Nicaragua is the second-poorest country in the hemisphere after Haiti, and 75 percent of the country's people live in poverty, surviving on less than $2 a day. The highest mountains and toughest terrain are found in the northern region of Nicaragua known for producing coffee and raising cattle. Life in the northern region is difficult, and it is not uncommon for children to work alongside their parents to help supplement the family's small income.

The Protestant University of Nicaragua (UENIC) is the culmination of a dream of 27 denominations and evangelical institutions in Nicaragua that were concerned about social justice and the rights of ethnic minorities and hoped to develop a university distinct from the traditional national institutions. One of these member churches is the Christian Mission Church of Nicaragua, a long-standing partner of Global Ministries, which serves the poorest sectors of the country.  UENIC commits itself to cultivate and to promote peace, social stability, economic progress and coexistence in terms of the affirmation of social justice, national sovereignty, and equality of citizen's rights.

Since 1996 UENIC has worked hard in the design and planning for a Program of Master in Theology. An academic commission has been named for 2004-2010 to plan, coordinate, and administer the following programs: Bachelor in Theology, Bachelor in Church History, post-graduate degrees in theology and church history, Master in Church History and Mission, and Master degrees in Theological Sciences.  Global Ministries missionary Jorge Bardeguez, as a part of his ministry with the Christian Mission Church of Nicaragua, works on these degree programs of the UENIC.

Teaching faculty has been secured, utilizing the talents of both Nicaraguan and international professors. The UENIC seeks support to fully implement the Master in Theology degree program and related fields.