Seventh-day Adventists in Nicaragua celebrated a momentous occasion as church leaders inaugurated the headquarters of the new Nicaragua Union Mission (NUM) during a special ceremony held in the capital city of Managua on February 7.
“This inauguration of the new church territory marks the beginning of a new chapter for the church,” said Elie Henry, president of the Inter-American Division (IAD). The newly organized union territory was approved by the General Conference in 2024 and voted in during IAD’s Year-End Executive Committee Meetings in November 2024, when union administrators were also elected. The reorganization of the territory includes Nicaragua’s three mission offices, which were previously overseen by the South Central American Union, based in Costa Rica. For years the union had overseen the church’s work in both Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Henry congratulated church leaders and members for their dedication and commitment to expanding the gospel throughout the country. “This is also an occasion to strengthen the wholistic well-being of Nicaraguans.”
Newly elected Wilfredo Ruiz, president of NUM, said that the event “was not only a milestone in the history of the Adventist Church in Nicaragua but also a symbol of the growth of God’s work.” He added, “It also represents the members’ commitment to bringing God’s message of salvation to every corner of the country.”
A Mission-oriented Space
Church leaders explained that the new headquarters will provide a modern and functional space for the various activities and ministries taking place across the country. During the inauguration ceremony they emphasized the significance of the new headquarters as a place to meet, plan, and coordinate the work of the Adventist Church in Nicaragua.
In addition to celebrating the new space, the inauguration offered an opportunity for church members to gather in gratitude to God for His blessings on the Adventist work in Nicaragua, leaders emphasized. “The ceremony provided a joyful moment, filled with music, prayers, and a strong sense of fellowship and commitment,” they said.
Local leaders also expressed their gratitude for the members’ support and reaffirmed their commitment to continue working toward the growth of Adventist mission initiatives across the country. The two-story union headquarters includes administrative and staff offices, a conference room, and more.
In addition, church leaders inaugurated the offices of the Central Nicaragua Mission, where the church oversees dozens of churches in Managua, not far from the union headquarters.
Henry encouraged leaders and staff to remain focused on the mission as developments unfold in the region. “This new office is not only a building; it is a testimony of our commitment to God and to His work of sharing His love as we provide a more suitable place to serve His church, learn, and serve others,” he said.
“The new mission office facilities are designed to offer more space for activities in this territory,” church leaders explained. Designed to provide a warm welcome to visitors, the new mission office includes a small auditorium, several administrative offices, and a board meeting room.
Nicaragua Union Mission administrators and their wives pray during the inauguration ceremony in Managua on February 7. [Photo: Nicaragua Union Mission] Church leaders stand in front of the new offices of the Central Nicaragua Mission in Managua on February 7. [Photo: Nicaragua Union Mission] On February 8 Elie Henry, Inter-American Division president (left), speaks during the special ceremony to install new leaders to serve in the Nicaragua Union Mission. [Photo: Nicaragua Union Mission] Church leaders and members participate in the installation of the new Nicaragua Union Mission leaders on February 8. [Photo: Nicaragua Union Mission]
New Church Regional Leaders
The following day, February 8, church leaders installed the new leadership of NUM. During the special program of thanksgiving and leader installation, more than 300 delegates from local churches, pastors, and special guests gathered to thank God and hear God’s Word.
The installation ceremony of church leaders then took place, with hundreds in attendance. The new leaders of NUM include, in addition to Ruiz, Roberto Dávila Alfaro as secretary and Héctor Alvarado Araúz as treasurer, along with various departmental and ministry directors who will oversee the church in Nicaragua.
Addressing those present at the ceremony, Henry emphasized the importance of being committed to God, sharing hope with the world, and developing a deep and meaningful relationship with the Lord. “I call you to share the gospel wholeheartedly, serving God and others with love and dedication,” he said.
During the ceremony Ruiz expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and his team, sharing the vision and challenges for the new period. He also called for unity and teamwork to continue expanding the Adventist message in Nicaragua.
Seventh-day Adventists in Nicaragua
Located in Central America, the country of Nicaragua has a population of nearly 7 million. The Adventist Church in this country has more than 40,500 baptized members spread across three mission offices. It includes 529 churches and congregations, with 60 pastors and 1,029 local church elders. The church also operates 28 primary and secondary schools with 200 teachers, 12 radio stations, and one hospital.
The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.