Seeking Reform for Nicaraguans through: **Christian Education **Skills Training **Discipleship **Hands-on Poverty Relief **Spiritual Formation Classes **Mercy Ministries Canada, she moved to Honduras in 2009 to volunteer in a Christian orphanage after having received her training with Youth with a Mission in 1998 (Discipleship Training School), 1999 (School of Biblical Studies) and in 2001 (School
of Biblical Christian Worldview). It was in Honduras that she met her future husband, Alex Casco, from Nicaragua. After they were married, they returned to Honduras to work at the orphanage as a couple and added a daughter to their family, Elizabeth Molly. In January of 2011, Tara and Alex moved their small family to Nicaragua and founded a program to serve children and families living in extreme poverty in Dario City, Matagalpa. The heart of the ministry is holistic and works towards relieving poverty and breaking the cycles of abuse and dysfunction that keep so many of the children, youth and adults of Nicaragua captive. This is done through a variety of educational activities, providing food and other necessities of life, giving a basic education, and offering instruction in the Christian faith. From 2011 to 2024, Light and Salt ministries programs have included Formation Classes for boys ages 7- 18 who live in extreme dysfunction and poverty-stricken homes. The boys are chosen through a series of home visits, interviews and screening processes and are then individually selected to attend the program at the center for up to five consecutive years. The formation program consists of breakfast, lunch, help with public school studies and follow-up attention/ support with the students' classroom teachers, study of the Bible, prayer, arts and crafts, sports, psychological attention, educational field trips, science activities, basic computer skills training as well as moral and ethical one-on-one mentorship. The Mercy in Action Program is a mercy-based relief effort serving the citizens of Dario City that live in extreme situations of social risk, illness and poverty (mainly the marginalized, elderly, widowed, abandoned and/or rejected). The goal is to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to bring acts of kindness and practical help into their homes. Food, clothing, medicine/ medical care and shelter are provided to these less fortunate members of the community. The Triumphant Women sewing course is aimed at the discipleship and encouragement of women who find themselves in situations where they must be both the breadwinners and caretakers for their children. This includes a bi-weekly study in the scriptures and a look at business sense and entrepreneurship, while simultaneously offering them training in areas of tailoring clothes and sewing other textile items. These skills will serve them in breaking their own cycles of poverty and propel them towards self-sustainability. In March of 2014, Light and Salt Ministries Nicaragua (LASM - Nicaragua) received charitable status in Canada as a non-profit organization. Before that Tara Germain was under the covering of a local church in Fort St. In the USA, LASM is working with 501(c)(3) Shared Vision offering tax receipts to their stateside ministry partners. In 2021, Tara gained her pastoral credentials through the Assemblies of God Nicaragua and currently serves as a member of the National Council of Evangelical Pastors of Nicaragua. In Canada, LASM has an established board of trustees that work along side of and assist Tara, Alex, and the team in Nicaragua with major decisions and management of donations. Beginning in 2025, LASM is moving towards even more community involvement in new and exciting ways. In their evangelism program, 12 to 15 hours weekly are spent in door-to-door ministry into the homes of both past and present LASM beneficiaries. LASM also hosts the Assemblies of God Bethel Bible School for adults in their facilities, as well as backing various trainings and luncheons throughout the year for local Pastors and leaders to build unity and engage in joint planning. Tara and her family are fully grounded in the promises of God. His faithfulness continues to carry on their long-term commitment and service to Nicaragua.
