Nicaragua

Capital: Managua

Major Language: Spanish

Area: 130,375 km2

Population: 6.7 million

HDI Rank: 128 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 3.4 million (50%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 2.3 million (34%)

Other: 1 million (16%)

General Information:

Known as the “Country of Lakes and Volcanoes”, Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony from Panama in the early 16th century. The nation was colonized by both the Spanish and the British. Independence from Spain was declared in 1821, and the country became fully independent in 1860. Most people are Mestizos. The country has suffered from political turmoil, civil war, and natural disasters. Interestingly, there are no street names in Nicaraguan towns and cities. The people are passionate about Reggae music. Most popular sport is baseball.

Religious Background:

There is no official religion in Nicaragua, but about one-half of Nicaraguans adhere to Catholicism. Protestantism was introduced in the mid-19th century by Englishmen from Jamaica. Since the 1980s, Evangelical Protestantism has grown considerably, particularly among the poor. There are small Moravian and Anglican communities on the Caribbean coast. A very small Jewish community exists in larger cities. Many social events are tied to the Catholic Church, and each Nicaraguan town or city holds an annual celebration to honor its patron saint.

Catholic background:

Catholicism came to Nicaragua with Columbus in 1502. The first chaplain arrived in 1522, and in 1524 the first Franciscan church was founded in Granada. During the colonial period the Jesuits also established themselves in Nicaragua, and accomplished much of the missionary work through the 18th century. The celebration of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is the country’s most important holiday. The Church is composed of one archdiocese, 8 dioceses and 252 parishes. Patron saints: James Major, Our Lady of El Viejo.

Prayer Points

1. Nicaraguans to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 3.4 million Catholics in Nicaragua.
Nominalism and syncretism are very much part of Catholicism. Pray for them to have openness of heart so that the Lord may draw them to Himself.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Catholics so that they will be receptive to the gospel.
Pray that they will understand that they are not saved by works, but by grace through faith in Christ alone.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 252 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 419 priests, 219 brothers and 1,028 sisters.
Ask God that Catholics will experience real, lasting and life-changing salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Since the 1980s, the numbers of believers have grown considerably. Evangelicals grew from 2% in 1960 to 30% today, and growth continues. Pray for love and unity among the Christian denominations, and for the bold proclamation of the gospel. Pray for a great harvest of souls as Evangelicals explain the great plan of salvation to the lost in the nation.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Human traffickers exploit victims in Nicaragua where women and children are subject to sex or labor trafficking, especially forcing them in illegal drug production and forced begging. Pray for justice and liberty for those exploited and oppressed.

5. Other Religions

Religious groups including Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, The Church of Scientology, Baha’is and Jews. A large number are non-religious and growing. Pray for God to open their minds to comprehend the truth of the gospel and trust Jesus as Lord and Savior.