Nicaragua
March 17th

“Rejoice, Nicaragua, in the Lord, for He has filled your heart!“

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound(Psalms 4:7,NIV).

》 Country Profile

Continent｜America
Population ｜ 6.3 million
Area｜ 130,370㎢ Located in the center of Central America between Honduras and Costa Rica.
Capital City |  Managua (1.08 million)
People Groups | Total 18 groups, Mestizos 90.3%, Afro-Nicaraguans 4.2%, Native Americans 3.3%, others 2%
People Groups Unreached | 0
Official Language(s) |  Spanish
Total Languages | 11
Bible Translations | Completed 7, New Testament 0, Partial 1
Religion |  Christian 96.2% (Protestant 16%, Catholic 67%), Non-religious 2.1%, Ethnic religions 1.6% Evangelical 42.9% (2.68 million)

》 About Nicaragua

Nicaragua remained a Spanish colony for about 300 years after Columbus landed. Following its independence in 1838, political conflicts between liberals and conservatives deepened, with both factions seeking power by aligning with foreign forces. In 1856, American adventurer William Walker, backed by the liberals, seized control as the commander-in-chief of the Nicaraguan army and president. He attempted to turn Nicaragua into a base for expanding slavery in the southern United States but was eventually ousted by a coalition of Central American forces. From 1912 to 1933, U.S. Marines occupied Nicaragua, maintaining a pro-American regime. In response, Augusto César Sandino led a guerrilla resistance starting in 1927, but he was eventually assassinated by the pro-American military leader Anastasio Somoza. The Somoza family then ruled Nicaragua under a pro-American dictatorship for 43 years. In 1979, the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) led a revolution that overthrew the Somoza regime, bringing Daniel Ortega to power. However, a civil war broke out when the U.S. supported the anti-government armed group known as the Contras. Ortega was eventually defeated in the 1990 elections, leading to the establishment of a democratic government. In 2007, Ortega returned to power, reinforcing his authoritarian rule with anti-American, pro-China, and pro-Russia policies. In 2021, he secured a fifth term after violently suppressing anti-government protests and cracking down on opposition leaders. He then appointed his wife, Rosario Murillo, as vice president, effectively establishing a family dictatorship.

Nicaragua is the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the Western Hemisphere. High unemployment and widespread poverty leave around 25% of the population living below the poverty line. The country’s exports mainly consist of textiles and agricultural products, which make up about 50% of exports. Key export items include beef, coffee, and gold. Additionally, Nicaragua depends heavily on remittances from its citizens working abroad.
Nicaragua’s GDP per capita is approximately $2,530.

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Let’s thank God for the growth of the evangelical community in Nicaragua, which increased from 30% in 2010 to 43% in 2020. In this impoverished and devastated society, many have turned to the church, seeking hope after experiencing loss, family breakdown, and financial hardships. Evangelistic programs like “Evangelism in Depth” and the work of local churches have helped spread the gospel. However, churches have faced significant division due to liberation theology, charismatic movements, and denominational conflicts. The Nicaraguan Evangelical Alliance (FAENIC) is working to unite 62 denominations to build the church in faith. Let us pray that churches would focus on serving their suffering neighbors and those scarred by civil war, instead of looking to foreign megachurches as church growth models. May they become powerful witnesses of the joy of the gospel, which is incomparable to wealth and prosperity.

2. International missions such as Assemblies of God (AoG), Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE), and Bible Baptist Fellowship (BBF) are partnering with local churches in holistic ministry through Bible studies and leadership training. National mission groups, like the Nicaraguan Multicultural Mission Movement (MMTN), are mobilizing churches to participate in missions. Organizations like CEPAD and AoG are running various economic development programs to support the country. Let’s pray that the churches and missionaries would offer their work as “right sacrifices,” bearing fruit that pleases the Lord.

3. Nicaragua is devastated by civil war and natural disasters, and its people are discouraged by political division, corruption, and poverty. The country’s youth, those under 30 years old, make up 75% of the population, but many face broken homes, unemployment, and poverty. The Gospel is the only way to guide them. Through ministries like the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (CECNIC/IFES), Campus Crusade for Christ (CCCI), and Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), the Gospel is being shared in schools, and youth and children are being nurtured through prayer and Scripture. In the eastern Caribbean region, the Moravian Church and the Anglican Church are ministering to the Miskito people, and some churches are reaching out to the Garifuna people. The rising number of Chinese and Western immigrants also presents opportunities to spread the Gospel. Let us pray that the church will intercede for these people, asking God to bring salvation and grace to Nicaragua during these difficult times.

》 Urgent prayer requests around the world need your prayer!