Photo: CSW
In recent months, Nicaragua's dictatorial government led by President Daniel Ortega has arbitrarily detained or deported Christians and shut down numerous non-profit organizations. (Read about some of the recent challenges.) On July 17th, 2025, Pastor Rudy Palacios Vargas was among a group of Christians detained by police. No arrest warrants or charges were issued, and family members had not received any information on the believers' whereabouts for six months. Tragically, one of Pastor Rudy's detained companions, Mauricio Alonso Petri, died while in custody.
On January 10th, Pastor Rudy was released from detention, along with five surviving friends and family members. The Christians were instead placed under house arrest and currently remain under surveillance. Although their movements are restricted, they have been able to reunite with family members who were concerned about their welfare. Authorities provided no explanation for the release of the remaining detainees.
Despite this positive development, the repression of Christian activities continues. On January 24th, parishioners from the Catholic Diocese of León had planned a door-to-door outreach as part of a community ministry initiative. However, police shut down the planned event, ordering the church members to "do your work inside." This order followed similar door-to-door ministry efforts carried out the previous week. Martha Patricia Molina, a Nicaraguan lawyer who has been documenting religious opposition in her country, stated, "As soon as authorities realized [the outreach] was something positive, they banned it."
- While we can thank God that Pastor Rudy and the other released believers have been able to rejoin their families, pray that continued healing and restoration will take place in the aftermath of their incarcerations.
- Also prayerfully uplift the grieving family and friends of Pastor Rudy's fellow detainee, Mauricio, who tragically died in custody, asking the Lord to minister greatly needed comfort, strength and peace in each of their lives.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit will mightily work in the hearts and minds of the country's governing authorities, facilitating the Christians' full release from house arrest and surveillance so that they can live in freedom – without any oppressive conditions.
- Remember Christians throughout Nicaragua who continue to face threats, intimidation and repression for their faith, asking God to provide them the encouragement, empowerment and fortitude they need to testify of His greatness and faithfulness.
