Poderoso! The word means “powerful” and sums up the past four days in Managua. The weekend proved to be a very exciting one and was a new adventure for Light of Life International. We hosted our first National Pastors Congress in Managua, Nicaragua, and the conference was incredibly marked by God’s favor and blessing.
On Thursday evening we had the opportunity to minister and pour into two local churches, one pastored by the Superintendent of one of the major denominations in Managua and the other by the Secretary of the National Evangelical Association. Friday morning we met with the Minister of Government, the equivalent of our Secretary of State. Although this was the continuation of an ongoing relationship, we were astounded at the favor shown to us as we met in her office for over an hour to spend time in prayer together, both for the nation and for her personally.
The conference was packed to capacity – and beyond! As we arrived Friday evening, the first thing we saw was the large screens and overflow seating area outside the building, and it was already starting to fill up. Lively celebration and praise filled the atmosphere as the name of Jesus was being lifted up! There was a real spirit of unity as pastors from all seventeen states in the nation came together across denominational lines to worship Jesus and to hear His Word. That evening and all day Saturday, the LOLI team, along with guest pastor Misael Argenal from Honduras, ministered the Word. The Holy Spirit moved upon the Nicaraguan pastors in session after session. Numerous officials from the government attended the conference, and a special time was given for the pastors to pray for the nation and their leaders. The Minister of Government spoke briefly, and while we didn’t understand every word in Spanish, the pastors were all talking about how she had become a preacher!
Pastor after pastor told us that a gathering of pastors of this magnitude was historic. They said it has rarely been seen in Nicaragua, and that it could not happen except by the hand of God! During dinner after the conference we heard that one of the pastors had called to report, “You won’t believe… It’s crazy what the Holy Spirit is doing on this bus!” We rejoice at what the Lord did during this conference and on the bus rides home, and we look forward to what He will continue to do as His Spirit ripples through the congregations and communities of Nicaragua. The fields are white for harvest. May the Gospel explode across this nation!
Praise the Name of Jesus!