Evangelism Meetings in Cuba

Hello Dear Friends and Family, 

We have had an exciting last few weeks.  There is not time or space to tell you all now, but here is a summary of our trip to CUBA!

In April, David and I had the opportunity to travel to Cuba for a 5-day visit to be part of Evangelism Meetings and trainings.  Two times each year, David is part of Regional Evangelism meetings.  The last meetings were in the Dominican Republic.  But this time, Bernie Slingerland, the Regional Coordinator for Evangelism choose Cuba as the meeting / training location.

The Evangelism Coordinators from the Mesoamerica Region

As it has been my dream to visit Cuba for many years, I asked permission to be a part of this event with David.  I was privileged to be able to go and to represent SENDAS (the Seminary here in San Jose, Costa Rica) and two new programs we are promoting at this event.

Immigration and Customs in Cuba were not as difficult as expected, and we made it out of the airport in good time, after a short wait for our visas.  We stayed in a hotel near the Nazarene Cuban Seminary.  It was neat and clean, with air conditioning and hot water (luxuries for Cubans).  We met up immediately with the other Evangelism Coordinators from various countries including Haiti, Mexico, Guatemala and one person from the USA. 

We did not have time for tourism, but did enjoy a roundabout drive from the airport to the hotel.  A few landmarks were pointed out to us as we drove by.  

The flags you see in this photo were placed there in opposition to the USA “mission” (not an embassy, but a representation, I assume) who were running electronic board messages about human rights, etc. on a high building they had for offices.  The Cuban government then constructed this “memorial” to block the view.  Here is a bit more information about that from a news article I read when I got home.

"Cuban national flags wave in front of the U.S. Interest Section in Havana, Cuba, 13 August 2008. In 2006 the US installed the giant electronic banner on the fifth floor of their building in the centre of Havana and start to broadcast political propaganda, news, messages and statements. In return, the Cuban government erected so called "Monte de las Banderas" (Forest of Flags), 138 flagpoles in front of the building to prevent Cubans from seeing the scrolling letters.

Havana says it symbolises the people who have died as the result of violent acts against Cuba since its 1959 revolution - more than 3,400 of them."

This sign says, "In my barrio, we defend socialism."

Propaganda is a part of life in Cuba.  It reminded us some of Nicaragua, where you see many similar types of signs in favor of the government. 

The revolution happened in 1959 and since that time, very few new cars have been imported.  So, most cars are ’57 Chevys or older Soviet models.  The engines and interiors have, of course, been replaced with whatever parts can be found.  Most people walk or take a bus for their local transportation.

Our meetings were held at the Seminary grounds in Havana.  We met in the largest meeting space there, which holds approximately 300 people.  For their yearly meeting for the Church in January, they had more than 500 there, so people just stood outside the windows listening intently, passing their ballets through the windows.  

The Entrance to the Cuban Nazarene Seminary

We enjoyed the people so very much.  They are smart, resourceful, kind, while being opinionated and strong.  Doctors make no more than $40 per month and pastors, perhaps $10 per month.  Everyone receives a small packet of rice, beans and oil each month but it is not near enough for one month (maybe it lasts 10 days at the most).  People work hard to provide for their families.  Many receive funds from family living in the USA or other countries, and without this help, it would be very difficult to survive.  

Some of the administration and office spaces at the Seminary

The training was a great help to the pastors and leaders.  Since their resources are limited (very little access to Internet and the system is so slow that downloading is nearly impossible), the leaders were thrilled to have a training manual for evangelism.  As one pastor put it, “Now I don’t have to make a collage, using various resources from many sources…now it all here together in one manual.”  They were so excited to receive the training materials. 

The Cuban Evangelism Leaders and Pastors

We broke up into small groups for some sessions. This was the most special time for David and me as we really got to know some of the pastors and leaders.  We learned about their ministry context, their history and their current situations.  It was wonderful to hear personally from them about their lives.  They shared their photos (on their cell phones) of their families and their church leaders.  

This particular leader was not in our small group, but we shared some time with her before and after meetings.  She explained a bit about how she organizes her church planting ministry.  First, they pray that God would reveal to them the location.  Then, the evangelism team spends 40 days in prayer for the new place.  Then for the last week before the entrance into the community, someone is always in prayer 24/7 (like a prayer schedule). She said they have great success when entering new areas, and they believe it is because of the force of God’s power already at work before their arrival.  Then they use the Jesus Film and door-to-door evangelism to start a new cell group.  What a great model and example!

We are thankful God gave us the opportunity to visit the church leaders in Cuba and we can’t wait for a return visit.  Be praying for Cuba as they have many obstacles, but their faith is strong and enduring.  One of the most moving moments was during a worship/singing time when we sang the song “Heal my land” which talks about God working in the nation.  We will never hear that song in the same way. The conviction and meaning for the Cubans was far greater and deeper than most of the world can understand.  The song was a cry to God to move in their beloved country to make a way for healing.  Pray with us for this healing in Cuba.

Until next time,

Shelley and David Webb