Since nationwide anti-regime protests in 2018, church leaders have been viewed as a threat in Nicaragua. Christians are growing, but so are dangers and opposition. Roberto* and Pastora* have faced arrest, prison sentences and exile – all for simply sharing the good news of the gospel.
*Names changed for security reasons.
VIDEO SCRIPT
Roberto*
Somebody said, you don’t know what you’re messing with. And then they sentenced us.
Pastora*
We lost the freedom we once had to express ourselves. But to share what the Bible truly says. To call wrong. What is wrong and to for right. What is right? Correct.
Since President Ortega took power in Nicaragua, his government has become increasingly authoritarian. In 2018, hundreds of church leaders raised their voices against abuses of power during the nationwide anti-regime protests, and the church was seen as a threat.
Roberto.
My name is Roberto. I’ve been a pastor in Nicaragua for more than 20 years. I am actively serving the Lord.
I am currently in exile because of what we’ve been doing. The number of Christians grew steadily. A hunger for the Word of God. The gospel was awakened in people. Many people found deliverance in their lives, which caused quite a turmoil.
Pastora
It was glorious to witness the revival that was happening at that moment.
But then it began. I honestly don’t know where it came from. This fear that arose in the country’s leadership and began to restrict us
Roberto
Some men and I were imprisoned. We had no right to anything. Only to remain silent. We were imprisoned. They told us we are criminals, delinquents.
No, they accused us. Things we didn’t do. And eventually we were convicted and sentenced to many years in prison.
Pastora
All of this happened as a consequence of evangelistic activities. Spreading the gospel and winning souls for the Lord Jesus. It was because of the discomfort caused by the many people who were coming to Jesus.
The authorities probably assumed we were gathering to do something bad. But truly. There was never any reason to think that because everything we did was support publicly actividad.
Roberto and his family had to flee the country for their safety, where they now live in exile. They are praying for the day they can return. Sadly, their story is not unique.
Pastor Aron* was denied re-entry into the country after traveling abroad.
Aron
Recently, I had some problems with the renewal of some personal documents without any explanation. That also brings us to our knees before the Lord saying, father, take care of us. Our congregation has lost its legal status, its legal documentation to operate freely.
We also feel that we are constantly being monitored, which obviously does not help us proclaim the gospel freely in word and deed, nor does it help our emotional health.
Open Doors partners are providing practical and spiritual support, as well as legal advice and education for pastors facing persecution from the Nicaraguan government. Please join them in praying for a country in turmoil and a church in exile.
Pray for the security of the country and the safe return of exiled church leaders like Roberto Pastore and Aram. Pray for God’s guidance for Christians remaining in Nicaragua, that they may continue to raise their voices for the blessing of their country and for the spread of the gospel.
People Interviewed and their Titles
Robert
Pastora
Names changed for security reasons
Recording Location
Nicaragua
Organization featured in this Story
Open Doors UK – www.opendoorsuk.org
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