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

So, what happened?
Explosions were reported in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, and various military facilities just before 2 a.m. local time Saturday.

President Trump confirmed Maduro was seized during a “large-scale strike,” saying special forces breached steel doors of a “heavily fortified location” within “a matter of seconds.” Maduro and his wife were choppered to a U.S. Navy vessel, then flown to New York (see their journey), where they were indicted for narco-terrorism, drug conspiracy, and weapons-related offenses.

Trump said no Americans were killed, and Secretary of State Rubio stressed that the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela but with drug trafficking organizations.

Back up. Why did the U.S. want Maduro?
It’s been brewing for a while.

In 2020, U.S. federal prosecutors charged Maduro with “narco-terrorism,” accusing him of helping run the Cartel de los Soles, a drug-trafficking network that allegedly moved massive amounts of cocaine into the States. 

Maduro remained in power after a contested 2024 election, and in August, the Trump admin raised the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million for violating U.S. narcotics laws.

How are people responding?
Pretty mixed.

Colombian President Petro expressed “serious concern” over the strike, and other critics called Maduro’s capture “an act of war and a violation of federal and international law.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Starmer said the U.K. would “shed no tears” for the end of Maduro’s regime, and videos of Venezuelans worldwide taking to the streets to celebrate Maduro’s capture quickly began circulating.

What’s next?
It’s a bit hazy.

Venezuela’s VP, Delcy Rodríguez, was sworn in as acting president, but President Trump has said that the U.S. will take control of Venezuela’s oil and “run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition.”

Maduro is expected to appear in court in New York tomorrow.

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PRAY WITH US 
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.

Over the last year, God has worked through the TPO fam to encourage persecuted believers. When asked how they can be helped, their first request remains the same: “Pray for us.”

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As you’re planning for the coming year, make prayer for the persecuted part of your routine. Request your free Prayer Calendar today!

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Wall Street is ringing in the new year by reading some year-end economic reports.

Here’s how things are looking: 

There’s more to come. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its December Jobs Report on Friday, and President Trump has said he will announce his pick to replace Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell later this month. Powell’s term ends in May. 

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Regardless of whether the broader economy is struggling or thriving, Christians should seek to give generously of their time, talents, and resources to those in greater need. Reach out to your local church to see where help is needed.

“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
Hebrews 13:16 (CSB) (read full passage)

Iran’s protests are spreading and growing deadlier. The free fall of its currency–the rial—sparked unrest last week that has since swelled to 170+ locations, killed at least 15, and led to 580+ arrests. Supreme Leader Khamenei said Saturday that “rioters must be put in their place,” and President Trump warned that the U.S. will “rescue” peaceful protesters met with violence.

The Justice Department says it thwarted a New Year’s Eve terror attack in North Carolina. On Wednesday, the FBI arrested an 18-year-old who had pledged allegiance to ISIS and was allegedly planning to attack a grocery store and restaurant with knives and hammers. Prosecutors say the Charlotte-suburb native was “preparing for jihad” and “innocent people were going to die.”

Swiss bar owners are being investigated following the NYE fire that killed 40 people, including at least nine teenagers. Investigators say indoor sparklers ignited a flammable foam ceiling, while limited exits caused a deadly bottleneck in the “avoidable tragedy.” The owners are under investigation for negligent homicide and bodily harm; they deny wrongdoing and say they’re cooperating with authorities.

Chinese EV-maker BYD accelerated past Tesla to become the world’s biggest electric-vehicle seller in 2025. Tesla delivered 1.64 million cars last year (-9%) while BYD—whose passenger cars are not available in the U.S.—sold 2.26 million (+28%). Tesla stock remains near its all-time high thanks to investor optimism in its other businesses, including Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus and Robotaxi service.

Betty Boop and Nancy Drew headlined the parade of characters and works entering the public domain in 2026. Joining B.B. and N.D. in new copyright-free public life are the film version of All Quiet on the Western Front, the song “Georgia on My Mind,” and Watty Piper’s The Little Engine that Could—after all…she did think she could.

She’s beauty, she’s grace… she might spit in your face.

How We’re Studying Scripture
Confidently, with the CSB Women’s Study Bible*

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Thanks to Babbel*

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