Thirteen individuals with ties to Mountain Gateway, a Texas-based Christian missionary organization, were arrested and imprisoned in December of 2023 by the Nicaraguan government.
President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua and the first lady and vice president, Rosario Murillo, accused the organization of using its nonprofit status as a cover to purchase luxury goods, property, and land.
The group associated with Mountain Gateway, including eleven pastors, never received an explanation regarding the allegations against them or official documentation of their supposed criminal charges. Additionally, they were denied legal counsel.
On Thursday morning, the individuals connected to the non-profit were released.
“This is the day we have prayed and believed God for. These pastors and attorneys have suffered greatly for the sake of the Gospel, but it has not been in vain. The Kingdom of God is advancing because of their persecution. Today, we cry tears of joy because our brothers and sisters are free!” said Jon Britton Hancock, founder of Mountain Gateway.
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Alabama’s delegation in Washington played a critical role in securing the release of the imprisoned Christians, particularly U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, who celebrated their freedom on Thursday.
“I am thankful to God for the release of not only these pastors but the other Christians being held as well,” said Aderholt (R-Haleyville) in a statement. “As I have said many times throughout this ordeal that began late last year, they were simply preaching and sharing the Good News of Christ’s redeeming love to others.”
I’ve been told that the pastors that were being held in Nicaragua have been released. These are answered prayers. I’ve spoken to the Hancock family and they are overjoyed that everyone will soon be home. More details on their release will be coming soon.
— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) September 5, 2024
“I have spoken this morning to the Hancock family, and they are overjoyed that everyone will soon be able to return home. I also know that what has transpired over the past year will not diminish these believers’ desire to continue to help others and simply share the good news of Christ.”
In February, Aderholt led a letter addressed to the Ambassador of Nicaragua expressing deep concern over violations of religious freedom in Nicaragua and calling for the release of the imprisoned.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt also worked hard to secure the group’s freedom by urging the Biden Administration to use every sanction enforcement authority and diplomatic leverage available.
“Religious freedom is an inalienable, God-given human right that must be protected at every turn,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “I am tremendously grateful these Christian leaders are free, but they never should have been imprisoned in the first place. Let’s be very clear – these Christians were in prison because of their faith. Those who dedicate their lives to preaching the Gospel and advancing God’s Kingdom should be celebrated, not persecuted.”
“Today’s news is an answered prayer. I appreciate the State Department’s work to free these political prisoners and facilitate their safe passage out of Nicaragua. I will continue to be an unwavering champion of religious liberty in the United States Senate.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
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