“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
Languages | 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 was a Spanish colony from 1502, when Columbus landed on its northeastern coast, until 1821. It first gained independence in 1821 but briefly joined the Central American Federation led by Mexico in 1823. In 1838, Nicaragua regained independence from Spain. Political struggles between liberals and conservatives grew intense, involving foreign powers. In 1856, American William Walker, invited by the liberals, became Nicaragua’s army chief and president. From 1912 to 1933, U.S. Marines occupied the country during two separate periods. A corrupt dictatorship was overthrown in 1979 by the Marxist Sandinista National Liberation Front, led by Daniel Ortega. Following a civil war with the armed group Contra, Ortega regained power in 2006 after the division of the right-wing government. He has been in long-term control, winning a controversial fifth term in 2021 after jailing opposition candidates.
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 $5,300.
》 Scripture Focus
| Psalms 4:1-8(NIV) 1. Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. 2. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame ? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods ? Selah 3. Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. 4. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah 5. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. 6. Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. 7. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. 8. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. |
》 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.
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