertainty, and Americans’ confidence in government is trending down. How can we respond when life takes an uncontrollable turn?

God’s will for you is not that you accomplish certain things: the best college, dream job, picture-perfect family. For those goals, a good government is pretty important. God’s will for your life is that you become more like Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:3). You don’t need a stable government for that. What you need is the presence of the God who uses hard times to shape you into someone marked by endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-4).

• Discuss: Has your life taken any uncontrollable turns? What is your next small step for becoming more like Jesus in that circumstance?
   

• Memorize 1 Thessalonians 4:3, “For this is God’s will, your sanctification” (CSB).
   

• Pray for Venezuela and for your own heart: King of kings, You sit enthroned over all creation, and nothing in this world happens apart from Your hand. When world events shock us, settle us with reminders of Your sovereignty. King of glory, give Venezuelan and American leaders the wisdom to make decisions that bring glory to You and good to Your people. King of peace, help American and Venezuelan leaders seek peaceful resolutions. And when those around us are overwhelmed by today’s events, help us to lovingly share the peace that comes from knowing You as our good, almighty, eternal Lord and Savior. Amen.

CREAM AND SUGAR

Gen Z Word of the Week: My resolution is to get boo’d up this year.

Family Fun: TPO writers Bailey and Peter can name 30 state capitals in two minutes. Can you beat their score? Print this map and time yourself writing in the capitals. If you beat them, let us know, and we’ll send you a sticker!

Whipped Cream on Top: A baby flamingo's first steps...

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