Bible Society Nicaragua works to offer a comprehensive support service to many disadvantaged families who struggle financially to help their child fully recover, working to address existing inequalities that are further exacerbated by ill health. Spiritual and emotional support is needed to give strength to the children undergoing treatment, as well as to their parents. Doctors at the hospital particularly depend on the project to offer pastoral support to families when their child enters palliative care, and especially as family members come to terms with the tragic early death of a child.

In 2024, the goals of the project are to:

• Train 110 pastors and volunteers in pastoral care for children, child psychology and hand hygiene. They will also receive a free Bible, to help provide spiritual support.
• Support 2,368 children and along with their parents, giving them free Bibles, and teaching them about God’s love, comfort and hope through his word.
• Distribute 80,000 Bible portions to children and families

By engaging children and parents in prayer, reading, and studying the Bible, children and their families can build up spiritual resilience. The project’s effectiveness is annually assessed through consultations with hospital staff and parents. The director of the La Mascota hospital commended the positive impact of the project, noting improvements in patients who engage with prayer and Scripture, as well as recognising the positive influence on medical staff and their patient care approach.

The volunteers are highly regarded by parents and children for the invaluable daily spiritual support they offer during challenging times. Monthly food aid plays a vital role in bolstering the children’s health, aiding their resistance to treatment side effects. Additionally, it eases concerns for parents who live far from the hospital, ensuring their children’s essential nutritional needs are met.