Liam and Jessica Starkenburg

Vision

Nicaragua is the poorest Spanish-language country in the world. Poverty permeates all spheres of society and enslaves 85% of the people. Corruption and injustice are common and many Nicaraguans dream of escaping to another country because they have little or no hope for their country's future.

We are excited to be part of a Christian ministry that seeks to make a long-term difference in Nicaragua. Founded in 1991, Nicaragua Christian Academy (NCA) seeks to equip children of Christian parents with the spiritual discernment, moral courage and academic excellence to impact society through Christian living motivated by a heartfelt love for God. Through Christian education and partnering with Christian missionary families in their diverse ministries, we encounter continual opportunities to change children's lives in Nicaragua and expand God's Kingdom on earth.

Our family has been serving God in Nicaragua for the past twelve years, and we anticipate living here as long as God calls us. We find joy in being part of God’s work and ministry here, and consider it a privilege to raise our family amid this lifestyle of service.

Mission

Our mission is twofold. Our first and foundational mission is to enable the work of missionaries by teaching their children. A third of NCA's students are missionary kids (MKs). Our desire is for them to gain a cultural understanding of their host country and a passion for mission work in Nicaragua and around the world. Without NCA, it would be difficult or impossible for many missionaries to carry out the full-time ministries to which God has called them in Nicaragua.

Second, we seek to train up future leaders for Nicaragua. Nicaragua is in desperate need of moral leadership. For hundreds of years, Nicaragua’s leaders have made decisions for personal gain and have lacked moral integrity, commitment to social justice, and compassion toward their people. This has resulted in widespread poverty and corruption. Over half of NCA's students are Nicaraguan and will have the opportunity to make a difference in their country. Our vision is to give them hope and a resolution to make a difference in their country. Until Nicaragua’s leaders are committed to servant leadership based on God’s word, the economic situation of Nicaragua's poor will not improve.

Ministry in Nicaragua

NCA is a K-12 international Christian school, and the first Central American school to be accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). NCA has dual accreditation in the United States and is authorized by the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education. Currently NCA has 31 faculty members and about 300 students. Our school has also birthed two Spanish-speaking schools that have the same commitment to academic excellence with a Christian foundation. Over 700 students are part of our NCA association.

Liam is the director (headmaster/superintendant) of Nicaragua Christian Academy. Jessica taught sixth grade for four years before becoming a stay-at-home mom for our four children. Both of us are involved in leading Bible studies, youth programs, mentoring, church leadership and neighborhood ministry, and committed to living out God’s will in our daily lives and testimony.

Thank You

We praise God for His work around the world and the privilege of serving Him. Thank you for your prayers, generosity and support for our ministry with Nicaragua Christian Academy in partnership with Resonate Global Mission. Together, by God's grace, our efforts are transforming lives and communities in Nicaragua. Thank you.