Wow!
First, I want to start out by reflecting on the work of the Lord on this trip to Cuba. The Lord truly showed up and showed out!
Day 1 was a travel day that went much smoother than anyone could have anticipated. Few hiccups and no flight delays helped our team feel confident that the trip would be successful.
Day 2 provided our first opportunity for in-person ministry and evangelism. The team partnered with a small village church outside Camajuaní to proclaim the Gospel to unbelieving villagers. By assisting the church in its evangelism efforts, the villagers met church members who can continue to pursue the unbelievers and work to disciple the new converts.
Four cell groups went into the communities to evangelize to three families each. Of these groups, we know that at least four people prayed for salvation. Molly and one other American assisted a young Cuban Christian with evangelism to her neighbors. After stopping into the home of an elderly couple, the team began to present a five gallon bucket with a Sawyer Water Filter to the couple. The couple shared that they have to bring water to their home from a contaminated well. This story allowed Molly the opportunity to tell the story of the Woman at the Well who, upon speaking with Jesus, learned she was in need of living water--a salvation that satisfies. Molly asked the couple what satisfied them in life. Upon hearing nothing, Molly asked them if they wanted to be satisfied by living water--satisfied in Christ's finished work. They joyfully said yes and prayed for salvation. The couple mentioned they had searched for years for something to satisfy, even diving deeply into Santería and mystic practices. Nothing in their life had satisfied them. The Cuban Christians with the team later shared that the elderly lady had been a Santería sorceress, creating potions and casting spells to heal and bring satisfaction to others. She saw that nothing she did was enough for salvation.
Often, we have limited interaction with those who practice Santería. It is a dark practice that is deeply woven into Cuban culture. Anytime someone leaves the darkness of Santería and receives the light of life through Christ is a moment of true celebration. We are so grateful that the pastor will be able to meet with the couple, bring them into the church, and help disciple them in the grace and knowledge of Christ.
Day 3 was a busy day focused on discipleship efforts. This was the first day our team was challenged to encourage the Cuban Christians in spiritual leadership. Many individuals attended leadership workshops hosted by a partnering church in the heart of the city. Quite a few of these individuals were nominal believers who didn't desire personal study of Scripture. One of our team members presented a charge to these individuals that if you are truly loving the Lord and loving your neighbor, you won't ignore the call to knowing Christ deeper. Instead, you will seek discussion, accountability, and community with others, spurring one another into love and good works. For the first time, these individuals felt compelled to begin bible studies and small groups for their personal growth! Now, the church members are able to invite them into the cell groups they host each week in their homes.
Later that evening, teams were developed to host bible studies. After one team brought a charge to renew your heart and mind so that you live your life for the glory of God, an unbeliever whom the chuch had been pursuing for a long season felt convicted of sin and prayed to receive Christ and surrender her life to his Lordship. Once again, the church is able to engulf her into their community and discipleship.
The aim of TOI is never to take over the work of the church in Cuba. Instead, we aim to equip, empower, and encourage the Cuban church to keep striving for the Lord. The Lord heard our prayers and desires and was truly kind to meet us in them and redeem them for His glory and for the growth of His family!
Day 4 was our thank-you day to our Cuban team. We took them to a beach town to get to sight-see and ride a zip-line! In the evening, we asked them to sit down and let us prepare dinner for them and serve them. This moment was vital in encouraging our team to know that they are loved, appreciated, and an equal part of God's family. This dinner was a beautiful moment of offering rest for the team and a reminder that as Americans, we should not forget to esteem others for the work they do and for who they are.
Day 5 was our travel day back home. Praise the Lord for no issues and a safe return home for everyone. The Lord is good and faithful to His people!
