The Crackdown on Religious Leaders in Nicaragua

As Nicaragua falls deeper under the tightening control of its authoritarian regime, religious leaders have increasingly become prime targets, facing harassment, arrests, and forced exile. In the midst of this crackdown, American missionaries from the Mountain Gateway Church have managed to navigate the treacherous waters and escape the government’s oppressive grasp.

The Hancock family, evangelical Christians from Texas who founded the Mountain Gateway Church, built a rapport with Nicaraguan police officials and even engaged with members of Congress, garnering favorable coverage in government-run media outlets. Through their dedication and outreach, the church grew impressively, amassing thousands of devoted followers and securing millions of dollars in donations.

Mountain Gateway’s influence blossomed in Nicaragua, where the church attracted nearly one million attendees to a series of vibrant evangelical revivals that filled town squares and stadiums across the nation. This remarkable growth was largely facilitated by the church’s initial acceptance and support from the government. However, this blessing was not to last.

“The Lord touched my heart for Nicaragua,” recounted Jon Britton Hancock, 59, the founder of Mountain Gateway. He reflected on how many individuals who he inspired and led have since found themselves imprisoned. The regime, led by President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, has initiated a broad campaign against nonprofits and religious entities. In just the past month, over 1,600 organizations, a significant number of which were evangelical churches, have been forcibly shut down.

President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo have been at the forefront of this crackdown, which has shaken the foundations of religious freedom in the country.