Background

On October 5, 1979, Nicaragua was still reeling from the collapse of the Somoza dictatorship only months earlier. Cities such as Managua bore deep scars—grief, displacement, ruined infrastructure, and distrust. In that unsettled transition, many evangelical believers faced a hard question: how to love their neighbors in a revolution-charged moment without surrendering their first allegiance.

CEPAD (Evangelical Committee for Aid and Development)

CEPAD served as a cooperative channel for evangelical relief, development work, and pastoral coordination. Its projects included emergency aid, rebuilding, and practical support for families strained by war and poverty. Leaders such as Dr. Gustavo Parajón helped give visibility to an evangelical commitment to mercy and community restoration while urging a clear Christian witness.

The October 5 Pastors’ Statement

Roughly five hundred evangelical pastors connected with CEPAD signed a public declaration endorsing the Sandinista revolution’s stated aims of national rebuilding and justice. Yet they added a decisive confession: their first loyalty belonged to Jesus Christ. In a time when political movements sought total devotion, that sentence mattered. It signaled cooperation for the common good, not worship of the state.

Courage, Conscience, and Christian Character

For many signers, the risk was real. To speak publicly invited misunderstanding from every side—some accusing compromise, others demanding greater political conformity. Their moral courage resembled the apostolic resolve: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29). Christian service was not a blank check; it was bounded by conscience under Scripture.

Spiritual Priorities in Public Life

The statement’s strength was its order of loves: Christ first, then neighbor. It echoed, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33). Pastors could support rebuilding and advocate justice while keeping the pulpit free for repentance, prayer, and gospel proclamation.

Legacy

This October 1979 moment stands as a case study in faithful presence. Political hopes rise and fall, but the church must remain steady—serving the poor, pursuing peace, discipling believers, and refusing to trade Christ’s lordship for access or safety. Their public “yes” to helping a wounded nation was anchored by a deeper “yes” to the King who never changes.