Editor’s Note: This is a follow-up to “Dispatch: Cuba” from Nations Journal Volume One.
Last year, our friend James Galt shared a story with us in the first edition of Nations Journal. He informed us that a small, resilient group of home churches has recently emerged in Havana, Cuba, and despite increasing hardships, remains faithful and hopeful for the future. And due to economic and political struggles, many in this growing congregation of believers do not own Bibles. When we heard these facts, we couldn’t stand by. We took it upon ourselves to personally travel into the country in order to guarantee a successful delivery of brand-new, Spanish Bibles. From seeing an outpouring of generous donations, to getting the Bibles through a customs interrogation, to meeting and encouraging home church leaders, there was more blessing and favor on this trip than we ever anticipated. We look forward to sharing more about what God is doing in the lives of our new friends in Cuba and how you can be a part.
Below, an update from James:
Many prayers were answered this past week as we flew into Cuba. After enduring a search and interrogation at the Havana airport, we drove straight to the home church of Pastor Manuel. We arrived at the conclusion of the morning’s service, where the congregation was asked who would like a Bible. Hands shot up and were immediately given copies. It was the most incredible experience watching people receive their very first paperbacks of scripture. Afterwards, the entire congregation was on their feet shaking hands, kissing cheeks, and smiling. I don’t speak very much Spanish, but when one elderly gentleman said to me, “Hermano en Cristo,” or, “Brother in Christ,” I was overjoyed.
Furthermore, after returning home and explaining Pastor Manuel’s service to the Leadership Institute, a ministry devoted to educating ministers on leadership development, they have agreed to support his training at the institute, as well as being further involved with his congregation.
We came back excited and inspired and are already in the process of brainstorming what we’d like to highlight from this trip in the next installation of Nations Magazine. You can be sure there will be many more stories, details, and accompanying photos to come.
