About the orphanage on Ometepe Island (CICRIN)
CICRIN (Centro Infantil Cristiano Nicaraguense), the orphanage on the Island of Ometepe, in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, was begun in the 1970’s by Trans World Missions. The need was so great in this warring country, they started building an orphanage to shelter some of the needy children of this country, and right away began caring for abandoned and poor children. At first, there weren’t any buildings. The children had classes and ate under a big tree on the property, and at night they slept in tents near the edge of the lake. In a short period of time, there were about 150 children from the area living at CICRIN, partaking together in daily activities, building, friendships, and having hope for a future. In 1979, when the Sandinista Government took control of the country, the doors of the children’s home were closed. For ten years, the buildings and property were used as an army camp, where young boys were trained to be sent to war. In 1990, CICRIN reopened its doors to bring love and opportunity to children that did not have it. God has become King of this place again, and we can see the restoration in the lives of many children. Here, the children are taught about the Lord and have the chance to come to know Jesus in a deep and personal way. As they become adults, our prayer is that they will become strong members and leaders in their church and make a difference in their communities and to the next generation in Nicaragua.
About the purpose and goals of the orphanage
The purpose of the CICRIN orphanage is to help to change the lives of children who live in very difficult circumstances, those who are orphans, have been abandoned, or are in danger in their homes. We believe that each child has the potential to become a strong Christian and useful member of society, but they need help to attain this. We are working to strengthen the spiritual and emotional areas of the children’s lives through individual attention, working with them through their problems and teaching them how to overcome these problems as Christians. We also are providing them with 3 good meals each day, nice clothes to wear, and a dry and safe place to live. A home, that’s all. Children need a home and this is their home. They also receive an education and counseling. While here at CICRIN they can complete their high school education and also attend English classes.
