PRAY FOR NICARAGUA
– For the hearts of the authorities to be softened.
– That leaders under surveillance will have the courage and wisdom to conduct ministry.
– For the strength of believers amidst persecution.
WORLD WATCH LIST
Nicaragua
#30Churches and their leaders are labelled terrorists and coup-plotters.
bottom"We are clinging to God and devote much time to prayer and evangelism. We believe prayer has helped us endure this persecution.”
– Pastor Dario
Country
Profile
- Region
- Latin America
- Sources of persecution
- Dictatorial Paranoia
- Population
- 6,855,000
- Christian population
- 6,506,000
- Religions
- Christianity
- Leader
- President Jose Daniel Ortega Saavedra
- Score
- 70
What’s Life Like For Christians?
Christians in Nicaragua who speak out against President Ortega and his government are viewed as destabilising agents. Recent changes to the law have been used to label church leaders as terrorists and coup-plotters.
Since 2018 there has been constant deterioration in the situation and a rise in hostility due to a breakout of widespread protests against the country’s dictatorial regime. Christian leaders have been harassed and arrested, Christian schools and charities have been closed, and churches are constantly monitored and intimidated. Those who provided shelter and medical assistance during these protests continue to suffer retribution.
In the past year there has been a rise in persecution. Church leaders and some committed believers have been frequent targets of government hostility and face prosecution, arrests, unjust sentences, expulsions, forced exile, and confiscation of church properties they manage. This led to a police ban on all processions during Holy Week, and suggestions that the government would enforce control of church tithes and offerings.
The government’s aim is not simply to silence the voice of Christians but, given their influence in the country, to hinder their credibility and stop their message from spreading.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Given the government’s totalitarian control, persecution is present throughout the country and at all levels. Those who express opposition to the government’s dictatorial measures are likely to face verbal and physical aggression from government officials and other regime supporters.
Church leaders are targeted in particular. Many have felt forced to flee the country facing potential abduction by human traffickers or other criminal groups.
What Does Open Doors Do To Help?
Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Nicaragua by providing Christian literature, discipleship training, emergency relief aid, legal advice, and education for pastors who have not completed their studies.