Operation GO

 About Nicaragua

Known as the land of lakes and volcanoes, Nicaragua is the largest Central American country.  Its actual land mass is a little smaller than New York.  It has areas of great beauty and areas of vast devastation due to natural disasters and deforestation. It is home to approximately 5.5 million people.  The people are warm and friendly and it they consider it an honor to receive guests in their homes.

 There are 2 seasons in Nicaragua—rainy and dry.  It is hot is most parts of the country except in the central mountain area which is pleasant.  In the dry season water is very scarce and rationing occurs.  This makes the heat more unbearable.  In rainy season every thing is lush and beautiful.  Roads become impassable though due to lack of paved highways in most areas.  Rain gear is needed from May-November.

Nicaragua is one of the poorest nations in this hemisphere due to the 1972 earthquake and the war that followed.  The lack of good roads leaves many communities cut off from the outside world and therefore without means of commerce.  Efforts are being made to cobblestone the roads and several Baptist entities are trying to teach small animal husbandry, sewing and other means of making a living.

Nicaraguans are predominately catholic.  Their form of Catholicism gives great emphasis to Mary and she is worshiped above all other.  Catholic tradition is held as more important than the Bible.  One book states, “the evangelicals use the Bible as a drug—beware of their teachings”.  Many catholics are catholic by tradition more than devotion.  They are willing to receive Bible studies in their homes.  This can be a double edged sword though as there is an ever increasing presence of Mormons and Jehova’s Witnesses throughout Nicaragua. 

The land of lakes and volcanoes

A statue to worship Mary during the crucifixion

Birds of Paradise