Cuba para Cristo - Cuba for Christ
James' Story
On 23rd June 2005 a team of nine of us flew out to Cuba on a three week mission. Each of our suitcases was packed with medicines, Christian books and resources for churches and Bible colleges. Our time was split between Havana, in the west of the island, and Santiago de Cuba, in the East. In various churches we led holiday clubs, participated in services and visited people in their homes.
During the mission what made a big impression upon me was hearing and seeing the rapid spread and acceptance of the gospel. One Pastor said now is a very exciting time for Cuba. Many people are coming to know the Lord.
At an evangelistic service we attended there were so many people that the last four or five pews were outside of the church building! Even though there was a power cut - meaning no fans to bring relief from the intense humidity - people sat and listened to a gospel talk. About nine people that evening made a commitment of some sort to follow Jesus. The same happened the next day at a similar service. What amazed me was the boldness of the Christians who invited people to hear the gospel and the boldness with which they preached. In a large evangelical church in the UK, we'd be happy if only a couple of non-Christians simply came to a guest service, let alone believe the message.
It seems to me that in the developed world there are so many temptations and distractions leading people away from the gospel. People have little time or think they have no need for God.
I've returned home more thankful for all the good things we enjoy and so often take for granted; the cool climate, good roads, safe cars, clean tap water, electricity always available, computers and health care.
Yet because of the daily struggle of living in Cuba, many Cuban Christians are more dependent on God than we might be. For example, before driving, it's customary to pray for safety - you know you need to when the traffic lights aren't working!
Towards the end of the mission, we visited one young lad suffering from a brain tumour. When asked about how his illness had made affected his faith, he told that us that it had made him stronger in his walk with the Lord. For me, he personifies the perseverance, joyfulness, humility, boldness and courage of many Christians in Cuba.
James