NICARAGUA: ‘THAT DAY HAS COME, YOUR DAD HAS BEEN ARRESTED’

Alaia* (13) and Manuela* (9) are sisters from Nicaragua. Like most young people, they loved Christmas. To them, It meant family, fun, and celebrating Jesus.

“Everything was so beautiful because we shared so much as a family,” Manuela says. “We prayed and thanked Jesus for what He did for the world,” adds Alaia.

Their family also gave gifts and shared the gospel. “It’s about Jesus,” Manuela explains. “It doesn’t matter if you decorate your house. It matters that you remember His birth.”

But one year, everything changed. They had to leave everything behind and flee their country, simply because of their Christian faith.

When everything changed

In Nicaragua, Christian activities are harshly controlled. Pastors who speak out against the government are targeted by the authorities. And because Alaia and Manuela’s dad led a church, he was being watched. The one day, he got a phone call.

“My dad said he’d be there in a few minutes and hung up,” Manuela remembers. “My dad and I went down the road, then I said goodbye and left with my grandpa. After that, we didn’t talk again.”

By nightfall, he was gone. Their mum broke the news:

“Remember when I told you something could happen because we preach about Jesus? That day has come. Your dad has been arrested.”

For months, they didn’t know if he was alive. “My mum tried to keep us calm by saying my dad was in God’s hands,” says Manuela.

Image: Alaia, Manuela and their little brother reading the Bible

Holding on to faith

Nine months passed. “My mom reminded me about persecution,” Alaia recalls. “With my dad, we had already learned that things like this could happen to us because we follow Jesus. But she also reminded me that, no matter what, we must never deny Him.” 

The girls’ father had participated in persecution survival training sessions and both parents had received biblical training from Open Doors. This foundation helped them process the pain.  

“I learned that persecution teaches you not to cling to earthly things,” she explains. “One day we’ll die and won’t take anything with us. So, the best thing we can do is live – and even die – for Christ.” 

Escape and reunion

Finally, their dad was released, but he wasn’t safe. The authorities only freed him on the condition he left the country. Soon, their mum got a warning from their dad: “They’re watching you. They’re going to arrest you next, to silence me. You must leave the country – now!” 

The girls and their mum fled with nothing but faith. Miraculously, they crossed the border without any documentation and were reunited with their dad.

In a new home, they finally were reunited with their father who was almost unrecognisable from his capture. 

“I hugged him so tightly and told him how much I missed him,” Manuela shares.  

“It was beautiful,” Alaia adds, “but also very hard, filled with emotions. We were together again, but not home.” 

Now, Christmas looks different. But they still celebrate Jesus birth: “Our parents encourage us to sit at the table, even if it’s just us, and thank God for everything,” says Manuela.

Image: Alaia and Manuela reading the Bible

Pray with Alaia and Manuela

Despite all that they have faced, the girls’ prayers are for their home and their family, and for the protection of people like her parents who bravely share the gospel in Nicaragua. Though young, they hold fast to the promises of Emmanuel – God with us.  

Through your faithful support and prayers, you are making a difference for children like Alaia and Manuela suffering persecution this Christmas. Thank you! 

Images are representative