Written by David Hulme
This is a particularly difficult time for the Cuban people. Although each Cuban receives a ration of a few basic items from the government, there is a severe shortage of meat, eggs, hygiene and cleaning supplies, medicine, and gasoline. I’ve been traveling to Cuba since 2001. Although shortages are common, I’ve not seen them to this degree.
The Cubans say this is their “reality.” However, there is another reality at work in Cuba; one that transcends the difficulties of everyday life.
Since 1968, the Iglesia Bautista El Jordan has been ministering and making disciples in Guanabacoa, a municipality within the city of Havana. Under the present leadership of Pastors Maykel Baez and Mayra Pardo, the church reaches out in both traditional and creative ways to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the community. An annual Family Camp provides an important renewal opportunity for church members and leaders.
Pastor Phil Wayman, Clarksburg (Union), Pastor Ben Moses, Simpson Creek (Union), and I recently traveled to Havana to share in the work of El Jordan, as well as learn from their example. Pastors Phil and Ben led a leadership event to both challenge and equip church leaders. We also had the opportunity to worship, preach, lead Bible study, participate in both adult and children’s home prayer groups, and visit in homes.
Although this trip was confined to the Havana area, we have relationships with many of the forty-two churches in the Fraternity of Cuban Baptist Churches. We are grateful to Max Hill who laid the foundation for so many of these relationships. Moving forward, we expect more opportunities to strengthen these relationships and build new ones as well.
This is very good news. It is encouraging and a relief to know that the Cuban trips are in good hands and will continue. With fondness I recognize several of the people in this picture from the time my son, Gus, and I were privileged to accompany Max, David and others to Cuba just 2 short years ago. I hope they were able to deliver the balance of the mission money we raised for building the new church in Zulueta. One day I hope to renew fellowship with the Cuban church, especially those in Zulueta.