Rigoberto and Claudia Reyes

Missionary Profile

Ministry Focus

Rigoberto was appointed for ministry in Nicaragua in 2001 and immediately left for the field, depending solely on Claudia's income until their support could be raised. Since their appointment many have come to know the Lord, leaders have been developed, and cell groups, children's and prison ministries have been started. Rigoberto is planting chains of new churches using the extension principles of II Timothy 2:2: "And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men who will, in turn, be able to teach others also." He was named the Central America Ministry Director in August 2011. In June of 2020 he was named Director of International Ministry, expanding his areas of oversight to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Africa and Central Asia.


Faith Story

Rigoberto was born to an atheist father, a builder, who much later in life became a Christian. Outside circumstances led to Rigoberto's moving to Nicaragua with his father and older siblings, while his mother remained in Honduras with the younger siblings. In 1995, after a career in agriculture and management, he and his wife Claudia, while living in La Ceiba, Honduras, were invited by Missions Door missionary Humberto Del Arca to attend a marriage enrichment encounter. There he learned of God's grace, "just what he had been looking for in the wrong places for a long time." He accepted Christ as his Savior and began studying the Bible under Humberto Del Arca. In 1998 Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras, leaving over 900,000 people homeless. Rigoberto was recruited to join the Mission's relief and reconstruction program, where he served in planning and as a liaison with local communities. During that time he met Missions Door missionary Darryl Davis, who had returned to Honduras to help with the relief program in early 1999. Rigoberto's involvement with the Honduras North Coast ministry and the Extension Bible Institute gave him a real desire to move into ministry. After completing his Bible training while working on the relief projects, he felt the Lord's leading to move to Nicaragua and develop the church-planting-by-extension program there. This was an answer to prayer for Humberto Del Arca, who had had a burden for Nicaragua for many years.


 

 

Learn more about where this ministry happens

Natural beauty and national pride abound in the face of challenges

The beauty of Nicaragua rivals its Caribbean neighbors — from the twin volcanic mountains of the Isla de Ometepe, to the white-sand beaches of the Corn Islands, to the inviting surf along its 230-mile Pacific coastline.

A mix of native Indian and Spanish colonial heritage influences the colorful art and distinctive clay pottery available in local markets. Expressive murals depict the country’s unsettled history of civil wars. Music and festivals are plentiful.

Nicaraguans place great value on family, including the extended circle of children, parents, grandparents and godparents. A strong sense of personal dignity is matched by deep national pride.

Manufacturing and agriculture — including coffee and cotton — provide sources of income, yet the country still struggles with unemployment and poverty. Earthquakes and hurricanes have compounded the challenges.

Your participation with Missions Door helps to meet strategic and spiritual needs of communities in Nicaragua through agriculture projects, medical teams, church planting and leadership training.

Cultural Snapshot

Since the late 1800s, Nicaragua has developed a professional baseball league as the sport has become the nation's most popular. When no ball is available for an informal game, a grapefruit or rock will do.

Faith Fact

Reflecting a shift of Christian faith in Latin America, half of today's Protestants in Nicaragua claim they were raised as Catholics.

Country Profile

Population: 5.9 million, 52% ages 0–24

Major Religions: 59% Catholic, 23% evangelical, 16% unaffiliated

Languages: 95% Spanish, 5% indigenous languages

Literacy: 68%

Poverty: 42%

 

 

Ministry service area:
International

Ministry location:
, Nicaragua