Tensions had been high for a while in Nicaragua, when protests broke out on Wednesday, April 18, in Managua, in response to government plans to change Nicaragua’s social security system. The change would have put a strain on the incomes of workers and pensioners.
The unrest has resulted in an estimated 27 deaths and many other injuries and while the government has announced it has cancelled the planned changes, the protests have continued.On Monday, there were large peaceful protests throughout the country and more are planned. Free Methodist leaders in Nicaragua, including Mission District leader Dr. Hiuberth Zapata, say that the capital city is very tense and that food shortages have been reported.
Missionaries Guy and Betsy Crawford were in Nicaragua at the time that the protests began, in their new capacity as associate missionaries. The Crawfords were there meeting with local FM leaders and evaluating the medical needs of the two ICCM schools in the country. They were evacuated safely on Saturday.
Please join us in praying for peaceful, long-term solutions for Nicaragua as well as for protection over Dr. Hiuberth Zapata, the ICCM schools, and all of our brothers and sisters there. Pray that God will provide for all of their needs, that schools will be able to reopen as soon as possible and that God will be glorified through every opportunity to share the hope of Christ in the midst of these difficult circumstances.
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