Where we go
Nicaragua...
is a nation of 6.5 million and is the largest, in land mass, of the Central American countries, but not largest in population. Serious missions work began in Nicaragua in the early 1900s, after several new Pentecostal denominations were spawned from the Azusa Street revival of 1906 in Los Angeles. Nicaragua has been hit with a number of factors that contribute to a sense of hopelessness in its people: dictatorships, hurricanes, earthquakes and revolutions. The latest revolution (1979) toppled the Somoza government which was replaced by the Cuba-friendly Sandinista government. The Sandinistas have thus far permitted Evangelical Christian missions to continue their work, but with some restrictions. Pan American Ministries began its work there in 1968, with the arrival of the Schnedlers, who have ministered there since that time in radio and TV programming, church planting, oversight of churches and pastors, training seminars, and other ministries. P.A.M.’s ministry there at present consists of 45+ churches in a thriving work which continues to grow and prosper. Near Managua, the capital, land has been purchased for a Bible School, which will be built as soon as circumstances and finances permit.
Mexico...
is the second-largest country in Latin American, with a population of 130 million. Since the early 1500s and the arrival of the Spaniards, Catholicism has been the predominant religion (81%). However, many are only nominal Catholics as the twentieth century saw an influx of Protestant missionaries who opened hundreds of new Christian churches. In 1970, Catholics were 96% of Mexico’s population, compared to 81% now. In the first decade of the 21st century, it has fallen another 5%, due to the explosion of evangelical work, including many megachurches in Mexico City and other large cities. P.A.M.’s work in Mexico began in the 1960s and continues through a number of churches and pastors overseen in various parts of the country.
Cuba...
is a Caribbean island nation, just 90 miles from U.S. shores, and has a population of 11.2 million. Of these, about six million are Catholic, or about 60% of the population. However, only about 5% of those attend church regularly (some estimate as low as 1.5%) Some calculate the Protestant Christian population, (a “primary religious group of Cuba”), at around 11%.
Under Fidel Castro’s regime, Christian churches were allowed to exist and operate, how-be-it with certain restrictions. Steven and Larry made trips to Cuba in 2017 and 2018, giving numerous seminars for leaders and pastors and ministering in churches.
These events were held in many parts of the Island. They encountered no opposition to their ministry activities by the government, and found many pastors with open arms and hearts, hungry to receive teaching. Gabriel Lopez, a pastor and spiritual son from Mexico, accompanied Steven and Larry, and participated in the seminar ministry. Circumstances (including the pandemic) have prevented them from returning, but when possible, plans include further ministry among the precious Cuban people. Meanwhile, Pan American Ministries has sent a number of offerings to pastors there, for food (extremely scarce and expensive) and other basic needs.
Honduras...
has a population of 9 million. It is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. For the past few decades, it has been ravaged by political corruption, gang violence, crime, drug trafficking and poverty.
It has been the target of several deadly hurricanes. In the midst of this, Evangelical missions work has not declined, but has maintained its strength and vitality.Forty-seven per cent of Hondurans identify as Catholics and 36% as Evangelical Christians.
Pan American Ministries has not established its own work, per se, in Honduras, but has partnered with other missions to strengthen pastors and their ministries through visits to churches and training seminars. This trans-denominational stance has allowed us to share much guidance and counsel with leaders of those missions, who then implement strategies that strengthen their work. A number of those pastors and leaders are dear to us, and P.A.M. maintains an on-going relationship with them.
Costa Rica...
has a population of 4.8 million. The country has no standing army. Oddly enough, Roman Catholicism is the official state religion, but the government generally honors religious freedom. Only 47% of the people identify as practicing Catholics, and 16% as Evangelical Christians. However, due to a strong wave of evangelism and church planting in the 1970s and beyond, the percentage of Evangelicals is estimated to be much higher. The capital, San José, was home to the Schnedler family for about five years in the 1980s. During that time several strong churches were planted and established through open-air, crusade evangelism, including the Centro Cristiano de San José. This strong congregation developed ministries of TV, Bible School, leaders’ equipping conferences, and evangelism. Other fellow servants have been trained and left to carry on the ministries that P.A.M. pioneered in Costa Rica.