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NICARAGUA
Why Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is where the Lord has opened doors and aligned laborers at this time. The needs are many around the world, but we can do our best by concentrating our efforts in one area. It doesn’t mean we won’t support other areas, but this is our primary focus at the moment.
Background Information
Slightly smaller than the state of New York, Nicaragua is bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south, with coastline on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. A very wide gap between rich and poor contributes to economic and social tensions throughout the country.
Nicaragua’s economy relies primarily on the production and processing of coffee, beef, shrimp, and lobster. Most rural citizens rely on farming to make a living, although the land they work is usually owned by one of the country’s wealthy elite. Very high levels of international debt make sustained economic growth difficult and unlikely.
Key Facts
The Lord, He Has Done Great Things
Isaiah 25:1 - O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
For about 6 years River Hills has centered its mission work on the country of Nicaragua. The Lord has moved in the hearts of many in the congregation concerning the work to be done in that country. Church buildings have been established, music equipment has been supplied, rent for buildings is being provided, but more than any of these the work of the Kingdom is being advanced, and lost souls are being reached. Now the focus has turned towards building an orphanage in Esteli.
Romans 8:13 - Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Why Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is where the Lord has opened doors and aligned laborers at this time. The needs are many around the world, but we can do our best by concentrating our efforts in one area. It doesn’t mean we won’t support other areas, but this is our primary focus at the moment.
Background Information
Slightly smaller than the state of New York, Nicaragua is bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south, with coastline on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. A very wide gap between rich and poor contributes to economic and social tensions throughout the country.
Nicaragua’s economy relies primarily on the production and processing of coffee, beef, shrimp, and lobster. Most rural citizens rely on farming to make a living, although the land they work is usually owned by one of the country’s wealthy elite. Very high levels of international debt make sustained economic growth difficult and unlikely.
Key Facts
- Population: 5,487,000 (2005)
- National Language: Spanish
- Per capita income: US $910/year (2005) We are told that $120/month is a good salary, or $1,440 per year, (rent for one of the homes were a church is congregating is $130/month, you do the math).
- Life expectancy: 70 (2005)
- % of population using improved drinking water sources: 79% (2004)
- % of population using adequate sanitation facilities: 47% (2004)
- Second poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere
- Half of population lives below the poverty line
- Half of the population is 18 years old or younger
- Half of all children suffer from malnutrition
- One Third of adults can't read
- One Fourth of children are born to teenage parents
The Lord, He Has Done Great Things
Isaiah 25:1 - O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
For about 6 years River Hills has centered its mission work on the country of Nicaragua. The Lord has moved in the hearts of many in the congregation concerning the work to be done in that country. Church buildings have been established, music equipment has been supplied, rent for buildings is being provided, but more than any of these the work of the Kingdom is being advanced, and lost souls are being reached. Now the focus has turned towards building an orphanage in Esteli.
| Iglesia de Dios Central de Esteli
Pastor Ervin Galan and Antonia Galan Located near the center of town, in a two story building (2nd floor is still to be developed). It was one of the first churches the team began helping. They do their own missionary trips into the jungles in a dug out canoe, and have supported the birth of a new “grandchild” church in Condega. |
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| Iglesia de Dios La Pava
Pastor Francisco Castillo and Miriam Castillo This church is located in the rural community of La Pava, in a beautiful country setting at a higher elevation. Church members walk long distances up and down steep roads to reach the church which is filled with children. A public school next to the church benefits from water brought down from the mountains for the church in one of the missionary activities supported by Riverhills. |
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| Oasis de Esperanza, Esteli
Pastor Augusto Lopez and Noelia Lopez This is the second church in Esteli supported by Riverhills. Growth has been strong, and they have outgrown their current facility, now a second house is being rented to house services for the children. Members of this congregation are assisting with the plans for the orphanage. They conduct services at the proposed site for the orphanage and services for as many as 70 children have already been held. |
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| Iglesia de Dios at Dario
Pastor Victorino Diaz and Juanita Diaz Located in the town of Dario, named for the famous latin american writer Ruben Dario. The completed church building is beautiful, with large capacity for reaching the lost. The work started literally from the ground up with the purchase of the land. |
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| Matagalpa
Pastor Elba Morraz Located in a small town this new church has been planted with support from other local Pastors. They have around 100 in attendance and are meeting in a rented home. Most of the congregation are youth (only 28 adults), and despite the many financial challenges the church is vibrant and full of desire to serve the Lord. |
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Romans 8:13 - Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
