Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Christians in Nicaragua have been subjected to various forms of oppression and violence by the Sandinista government. In the summer of 2024, many religious leaders were arrested or deported, and numerous faith-based organizations were forcibly shut down. (To review previously published reports addressing the challenges believers are facing in this Central American nation, visit this page.)
On August 10th, 2024, two laywomen – Carmen María Sáenz Martínez and Lesbia del Socorro Gutiérrez Poveda – were detained for their involvement with the Roman Catholic diocese of Matagalpa. Believed to be held at La Esperanza women's prison, they were denied all contact with their family members and lawyers. For more than 15 months, their concerned loved ones received no news of the ministry workers' conditions, nor did they know if the women were even still alive.
In an unexpected development, Carmen and Lesbia were among a small group of prisoners who were recently released from imprisonment. Even though no charges have been laid against the two women, they were placed under house arrest on November 29th. While this remains an unjust situation, the transfer marks a significant improvement following their prolonged incommunicado detention and solitary confinement. Sadly, several other Christian leaders who are classified as "political prisoners" remain incarcerated across the country.
- Pray that Carmen and Lesbia – along with the other recently released lay leaders who have since been transferred to house arrest – will experience complete recovery from the emotional trauma of their arrests and incarcerations.
- As they now await freedom from the confines of their own homes, may each one of these believers also experience full restoration of their physical health and well-being, relationships with their family and friends, as well as their God-ordained ministry pursuits.
- Continue to pray for those still arbitrarily detained in Nicaragua – as well as believers who have been forced into exile – because of their ministry activities.
- Also, please intercede for the country's president, Daniel Ortega, and other governing leaders, praying that they will personally encounter the Christ of the Gospel and thus surrender their lives to Him.
