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GlobalPrayerGuide

Nicaragua
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Overview:

Social and political unrest increased in 2018 as a result of the authoritarian rule of President Daniel Ortega and his political party, the Sandinista National Liberation Front, which espouses Marxist (atheistic communist) ideology. The government initially targeted the Catholic Church, but beginning in 2023 it expanded its restrictions to all religious organizations, closing hundreds of churches and ministries. The Nicaraguan government has imposed burdensome legal requirements on religious organizations and uses laws relating to cybercrimes and financial crimes to harshly punish religious leaders and close churches and ministries. Christian leaders have been arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned, and some have chosen or been forced into exile in neighboring countries to avoid harsh sentences.

Major Religion:

About 96 percent of Nicaraguans are Christians.

Persecutor:

The government is the main persecutor in Nicaragua.

What It Means To Follow Christ In Nicaragua

Government restrictions on Christian activities came suddenly and harshly in 2022. Evangelism is strictly prohibited, and other outreach activities, such as mission-run clinics in rural villages, must comply with stringent government restrictions that front-line workers report are logistically problematic. The government has also restricted the opening of new churches and any outdoor events in an attempt to curtail church growth. Pastors report that government officials routinely attend services to monitor and intimidate Christians, and efforts are underway to collect personal data on pastors and church members.

Access To Bibles

Bibles are available in a variety of formats. Give Bibles

VOM Work

VOM supports front-line workers who have been affected by government restrictions, equipping them to continue their faithful witness to Christ. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray that churches closed by the authoritarian government will be permitted to reopen.
  • Pray that church leaders who have been threatened or arrested will sense God's peace.
  • Pray that young Christians will mature in faith through discipleship training.
  • Pray that churches restricted by the government will continue to grow.
  • Pray that Christian leaders will exercise godly wisdom as they minister in a restricted environment.