Buenavista

 "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!"

Ephesians 3: 20-21 (MSG)

We spent the last Sunday morning in Buenavista.

Pastor Eric and Carol spoke during the first hour about marriage and parenting; and during the second hour Pastor Eric spoke about God’s provision during difficult times.  After lunch we left for the 4-hour trip to Havana.

The Thursday before, we visited three of the 4 missions supported by the church in Buenavista.  This gave us an opportunity to meet some of the people who attend them and pray with the groups. There are new people at each mission and it is a joy to see how they are growing. 

This is a typical house in Viñas a town of around 1000 where there is a mission. 

                                           

 In Viñas we visited the home of one of the members where Pastor Omar peeled sugarcane for us to taste.   

We then visited the second mission in Adelas.

The next mission we visited was started about one year ago.  

Lastly we visited the mission in Dos Sierras, where Carol and Mike found two cute puppies.

Some of the people who attend this mission were not able to come because they were working.  The mission was started several years ago by the woman standing on the far left.  It now meets at Salvador's house (the man with the stripped black and white shirt).

And then the 1 1/2 mile trip back to Buenavista in a truck on a road so bad we had to hold on for dear life.

Worship

A mission trip is not just to teach, it is also to learn.  And as Yudilen, the Worship Director in Remedios, aptly put it worship is not just limited to when we go to church; it is a lifestyle.

Worship abounds through all the events and celebrations of the church.

During the conferences, the Saturday celebration for Senior Citizens, the baptisms, the Sunday services, the Youth weekly gatherings are an example of congregate worship.

Elder Adult Saturday Celebration

This celebration takes place the last Saturday of every month.  There is singing, a homily,

and lunch.

Musical trios are typical of the Cuban music the elderly heard most of their lives.  

The man with the microphone loves to sign and has a great voice for his age.  

He wouldn't stop singing.

The young also joined in the Elder Adult celebration

Women cooking lunch for the elder adults

Dining area set up in the new building

Just as there is a celebration for those who have grown old in the faith, there is a celebration for those who are new in the faith with their baptism.  Eric and Greg, together with Yaisel baptized new believers on Saturday afternoon.

 Seventeen people who have experienced, through their faith in God, His love which is  beyond what anyone can imagine or measure.

Men's and Women's Conference

Tuesday through Friday night Eric and Carol spoke at the Men’s and Women’s Conference that was held in Remedios.  People from nearby towns came to hear God’s word for them.

In much the same way Greg encourages and prays for people during the services at SVCC and at the Pastors' Conference in Remedios; he spent time encouraging the people in the congregation during the Men's and Women's Conference.

Carol gave an insightful sermon about the fulfillment we find in Christ that allows us to bring the good news to others, intercede for them and gives us freedom to be what God has designed us to be.  I will always remember the "I Don't" name tag he placed on her forehead.

On the last night of the conference Eric actually preached three sermons in 1 ½ hours.  Bet you’ll never see him do that again!

People were inspired, encouraged, and had a lot of fun.

Eric explains that we are not called to a “comfy” life; that we are to do something significant with the time God has given us in this life.

With "Goliath" as his visual aid, Eric reminds the congregation that David selected 5 stones, just in case he did not kill Goliath with the first stone.  In fact, the first try only caused Goliath to stumble and fall.  He told them to expect problems but always trust God.

Missionaries

“A sight to take your breath away!   Grand processions of people telling all the good things of God!”  Romans 10:15b (MSG)

After taking a rest day on Monday we had a conference on Tuesday morning with 96 people who carry the gospel to small towns in the province.   They are called missionaries. They came in trucks; they walked, they hitched a ride.  They are of different ages and background, but they all have the desire to let people know there’s a different way to live that will bring them peace, hope and joy.

It is amazing to see the work they do.  They travel by themselves, by bus, hitch-hike to reach these out-of the way small towns.  They start by building relationships with people there and find people who are willing to have gatherings at their homes.   They invite people to come hear God’s word. Adults and children who otherwise may not hear there’s a better way to live.

“But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: “Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?” The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to.” Romans 10:16-17 (MSG)

Construction Update

“… everyone knew that the work had been done with God’s help.”  Nehemian 6:16b

I am sitting in the courtyard looking at the new construction.  The building is not quite finished.  It’s missing the windows, the floors, kitchen equipment, and furnishings.  Yet it looks beautiful.  In fact, it is beautiful when you think about all the effort and sacrifice that has gone into it. 

In my mind’s eye I can hear the people singing, people learning and being trained, activity in the kitchen and people being fed.  I can feel God’s presence and blessing on its purpose.   That is probably why I find it so beautiful.

This building that has gone up in a year or so is really a testament to God and to Alexis who painstakingly fretted over every construction detail and led many people in the church to accomplish this task.  

We visited with Alexis almost every day while he is recovering from a myocardial infarction.  The damage to his heart is minimal. He is doing well and feeling stronger every day.  Continue to pray for him and the doctors who are in charge of his care.

~ Rachel

On the up and up

"Young people eventually reveal by their actions if their motives are on the up and up."  Proverbs 20:11 (MSG)

You can sense the impact of the young people at the church in Remedios.  
They are always, truly constantly , hanging around the church. 
They clean the floors, set up the benches and chairs in the sanctuary, teach the children, serve food, run the sound booth, and even build a Goliath out of plastic tubing.

Mike talking to the young people about relationships

Jessica attends the University studying languages she has been a leader in the children's program since high school.  Willie, her brother, is in high school and works the sound booth at the church.

Darion, on the left, recently came to know Jesus.  From being a loner, without friends, he now enjoys a life full of love and friends.

  
Claudia was the first one in her family to know God.  Her mom and dad later became Christians.  She is studying at the university.  Daisel is also studying at the University.  Both have been leaders in the children's programs for several years.

Every Saturday night around 70 young people meet at the church for a time of learning and fun.  Mike Crowley is a Marriage and Family Therapist.   He was able to talk to them both Saturdays we were there, and he indeed thinks they are awesome.  He took these photos of them and here are his thoughts about the young people he met.

The pull of peers when they enter the University or the armed services is strong.  The young man on the right left the church while at the University, but now is back; knowing that there's a better life when you follow Jesus.

About Young People from Mike Crowley

I am most impressed with the deep commitment with the youth group.

They are very dedicated in their service.  I think they are awesome.  During last Sunday’s children’s church service, the children broke out into small groups of 2 – 3.  For each small group (there were 30 to 35), there was a youth leader there with them. 

The youth are clearly the backbone of the church and main impetus for church growth. I love hanging out and interacting with them

~Mike