New church dedicated in Nicaragua

Rev. Robert Krestick (Redeemer, Waterloo, Ontario) and Rev. Richard Frey (St. Paul’s, Elmira, Ontario) distribute Holy Communion at the church dedication in Telica. In the middle, turned away from the camera, is former Nicaraguan synodical president Rev. Luis Antonio Diaz Turcio.

NICARAGUA – Church members and parish pastors of Lutheran Church–Canada, along with synodical president, Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee, were among the guests in attendance at the dedication of the Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua’s (ILSN) new church building in Telica, a rural community just outside the city of Leon. The service took place January 12.

The dedication coincided with the visit of team members from Waterloo, Elmira, Oshawa, Kingsville, Hamilton, and Mississauga (Ontario) who had arrived to continue construction of the new building, as well as to lead VBS work with children at four locations in and around Leon. In Nicaragua, the public school system’s Christmas break continues until February, giving children free time to attend the classes. Reports indicate that up to 600 children were expected to participate.

“My understanding is that our congregations in Waterloo and Elmira have longstanding ties to Rev. Màximo Romàn Urroz Espinosa and the members of the Telica congregation,” observed President Bugbee. “You could feel the affection in the air as Revs. Robert Krestick and Rick Frey stood before the people to preach and lead worship.”

Part of the congregation assembled for the dedication service.

During the dedication service, four young people from the church were officially confirmed, receiving their first communion that day. Rev. Krestick and his wife, Elizabeth, were among the proud sponsors of one of the confirmands.

Toward the close of the service, greetings were brought by representatives of LCC and Lutheran Hour Ministries, which has its national Nicaraguan office in Leon. Lisa Jackson of Redeemer Lutheran (Waterloo) introduced the numerous members of the visiting Canadian team, and explained the work each one would be doing throughout the following week.

It is common in Nicaragua to dedicate churches before construction is totally complete. The Telica building will still require significant work to finish windows, doors, and other parts of the new church.

The Telica church dedication followed the Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua’s convention, which had concluded the previous Friday at LCC’s Mission Centre in Chinandega. To support LCC’s missions in Nicaragua and around the world, or for more information, visit www.lutheranchurchcanada.ca.

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