30Nicaragua

Hostility toward Christians in Nicaragua continues to intensify, with those who speak out against President Ortega and his government viewed as destabilising agents.

The situation has deteriorated significantly since 2018, when widespread protests broke out against the country’s dictatorial regime. Christians have been among those to raise their voice – but it’s coming at an alarming cost. Christian leaders have been harassed and arrested, Christian properties seized, Christian schools, TV stations and charities closed, and churches monitored and intimidated. Even those who provided shelter and medical assistance during the protests in 2018 continue to suffer retribution years later.

Recent changes to the law have been used to label church leaders as terrorists and coup-plotters, and there are suggestions that the government wants to control church affairs such as tithes and offerings. The government’s aim isn’t simply to silence the voice of Christians but, given their influence in the country, to hinder their credibility and stop their message from spreading.

Meet Pastor Dario

“We’re clinging to God and devote much time to prayer and evangelism. We believe prayer has helped us endure this persecution.”

Pastor Dario (name changed), a former atheist who is now a Christian and has experienced hostility from the authorities.

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 haven’t completed their studies.