APRIL 2026 update
Would you like to go to Nicaragua with us?
Go to Nicaragua with the team from the Presbytery of Missouri River Valley next January! We will visit our partners in La Concepción, worship with them, be part of the distribution of school uniforms and supplies, and even take some time for recreation in Managua. We will stay in a local eco-hotel and, by the way, learn about sustainability and other activities that are part of its program.
Dates: January 11-18, 2027
Probable cost: $1500 per person (including airfare, lodging & meals, and ground transportation). The cost could be higher or lower when we actually purchase tickets. Also, we are conducting several fund-raisers to help offset the cost for those who need assistance.
Registration: The deadline to register is Monday, August 10. We have room to take up to 20 individuals on this mission partnership experience, so the first 20 to register will be the first considered, although we will keep a waiting list for two months. Please understand that submitting the online form does not guarantee participation. Upon registration, someone will be in touch with you to pay a $200 deposit to hold your spot.
For additional information, contact Bob Keefer (keefer.robert@gmail.com) or Josh Widman (josh.widman@gmail.com).
about our partnership
The Nicaragua International Partnership of the Presbytery of Missouri River Valley is part of an international partnership between the Interdenominational Council of Evangelical Pastors of La Concepcion, Nicaragua, and the Presbytery of Missouri River Valley, USA. We are united with our partners through love and faith in Christ, in response to God’s call to build God’s kingdom, working actively, modeling the ministry of Jesus Christ to extend his love, justice, joy, hope, empowerment, and message within our communities. Consistent with our jointly developed partnership Mission Statement and the PCUSA relationship-based mission model, we strive to act with a commitment to world mission, a love for humankind, and a trust in each other which continually deepens objectives.
A letter and packet was mailed to each church to inform them of updates regarding our partnership. Our hope is that you will post the flyer at your church to raise awareness and funding for this presbytery-wide mission partnership. You can download or print the letter below, or watch this video on our YouTube channel to learn more about our Nicaragua partnership.
How to Make Contributions
Checks (Please make a notation on the check to Nicaragua partnership)
Mail checks to:
Presbytery of Missouri River Valley
PO Box 390113
Omaha, NE 68139-0113
Online Giving
Visit the presbytery’s Giving Page. In the notes section of the transaction, type Nicaragua Partnership
OTHER UDPATES
february 2026 update
Dear friends of our Presbytery:
Our partners in La Concepción, Nicaragua have distributed the uniforms and packets for the 2026 school year! The picture above shows the recipients wearing their uniforms and displaying their backpacks. In January 2027, we intend to have a delegation from our Presbytery present to be part of the distribution. Your support of the Nicaragua partnership can help with the preparation of packets or travel expenses for our delegation or both!
If you have any questions or comments, please address them to Bob Keefer (keefer.robert@gmail.com) or Josh Widman (josh.widman@gmail.com). Thank you!
JUNE 2025 update
Dear friends of our Presbytery:
The school uniform program is “ON” for 2026! Our partners in Nicaragua have assured us that they will be able to continue to make uniforms and prepare packets of school supplies for the school year beginning in February 2026, and the Partnership is raising funds to underwrite the program. Many have already contributed, and we are grateful for your generosity!
You can support this effort with a gift to the Presbytery of Missouri River Valley, designated “Nicaragua School Uniforms.”
If you have any questions or comments, please address them to Bob Keefer (keefer.robert@gmail.com). Thank you.
november 2024 update
Dear friends of our Presbytery:
Our partnership with the pastors and churches in La Concepción, Nicaragua is alive and well. We have funded the school uniform project for the school year beginning January 2025 and we are assisting with repairs to the Sewing Cooperative building after recent heavy rainstorms. We continue our prayers for each other and communications with each other.
However, since the Nicaraguan government has dissolved the Pastoral Council as a legal organization, the future of their collective work and our ability to fund projects are in doubt. Therefore, we ask that you refrain from sending money to support the school uniform project for the time being. We will assess the situation in six months, which will give plenty of time to raise money for the 2026 school year.
If you have any questions or comments, please address them to Bob Keefer (keefer.robert@gmail.com). Thank you.
august 2024 update
It is with great sadness that we report that on August 19 the government of Nicaragua revoked the legal status of 1500 NGOs (non-governmental organizations). Among the organizations are our two mission partners: the pastoral council in La Concepcion and CEPAD, the facilitator of our partnership. The future is uncertain right now. There are some hopes that CEPAD may be able to reorganize into a new legal entity and continue its work. Let us pray that they are able to find their way forward.
Please also pray for the churches and people of La Concepcion. We have been in partnership with the pastors’ council there for 25 years, and have seen God work mightily through their efforts in their community. We know that God will continue to work in that community. While the partnership may look different going forward, the individual friendships formed, respect gained, and mutual love for Christ remain.