Cuba Mission Testimonies

Cuba Missions - 2024

The Wind of Holy Spirit in Cuba — Haitao Z (exert from Church Magazine #68)

In the heart of eastern Cuba, beneath the Caribbean sun and amidst the rhythmic beats of its vibrant culture, our recent mission trip (Jan 1 to Jan 9th, 2024) became a profound journey of witnessing the powerful work of the Holy Spirit, the unwavering passion and obedience of believers for Christ and the gospel, and the rapid growth of a dynamic church planting movement.

Our mission trip to Cuba was an 8-day endeavor, packed with church visiting (more than 25 churches) and serving activities, such as serving at the Lord’s Supper, preaching, baptizing, sharing the personal testimonies, organizing workshops, playing the fun soccer game etc.

The Cuban believers we encountered exuded a remarkable passion and obedience for Christ that left an indelible mark on our hearts. Their commitment to the gospel was not only vocalized in vibrant worship but also demonstrate through everyday acts of kindness, love, and unwavering obedience to God's Word. It was humbling to witness a community so deeply rooted in faith, facing extreme poverty and all kinds of challenges with a spirit of joy and hope.

Engaging with the missionaries and their family during the church visiting sessions allowed us to witness the sacrificial dedication of believers for the Lord Jesus, their unwavering commitment to missions, and a flourishing church planting movement that echoed a clear vision and strategy of expanding God's kingdom.

The mission trip allowed us to actively participate in and observe the rapid growth of the church planting movement in Cuba. New congregations and small groups were emerging in various neighborhoods, and local leaders displayed an inspiring commitment to 81 strategic outreach. The movement reflected a collective urgency to share the transformative message of Christ, resulting in a multiplication of vibrant, faith-filled communities.

As we reflect on our time in Cuba, the impact on our spiritual growth is undeniable. The passion, obedience, and resilience of Cuban believers have challenged us to reevaluate our own commitment to Christ. The rapid church planting movement served as a reminder of the urgency to share the gospel and plant seeds of faith in our own communities.

Carrying out God’s mission - Bridget S. (exert from Church Magazine #68)

Since my last short term mission to Cuba in 2016, I had always known I would return one day to see our Cuban brothers and sisters again and to experience God. This mission trip was a touching experience that broadened my understanding of church planting and what carrying out God’s mission is like in Cuba. The trip was not only a physical exploration of a new place, but also a time to witness the faith and testimonies of the Cuban people, the love and warmth they have for others, and the socio-economic realities that shape their daily lives while serving God.

One of the most impactful parts of the trip was to witness the obedience and spirit of the Cuban people. Despite facing severe economic challenges and limited resources, their passion for God, their sense of community, and their ability to find joy in simple pleasures were inspiring. Engaging with the local church plants through shared meals, worship, and conversations allowed me to recognize the true essence of happiness and fulfillment the Cuban people have in their hearts. Moreover, this mission trip was a lesson in spiritual humility. While our intentions were to offer support, I came to realize I was engaged by learning and observing from the Cuban pastors and missionaries more than I expected. It was a humbling reminder that God will use His disciples no matter the age or status to build and glorify His kingdom as long as we are willing to respond.

Personally, the mission trip prompted self-reflection and a reevaluation of my own values and priorities. Experiencing the simplicity of life in Cuba, unburdened by the excesses and complexities in North America, encouraged me to examine my spiritual health and journey thus far. It fueled a commitment to carry the spirit of serving and discipleship into my daily life. I will always be grateful for the privilege of having shared a brief but impactful chapter with the lives of the Cuban people.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 15:5-6

Cuba Reflections — Kevin M. (exert from Church Magazine #68)

Here are three reflections from the mission trip that will serve as a sample of the insights I obtained during my time in Cuba:

The people we met and served with from Cuba had incredibly big hearts. Despite having fewer material goods than the typical Canadian standard, they were generous and happy to share what they had with us, even if it meant sharing everything they had. I had a sense that they went out of their way to make sure we felt comfortable, and they treated us like family even though we were visitors. The generosity and sacrifice that they have towards their fellow brothers and sisters was evident, and was a remarkable example of a loving Christian community.

