Real Life: Nicaragua

Nicaragua is the largest nation in Central America, and contains regions of thick rain forests, rugged highlands, and fertile farming areas. About half of Nicaragua’s territory consists of the eastern lowlands, known as the Mosquito Coast, which extend 40 miles inland from the Caribbean. Tropical rain forest covers much of the area, threaded with rivers that begin in the highlands and empty into the Caribbean. War and natural disasters, including earthquakes and hurricanes, have wreaked havoc on the area. Hopelessness abounds, as Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Half of the country’s urban residents live below the poverty line, with an overwhelmingly higher rate in rural areas. An estimated 82% of the population survives on less than $2 a day. Children are especially hurting, due to the lack of two-parent families. Adolescent pregnancy rates are excessive and its not uncommon for a Nicaragua homes to have a woman as head of household. To escape the brutal conditions and lack of unemployment in their homeland, a staggering number of Nicaraguans have been forced to emigrate to nearby Costa Rica or the United States.

 

The needs are great in Nicaragua but the opportunities for ministry are even better. There is a vibrant ministry waiting for you in the temperate hill towns outside of Managua, Nicaragua’s capital city. Children’s ministry, open air evangelism in the plaza and at the dump, and community help are all possibilities. Some construction on a new orphanage complex may be included and there is the possibility for rehab center visitation. You may also be involved in the feeding program at the dump.

 

 

 

“Twice a weeks we hang out with some local girls.  We help with homework, play games, and jump rope.  The home is a place where girls ages 6 to 15 live because their families aren’t fit to take care of them.”  Read more…