Wednesday, January 29, 2014

GOING BACK TO CUBA

CUBA SHORT-TERM MISSION

FEBRUARY 20 – MARCH 1,  2014

In three weeks we will be going to Cuba to visit the churches in Remedios and Buenavista, continuing our support of God’s work there.

Remedios has started tearing down the part of the church they want to rebuild.  We will be taking some equipment and materials they need for construction along with a few hands to help their construction crew.





Their small groups (grupos de vida) have more than doubled in the last three years and we will visit them, hear their stories, and share ours.

As we prepare to go we would appreciate your prayers for
  • God’s guidance during our time there to use the time wisely and productively;  
  • our luggage full of medicines, trinkets for the children’s ministries, and construction materials to arrive safely;  
  • the flights to be on time since we have some tight schedules; and
  • our health – no one wants to be sick during a mission trip. 

We also need help with finances to carry out our mission and take the resources.  You can donate to the Cuba Mission using the link below.



Now……meet the team



My name is Christine Vatuone and I am the Discipleship Director at South Valley Community Church. 

I became interested in joining the Serranias in Cuba after learning that the church in Remedios has a strong and vibrant small group ministry.

I am excited to meet and exchange ideas with group leaders, hear the Cuban people share their stories first hand, and share my story with them. I also look forward to sharing in worship.

Be watching for our blog which I will be helping with and for pictures of the construction progress on the church in Remedios (which I probably won't be helping with all that much!) :)             

Gloria a Dios!






As the Campus pastor for SVCC's Kelton campus, I am looking forward to being a part of our Cuba mission team in February. I not only am excited about  experiencing the culture and the on going work there but also playing a role in impacting lives for Christ. 

Pastor Greg









…and 2  makes 4

Oscar & Rachel










Saturday, January 18, 2014

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATIONS

Christmas and New Years is always a good opportunity in Cuba (as in many countries) to share with others the hope that is Christ. The churches in Remedios and Buenavista organized several events to celebrate Jesus’ birth and welcome the new year.

BUENAVISTA


They set up the stage to represent a poor farmer’s house and their play center around the news of Christ’s birth given to men who tended the fields.



(notice the detail of the animals)


New Year’s Eve Festivities in the patio of the church building


Dinner


Bonfire


Waiting for the New Year in prayer


Happy New Year -   Blessings


REMEDIOS

They did not make the News, and no one might have noticed that on the 27th and 28th of December a group of children and their teachers left Remedios before sunrise.

 
They traveled more than 125 miles in a rented bus to share with children in 5 small communities the message of love and hope that is Christmas.   



The breeze of the fields, the shade of a banana tree and a tin roof were their cover from a hot sun.  



But the joy of taking the message of the child of Bethlehem and serving some refreshments was enough to revitilize the travelers. 


They returned to Remedios knowing that experiences like this are necessary to feel how we are strengthened by a wonderful God and generously share what we have. 

~ Oscar and Rachel