They also have a huge desire to worship and serve God. My Greek professor said that “if you want to learn, nothing can stop you. If you don’t want to learn, nothing can help you.” In the same way, it was evident that the churches we visited had a passion for God, and they will not let any barriers stop them from living out this passion. In many cases, they experience numerous difficulties with travel, safety and technology (among other things), yet many church members will faithfully serve and joyfully attend their worship services. This too was a remarkable example of a thriving church community that will not let even significant challenges stop them from worshipping God.

Finally, from our time visiting the church plants, I was able to observe the fruitfulness of intentional disciple-making through their small group and church planting strategies. Instead of waiting for people to find their way to the church, they have found opportunities to bring God to the people. They have been able to reach people who would not have had other opportunities to hear the gospel or attend church services, by holding services in homes and serving the communities they are situated in. In many cases, the people who began as attendees are now becoming church leaders of their own.

It was an eye opening and fruitful cross cultural mission experience in Cuba.

Cuba Missions - 2023

Cuban Teamwork and Outreach — Cindy C.F (exert from Church Magazine #67)

It is 2023 and we are back and going strong with Cuba mission. After learning during the pandemic how the local pastors were devoted to growing new church plants across Cuba, we expanded this trip not only to Santiago city but also to two other cities.

While visiting so many new church plants, we also learned how new leaders are trained. They first identify one person to be discipled and the teachings would then be multiplied to many others. Over and over, I heard stories from the pastors and leaders, saw how their small church started, and how it quickly turnaround so much that the space would not be able to hold everyone. They would assign different cell groups and members who offered their houses to meet. This is a demonstration that Cubans do not need to wait to have the church building put together, rather, they meet where they can.

How they serve God comes out of the immense love they have for one another letting everyone know and walk with Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior. I was impacted deeply by one of the church plants where the location is one that not even the cops would go. The pastor said that despite being a dangerous neighborhood, it does not stop them from outreaching to those who need to hear the good news. This is how much he cares for his community, how much he hurts to see those who are far from God, and giving them hopes of a new life.

Cuban churches rejoice in seeing us and they keep praying for our nation, for a revival in Canada. Let’s also keep praying for them to carry on the works they do in great faith. We are all part of this and together we can bring more joy to God’s family.

Cuba, the rich, the poor, and the workers who are after God’s heart — Zi H.Y (exert from Church Magazine #67)

Cuba is a communist country that many people talk about when they go for a nice summer vacation. A famous tourist place with many antique convertible cars, historical buildings, beaches and attractions. Cuba is a famous word that surfaces in the tourist guide, a hot topic in a talk show, or a smile when it pops up in a conversation. Cuba is also known as a country trapped in the 1950s. For the people who wish to explore and venture back in time. Cuba is a place to visit.

On the surface, Cuba seems to be a summer paradise to tourists, but underneath the Cuban citizens are suffering in poverty. The food and gasoline crisis in Cuba is cut off by US’s trade restrictions. These restrictions make the Cuban pesos worth close to 61 nothing. Many citizens are fleeing the country to give a second chance to their children. As many professionals and tradespeople have left the country, the need for basic health care, daily supplies, and building materials is also lacking. Many buildings are unfinished and abandoned.

I had the honour to visit this beautiful country for the first time with my wife Cindy and the Cuba Team 1. The Cuban people are very kind and welcoming, they treated us with utmost kindness throughout the entire trip. We have been briefed to expect no meat to eat since the cost of a small piece of pork is a month of wage. Somehow, we can taste meat in our food whenever we are treated to a meal with them. This type of treatment touched me deeply. It reminds me of Matt 19:19 “… love your neighbour as yourself…” They treated us better than themselves for the sake of the word of God.

In Cuba, church planting is the main focus for all pastors and missionaries. Many new church planning sites have no electricity, no roof or shelter, and no drinkable water. On one visit, a missionary couple would hike into the heart of the mountains to share the gospel with the indigenous people. The couple was equipped with no hiking shoes, no water bottles, but a heavy backpack filled with daily supplies and Bibles. Imagine we go through a forest trail in a hot summer without water, no bug spray, and only wearing a pair of sandals. In their case, it is a weekend trip with temperatures between 30c to 35c. Their determination to share the gospel with the lost was unwavering. Their heart for the kingdom of God to come down is like a spark of fire. Everywhere they visited it spread like wildfire throughout the country. They bring joy and hope to the needy and the poor. It is very inspiring and I feel ashamed to say that I am nowhere near to them. It is truly a wake-up call for me to seek first God’s kingdom before all else.

