The Journey to Nicaragua is a program co-sponsored by the Chaplain’s Office of Davidson College and the Davidson College Presbyterian Church (DCPC). An ecumenical team of 12-14 students, selected in the fall semester, gathers weekly throughout the spring semester to study history, politics, economics and theology related to Nicaragua, to engage in worship and scripture study, and to reflect on Christian discipleship and our roles as North American citizens. 

The focal point of the semester is a spring break trip to Nicaragua. The team is hosted by CEPAD, a consortium of over 50 Nicaraguan Protestant denominations, which works in impoverished communities throughout the country. We meet with Nicaraguans to hear stories about their experiences and their journey of discipleship. We visit a variety of non-governmental organizations and other agencies that work to improve life for the most impoverished and marginalized people in Nicaragua. We spend time with Nicaraguan families for brief home stays, both in Managua and in the countryside, and experience their ordinary daily life. We participate in the worship services of several different Christian communities. Upon returning to Davidson, our team continues to meet for several weeks to reflect upon our experience and what it means for our ongoing discipleship to Jesus.

The Journey to Nicaragua is a reverse-mission experience. By that, we understand that we are not taking Christianity to some place that lacks it. Nor are we going to evangelize through work projects. Rather, we recognize that God is alive and at work in the lives of our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters in a unique way. We travel to Nicaragua with the hope of experiencing God in their context, having our lives transformed by that encounter, and becoming agents of transformation—missionaries—in our own context back here in the United States.

For more information about the Journey to Nicaragua please contact:
The Rev. Rob Spach
College Chaplain
Davidson College
704-894-2423
rospach@davidson.edu