Lovers of Justice!

Everyday the headlines in Nicaragua speak to us of corruption and injustice. What if the Protestants in Nicaragua were to become known as lovers of justice - doers of justice in their families, in their churches, in their businesses, and in their lives as citizens? Would the headlines read differently ten years from now?

Thanks to such organizations as the Centro Cristiano de Derechos Humanos (Christian Center for Human Rights - CCDH) lovers of justice are increasing in numbers throughout Nicaragua.

Joel Huyser recently told us about the one-day workshop he attended that was sponsored by CCDH in Chichigalpa. Forty-two people, mostly Protestant pastors from Nicaraguan churches, attended the workshop and learned about their rights as individuals. Since last July, more than 300 individuals have received the same CCDH civic education course.

Seventy-five of these participants have gone on to take additional civic education classes and become lay human rights promoters who can assist people whose human rights have been violated. They have also multiplied their learning by teaching civic education in their churches and communities. Praise the Lord!

Lovers of justice are also growing in North America. This spring, CCDH organized a legal studies tour for Sharon Brinks and Susan Carlson, attorneys from Michigan. Guided by three CCDH Nicaraguan attorneys, Sharon and Susan visited the national penitentiary, the criminal prosecutors office, and the office of the Prosecutor for Human Rights, the district court system, and the Supreme Court.

Sharon Brinks reflects on her trip: "I've learned that economic development can only take place if a rule of law exists, and the court system is not corrupt. On our trip, we witnessed that in Nicaragua, our partners are working to make that happen. We need to support their efforts with prayer and practical assistance."

Christians have a responsibility to respond to corruption, injustice, and grinding poverty like the circumstances we see in Nicaragua. Isaiah 61:8 tells us that God is a lover of justice. Can we be anything else?

If you'd like more information about how you can support civic education in Nicaragua please contact Sharon Brinks (brinks.law.firm@prodigy.net) or Jel Huyser (huyserj@ibw.com.ni).

Back to Articles