February 25, 2026 • Robert J. Hawkins, Jr.

Nicaraguan National Convention 2026 Ignites Evangelism Zeal Amid Growing Challenges

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. It has a rich history that includes civilizations predating Columbus, Spanish colonization, and the long path toward independence in the 19^th century. Geographically, it’s known for its lakes, volcanoes, and beautiful Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. The capital city is Managua, and the country has a population of around 6.8 million people. Economically, Nicaragua relies heavily on agriculture, textiles, and increasingly, tourism. 

On January 9-11 of 2026, The Church of God in Nicaragua met for National Convention under the capable leadership of Bishop Luis Zeledon Gadea. Approximately 650 members and friends gathered to be inspired by the Holy Ghost concerning the Convention’s theme: “Ensendiendo el Fuego del Evangelismo!” In English, this means, “Lighting the Fires of Evangelism!” And we are thankful to report that the Holy Ghost fire is burning in Nicaragua! The preaching was solid, the Convention was well-organized, the auxiliary boosts were on point, the VLBs were out in force, and the altars were full! 

There seems to be a very good mixture of wisdom, experience, youth, and zeal in Nicaragua. During the Convention, Bishop Zeledon introduced six new pastors and their congregations who came to The Church of God this past year from an organization that has never been associated with us before. Certainly, the end-time prophecies are being fulfilled before our very eyes! Our WMBs worked very hard and, with God’s help, fed the big crowd very well indeed. Thank you, WMBs! I tell you, there’s no kitchen, physically or spiritually, that is like a Church of God kitchen! The Convention was also blessed to hear messages from visiting National Overseer Bishop Moises Artola Mendez of Costa Rica and General Headquarters Interpreter and Pastor Jose Juaquin Panchame Montoya of California. In the end, it was reported that three were saved, nine were sanctified, five were divinely healed, and two joined The Church of God! Praise the Lord!  

Please continue to remember the saints of God in Nicaragua as they are facing increasingly difficult and dangerous situations and need the wisdom, help, and protection of the Lord. “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him” (Acts 5:27-32). God bless The Church of God in Nicaragua and all over the world!