Managua Saints Returning to City

Twelve missionaries are now back in Managua, Nicaragua, and the surrounding communities as the Saints rebuild their lives following last December’s devastating earthquake.

In a special report to the Ensign, President Quinten Hunsaker of the Central America Mission said that wherever possible, the local Saints are repairing and rebuilding their shattered homes, in advance of the rainy season, which starts in May.

“Approximately 25 to 30 percent of the members have jobs now and are back to work, and they are using what little income they have to build new homes or repair their old ones. Of course, homes here are of a simple design and don’t require elaborate construction techniques. Where possible, the members are housing their relatives and friends.

“Food is now available, although few people have the money to buy it, so we are still providing supplies for the Saints. We are also helping nonmembers where the need has been great. This whole process of caring for the Saints and for others who need help has not gone unnoticed. Apart from the government and the International Red Cross, the Church is the only other organization distributing supplies here, and people know it.

“The members are in great spirits and very grateful for the help and the prayers in their behalf. They recognize the blessings that they have received in being saved from injury and being together with their loved ones. Even some investigators of the Church have testimonies of their blessings. Testimonies have been strengthened, not weakened, by the ordeal.”

President Hunsaker said that the Managua Branch chapel is now back in use. Although it would be possible to rebuild the damaged walls of the chapel, the building is located in the downtown area, and government plans for overall redevelopment have not yet been fully determined.

“We are waiting on the government’s decision to see what we will do and whether we will restore the chapel,” he added. “A member family living close to the chapel repaired their home and offered accommodations for two missionaries. We also have missionaries in Granada, the second largest city in Nicaragua, about 50 miles from the capital. We have had missionaries there before, but without any success. Now some Saints from Managua live there with relatives or friends, and we feel that their presence and the work of the Church will have sufficient impact to open up the area for missionaries.”