From Pastor Alexis:
"Lots of thoughts go through our minds when someone tells us they’re
coming for a visit. And emotions
run the gamut from a pounding heart to anxiety bordering on worry. Especially
when the cupboard is bare.
What I experienced when Oscar confirmed his visit with three
of our brothers in Christ from California was joy… like when a loved relative comes
to see you.
By the time they arrived everything was ready -- according
to our plans. But in this case God had other plans. And they certainly were much better than ours.
We had to abruptly transfer the Youth Retreat from Gibara to
Remedios. We were upset, and even
sad and dismayed as we saw all our preparations of the past few months fall
apart. But we were also certain that God does not have a plan B. He always knows what is going to happen.
I can tell you that in this Youth Retreat we saw God’s hand wonderfully
at work."
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| Last night of Youth Retreat. "You and I, we are the light …. |
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| …the light that will always shine." |
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| Mural signed by all who attended the Retreat |
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| Remedios Youth Retreat group photo
"And what can I say about our visiting Team? They were the
bearers of rich spiritual and material blessings. They shared love and
experiences with our group that was a blessing to all. They provided from even
the smallest details to a generous offering."
"All I can say is that their presence made a difference at the retreat and in our lives. Please come again and… make it soon."
~ Pastor Alexis
After the Youth Retreat in Remedios, the team went to Yumuri, where the Baptist Convention has a facility where churches from Western Cuba meet for camps.
Team in Yumuri
Pastor Alexis
is the Director of a one-week youth camp for teens ages 14-15.
I guess you have to be a little bit crazy to immerse yourself with 140 teens for a week.
At the entrance of the camp
Chapel where they held the sessions
Worship Team
 
water-balloon volleyball
Bonfire on the last night. A time for introspection and renewal.
From Oscar:
So we just finished our 4th Youth Retreat
in Remedios. It could not have happened if it wasn't for SVCC who sponsors the
retreat, all the donations and gifts from friends and family, and the awesome
team of Mark, Elijah and Noah.
The theme was simple -- "Live
and share Jesus with your friends"
Theme song "Somos La Luz" ('We
are") is based on Matthew 5:14 which says, "We are the light of the world,
a city on a hill that cannot be hidden".
When I arrived home I was pleased
that we accomplished what we were set out to do. But also sad I could not stay there longer and continue the fellowship
I have been blessed to have with these young people. They face very difficult
times that would challenge even mature Christians. One thing is for certain, we
see the results of their sharing of the good news with their friends. We heard the
beautiful accounts of the young people who have found, through the testimony of
their friends, that only through Christ will they find peace, joy and fulfillment
in their lives.
Continue to pray for the youth in
Remedios and Buenavista, that God will continue to work in their lives and that
they will be the light of the world for many of their friends.
May God also continue to work in your
lives and that He will put a burden in your heart to continue to support this
ministry that God is blessing daily.
Without your prayers and support we could
not have done what has been accomplished these last 4 years.
God bless you,
~ Oscar
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