History

American Missionary Scott Martin, stationed in Managua, Nicaragua, was asked by the US State Department to visit a young California woman detained in the La Esparanza women’s prison.

Throughout a conversation with the prison captain, a Christian, Scott learned of the incredible need within the prison. He had served as Spiritual Director on a Residents Encounter Christ (REC) Team in the United States only a few months before. That powerful experience still fresh, Scott told the Captain about the program. She then asked if an American team could possibly bring the ministry to Nicaragua.

Almost two years later, a team from Kentucky - Scott’s home state - first introduced REC to Nicaragua. However, the three-day spiritual renewal retreat requires regular follow-up. Since Christians in Nicaragua needed to assume this part of the ministry, local Christian leaders from various backgrounds were asked to join the Americans.

The program was a huge success. Ninety-eight percent of the prisoners chose to participate in the first REC weekend - three times the maximum number originally planned. Over half of the prisoners and several guards committed their lives to Christ. However, it was immediately apparent that ministry needs were vastly greater than those encountered in the United States. The Kentucky team’s work was not nearly finished.