LHM Nicaragua dedicates new office building in Leon

Rev. Henry Everlert Chiong Ramirez leads the dedication service of LHM’s new office in Leon, Nicaragua.

NICARAGUA – On October 24, Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) dedicated its new office building in Leon.

“Lutheran Hour Ministries started its mission in this country 16 years ago during the time when Hurricane Mitch hit Nicaragua in October 1998,” noted Ricardo Arguello, LHM Office Director. Ricardo remembered the difficult times when LHM, together with Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) and the leadership of LCC Missionary Rev. Sandor Arguello, were strengthened in God’s Word to deal with the difficulties. LHM offered spiritual and material assistance to those suffering with the loss of loved ones through the natural disaster.

“October is a very important month,” continued Ricardo, “because at that time, in the midst of that suffering, God’s Word and healing was being brought and administered through the Lutheran Church. This marks the beginning of Lutheran Church–Canada’s mission in Nicaragua. As we celebrate the 497th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, we thank God for having opened the doors to Gospel proclamation and works of mercy through His Gospel to many in Nicaragua.”

President Bugbee, Rev. Ricardo Arguello, and Dr. Nilo Figur address participants at the dedication event.

President Marvin Donaire Picado of the Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua was present for the dedication as was LCC President Robert Bugbee and Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, LCC’s Executive for Missions and Social Ministry. Also present were delegates from LHM’s main office in St. Louis, Missouri: Executive Director Kurt Buchholz; Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt, Director of International Missions; Rev. Dr. Nilo Figur, Regional Director; and members of the LHM’s Foundation Board.

The impact of the message and work and of the LHM in Nicaragua is remarkable: Through Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones (CPTLN – Christ for All Nations), LHM is engaged in bringing the Gospel to schools, communities, and the public at large. Several pastors and congregations of the ILSN make use of the opportunity to work with the CPTLN and utilize the resources produced for mission outreach in their communities.

A new joint venture will materialize, by God’s grace, in 2015 as LCC, ILSN, and CPTLN have signed a protocol agreement for a new mission start in Managua. The core of this joint mission is bringing Christ to the nations and gathering new believers in a Lutheran congregation where they are nurtured in the Word of God, the Sacraments, prayers and fellowship.

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