On the next trip to Cuba, I hope to see more new people join us. I am honoured to say we can collaborate with the brothers and sisters in Cuba to work towards one goal. That one goal of spreading the gospel to all nations, one of them is Cuba. Through these experiences, it is safe to say it will help our hearts to be ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. One day, I can confidently say that I am one of the workers who go after God’s heart.

Cuba Mission - 2022

Spreading Like The Pandemic — Shirley S. (exert from Church Magazine #65)

Despite the global pandemic and shortages of resources including the basic needs, Cuba church planting continues.

Since Cuba 2020 Team 3 came back to Canada in February of 2020, Evangel has not been able to send any mission teams to Cuba due to COVID-19. However, several Zoom meetings were held among Evangel, Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention, and CCCOWE Canada to learn about the situations in Cuba. It has been exciting and encouraging to hear what God is doing through His faithful servants in Cuba. The three parties decided to host a church planters’ conference to meet the church planters on Zoom. It is such a blessing that Evangel is a part of the collaboration in witnessing the revival and church planting movement in Cuba.

The two half-day “Cuba Church Planter’s Conference” was held on June 27th and 28th. There were about 105 church planters in ten Zoom sites, from twelve cities and six provinces across Cuba invited to attend the conference. However, due to daily power outages in many areas, some church planters from three Zoom sites could not attend. Some are bi -vocational and must work part-time to support their families.

I am once again touched and encouraged by the church planters’ passion and faithfulness in accomplishing what God had called them to do: the Great Commission. Their enthusiastic, energized, and zealous attitudes were contagious, especially when they shared about God’s church planting work in Cuba.

It is difficult to comprehend and imagine that when the entire world has been literally and practically put on a pause since March 2020, the church planting movement has been continuing in Cuba. There were at least seventeen churches planted during these challenging times. It is indeed the love of Christ that puts them into action to bring more people to Christ.

May God continue to bless Cuba and may their passion of sharing the gospel be contagious enough to spread like the global pandemic.

II Corinthians 5:13-15 13 Are we crazy to talk like this? It is all because of what God has done. If we are using our minds well, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ puts us into action. We are sure that Christ died for everyone. So, because of that, everyone has a part in His death. 15 Christ died for everyone so that they would live for Him. They should not live to please themselves but for Christ Who died on a cross and was raised from the dead for them.

In God, Everything Is Possible! - Jenny S. (exert from Church Magazine #65)

Thank God!! Through sharing on Zoom, I was once again able to meet with several pastors I had met in Cuba. As soon as I joined the Zoom meeting, I heard a woman already excitedly sharing her evangelistic experiences and stories; unfortunately, I could only hear the last five minutes of her sharing. But from her facial expressions and her voice, I could only hear her passion and the satisfaction of her heart. Then, there were two new-faced church planters who shared their evangelistic work, and one pastor was whom we called Pastor D. He kept mentioning the difficulties ahead of him and how new strategies could continue to spread the gospel. I was already very touched by my brief participation. I saw a group of people who held fast to the truth of the Bible, and each of them was like the apostle Paul.

Paul who preached the gospel and was holy. Even as Cuban pastors and preachers face difficulties, national poverty, food shortages, and outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus; when all men seem to be unable to move forward any longer and continue again, God is still at work with them, and God is still protecting them! It made me feel as if I saw the Lord Jesus of the past who chose a manger to be born in, and today the Lord Jesus chose Cuba – God can do anything. Alleluia! May the Lord bless every shepherd in Cuba who is working hard with the gospel alone and give them peace from God. Even more, may we continue to pray and ask God to implement the mission through grace and the Canadian churches. May we pray for all missionaries globally and locally who love the Lord faithfully and are being persecuted, because we take it for granted! Amen!