Mission guide

Venezuela Maracaibo Mission

The Venezuela Maracaibo Mission serves a historic, sunny city on the shores of Lake Maracaibo.

Spanish

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Venezuela Maracaibo Mission shirts

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Venezuela Maracaibo Mission T-Shirt

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Venezuela Maracaibo Mission Heart Map Shirt

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Venezuela Maracaibo Mission Flag Map Shirt

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I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission

2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.

I Glory in My Jesus shirt in Spanish on White: “Me glorío en mi Jesús”, 2 Nefi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Shirt – Spanish

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I Glory in My Jesus script shirt in Spanish, white ink on Dark Chocolate: “Me glorío en mi Jesús”, 2 Nefi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Script Shirt (White Ink) – Spanish

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About the mission

The Venezuela Maracaibo Mission is centered in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on the western shore of Lake Maracaibo.

Spanish is the main language spoken in the mission and throughout Venezuela.

At a glance

Country: Venezuela
Main city: Maracaibo, 1,752,602 people in the municipality (2019 estimate)
Language: Spanish
Time zone: Venezuela Time (UTC-4)
Climate: Hot semi-arid climate, with an average temperature of about 29 °C (84.2 °F)
Church in Venezuela: 177,309 members, 33 stakes, 235 congregations

A short history of the area

The first Europeans arrived in the Maracaibo region in 1499. Maracaibo was founded three times, beginning with a settlement called Neu-Nürnberg established by Ambrosius Ehinger on September 8, 1529. Captain Pedro Maldonado permanently re-founded the city in 1574 as Nueva Zamora de la Laguna de Maracaibo.

Maracaibo became an important transshipment point after Gibraltar was destroyed by pirates in 1669. The Battle of Lake Maracaibo on July 24, 1823, helped end Spanish control in Venezuela. Today, the city is connected to the eastern shore of the lake by the General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge.

The Church here

1966Elder Marion G. Romney dedicated Venezuela for the preaching of the gospel and organized a branch of 45 members in Caracas on November 2.
1967Missionaries first arrived in Venezuela, sent from the Costa Rica Mission.
1967Hernan Sepulveda became the first convert baptized in Venezuela on February 12.
1967Missionaries began work in Maracaibo on July 7.
1971The Venezuela Mission was organized in Caracas on July 1.
1979The Venezuela Maracaibo Mission was created.
1980The first stake in Maracaibo was organized.

Temples nearby

Maracaibo Venezuela Temple

Announced · Near Maracaibo

Barranquilla Colombia Temple

Dedicated December 9, 2018 · About 215 miles from Maracaibo

The Book of Mormon here

Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.

Spanish Read it free →

Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Before you go

Phrases to learn

HolaHello
Buenos díasGood morning
¿Cómo está?How are you?
GraciasThank you

Fun facts

Maracaibo is located beside the strait connecting Lake Maracaibo with the Gulf of Venezuela.
The General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge was the world's longest prestressed concrete bridge when it was completed.
Maracaibo's musical tradition includes gaita, which uses instruments such as maracas, cuatro, charrasca, tambora, and furro.

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