Matthew 5:16 Ministries was established in Frederick, Maryland in 1995 by Rev. Glenn Stephan Schweitzer and his wife, Lynne Schweitzer after a visit to Nicaragua.
Lynne and Glenn moved to Nicaragua in July 2001, and in November 2004, after three years in the mission field, the Asociación Ministerio Mateo 5:16 en Nicaragua was established.
In September 2001, Glenn opened a school for "at risk" youth who received instruction and certification in auto repair. They also received bible studies. The school closed in 2006 and will reopen in 2008 on our church property adding sewing, electricity and other courses to the curriculum.
We began facilitating feeding programs, orphanages, church planting, health clinics and other community projects staffed by nationals with assistance from the U.S.
We started hosting visiting teams for medical clinics, evangelistic outreach, construction, research, etc. providing them with lodging, translators and transportation.
Later, Leadership & Seminary training in churches located in Carazo using the ISOM (International School of Ministry) program were added.
A committee was formed to head up Casa de Esperanza, a home for abandoned, orphaned, and abused children in Quinta Esperanza, located on 5 acres in Diriamba, Carazo. Plans were drawn up for the development of the orphanage. The initial phase of repair to existing buildings at Quinta Esperanza was started. Preliminary steps were taken to raise funds to continue repairs and to initiate construction of additional buildings.
In April 2004, Iglesia Nuevo Amanecer was birthed. It is directed at the poorest neighborhoods of Diriamba. Many of the children have spent their lives scavenging at the landfill, selling tortillas, or begging for money. Until now most of the children have not heard the gospel and most come from single parent homes.
The Church quickly grew to 300 members. Pastor Glenn performs baptisms, weddings, baby dedications and focuses much of his time on visitation and Premarital & Marriage Counseling. Our other pastors are involved with cell groups, evangelizing and leadership training. We have a clinic that serves our congregation, a nursery, a feeding program on Sunday for the children of our church and a clothing program for the members of the church. Each child receives a birthday present on his/her birthday. For most of these children this has never happened before. At Christmas, thanks to our donors, we hold a party where everybody enjoys a Christmas dinner and presents.
September 2007: The orphanage house is finally finished. We wait on approval from Ministerio de la Familia. Also, we are now operating administrating feeding centers that feed 6500 children Monday thru Friday.
