This year, Jason Goins asked me to go back to Cuba. Those in Cuba are in dire need of food, supplies, and electricity. We sat, prayed, and discussed what could be done to help. We discussed raising money for solar panels for the district church in Cienfuegos. Many areas only have electricity a couple hours a day, gas for generators costs over $30 a gallon, and food shortages continue to be a major issue.
Solar panels are the answer and can be acquired from Mexico, but they are costly. We didn’t know if we could raise that much funding in just a couple months, but many donors stepped up and gave the funds for the solar panels, backup batteries, as well as support for the feeding program and local pastors.
We traveled to Cuba with many encouraging us to stay home. Many other missionaries had canceled their trips due to the increasing tension with the US government. It was understandable, but we decided to make the trip. While we were there, we witnessed many baptisms, people accepting Christ, and hundreds being fed by the church, both at the church and throughout the community. The churches and small groups were packed. We worshiped outside, in kitchens and living rooms, and in the church. It was a moving experience.
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I saw men and women preaching and taking bigger roles in the church who, only two years ago, were greeters, ushers, and singers on stage. In Cuba, they raise up leaders by giving them more responsibility and opportunity in the church. The church secretary gave an awesome message on a moment’s notice when the pastor pointed to her and told her she was giving the message that day. She told us that she is always ready because she never knows when she will be asked to preach or serve. This is the culture in Cuba. People are called on to serve, and they do.
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Imagine your pastor pointing to you during a service and saying you are going to lead the prayer or give a message. That doesn’t happen here, but it does in Cuba — and it works. The Holy Spirit is moving, and the people are responding. The church is growing, and we need to continue to step up and support what is going on. I love being a part of it and seeing God work through me to help others not so far away.
If you feel led to help, reach out to Jason at birthmarkministries.org or take a trip and see it all for yourself.