The 2nd country on our list is Nicaragua…
Nicaragua is a small country in Central America with about 6 million people. It is predominantly “Christian” (97.3%) but it is extremely poor ($1753 GDP per capita).
Prayer Requests (from “Operation World”)
1. Nicaragua’s very divided… past Civil War, left wing/right wing politics (including some Communist leanings), east/west division (Hispanic-Mestizo west and Creole-Amerindian east), trade unions, etc.
Pray for trust to be built and peace to continue among the groups.
2. Poverty is rampant. Previous Civil War and Hurricane Mitch have devastated the weak economy and infrastructure; this has led to an influx of liberation and prosperity theology.
Pray for solid theology and for God to work among the poor.
3. Evangelical Growth has created opportunities but also challenges…
Many people turn to the church due to deep trauma (bereavement, Hurricanes, etc.)
Division among and within churches (liberation theology, work of Holy Spirit, interpersonal conflicts)
Emergence of US-style megachurches… need culturally appropriate churches, not foreign mimics
Economic church ministries – ministries to the destitute and most needy church members
4. Politics – pray for wisdom and determination as many Christians venture into politics and politicians are turning to Christ
5. Ministry Challenges – revival for English/Creole and Miskito churches
Much suffering and devastation remains from the civil war… loss and suffering are still rampant. Ministry needs to be through love and spiritual healing
Hispanicized Indians – nominally Catholic… but not necessarily true Christians
Garifuna – largely animist (belief that natural things possess souls: plants, animals, inanimate objects, etc.) do not have a translation yet, but the NT is being worked on
Immigrant groups do not have their own churches yet
6. Young people – stable families are rare and churches are not equipped to meet all their needs
7. Missionary tasks are primarily Bible teaching, leadership training, and help Nicaraguan churches launch holistic ministries that cover spiritual, financial, and social issues
8. Christian support ministries (TV/Radio, Bible Society, Development Projects)
Thanks for praying!
