Nicaraguan church worker families need support

by Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel

Although it is ‘winter’ in Nicaragua, temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius with lots of thunderstorms, lightening and heavy rain at the end of every day. And then there are mosquitoes, which are very annoying!

I am finishing my second week in Nicaragua teaching intensive courses in the Continuing Education Program for pastors and deaconesses of the Iglesia Luterana Sínodo de Nicaragua (ILSN). The courses are hermeneutics, (principles of Bible interpretation) and Preparing the Congregation in Mission. I have visited LCC mission fields in the area and met with the Synod’s leaders and Evangelism committee. The synod established its two-year mission strategies, and under God’s grace and with the help of the Holy Spirit they want to add 100 new members to each congregation during this period.

Dr. Neitzel (centre) meets with the Nicaraguan Lutheran Church's evangelism committee

The Apostle Peter recommends, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). The church workers’ main focus here is studying and sharing the Word of God through their daily activities. It has been a blessing to see them applying the Word of God in very special situations, especially in the Children’s Education Program.

 My wife, Maria is with me. She is a social worker and family therapist. As a volunteer she is using her gifts and experiences especially with pastors’ wives and deaconesses who with her for a very special moment of sharing about their burdens, challenges, blessings and joys in the work of the Lord’s kingdom. The theme of the study was “A Christian woman by God’s grace”. This study continued the type of work Dr. Ralph and Linda Mayan have provided in this area. There is a great need for spiritual and emotional support to pastors, deaconesses and their families. We pray and trust that the Lord will continue to provide the financial means needed to carry on such a program.

 If you feel the Lord speaking to you and encouraging you to assist financially towards a church workers’ family retreat and more seminars in the ILSN in the near future, contact Dr. Mayan at ralph.mayan@lutheranchurch.ca or Rev. Leonardo Neitzel, missions@lutheranchurch.ca