Venezuela (MNN) ― Thousands of protesters marched in Venezuela this week over President Hugo Chavez's decision to silence opposition media. Earlier this week, the government took Radio Caracas Televisión off the air by refusing to renew the broadcast license for the private television.
International outcry has been growing, and the Brazilian Senate plenary session endorsed an exhortation calling for reopening of Caracas-based private television station RCTV. Even as Chavez defended his decision, he took aim at yet another station, Globovision. It's one of the few channels that is still harshly anti-government, and Chavez accuses the station of encouraging attempts on his life.
Trans World Radio's Jim Munger says, "Chavez has been pretty clear, from the beginning, what his direction is. He continues to fill out the details.There's no question that he is Socialist with a Marxist interpretation. He has stated that openly, and that's the direction he's going with the government."
Under the umbrella of Socialism, what would he then consider an anti-government message? Would the Gospel message TWR broadcasts make them a target? Munger says he spoke with their office in Venezuela with those questions.
Currently, their stations and ministry are operating without hindrance. Given the tension in the region, though, Munger urges prayer. "I think we need to pray that God would be glorified through everything that happens there, that God would give wisdom to the church leaders, and that they would know how to live and minister in a context that's difficult."
