New church building dedicated in Nicaragua

Estrella de Belén (Star of Bethlehem) church in La Resistencia, Chinandega, Nicaragua

One thousand years before Christ, King Solomon “stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven and said: ‘O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below—You who keep your covenant of love with Your servants who continue wholeheartedly in Your way’” (1 Kings 8:22-23).

These words formed the basis for the dedication sermon of a “temple” in La Resistencia, Chinandega, Nicaragua, Sunday, April 3. Despite a history of ups and downs in membership due to changes in meeting places and a variety of community social issues, the congregation now has a permanent place to worship God, thanks to a church in Leduc, Alberta.

Volunteers from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Leduc, Alberta recently built the beautiful “temple” and both Iglesia Luterana Sinodo de Nicaragua and Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) express their heartfelt thanks. Melanie Kuhn was God’s gift to this endeavour leading the St. Peter’s team to that community and working tirelessly throughout the building process.

Church membes and neighbours gathered for the special service.

More than 100 people–church members and visitors—gathered to celebrate the dedication of Iglesia Luterana Estrella de Belén (Star of Bethlehem), a name suggested by Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan.

In his dedication message, Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, LCC’s mission executive, emphasized some major aspects from the Old Testament account of the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem:

• gratitude to God for the blessing of a place of worship;
• acknowledgement that He alone is God Almighty;
• that there is none like Him, Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier, merciful and faithful to His covenant of love to all people.

ILSN president, Rev. Luis Turcios addresses the congregation. Dr. Neitzel (seated left) preached at the dedication service.

Dr. Neitzel pointed out that the temple/church is a place where the name of the Lord dwells, where He comes to us in His Word and through the means of grace; where we come to Him through our worship, prayers and praises. He also encouraged the people to persevere in gathering at the house of the Lord as part of the church throughout the ages, to keep its doors wide open to all people and utilize the temple as a place of worship and proclamation of the Gospel for all people.

Church members and people in the community rejoice for the blessing—thanking, praising and glorifying the Lord Almighty for providing them with a place of worship through the loving kindness of brothers and sisters from Canada.

From a report by Rev. Leonardo Neitzel. Additional reports from Dr. Neitzel’s current visit to Central America are at www.lccontheroad.ca

Print this article