Pastor Alexis has a little speech he gives, whenever he has a chance, to anyone who is considering a mission trip or being a missionary.  The jest of it is that it requires sacrifice.  And the short of it is that there will be flies.

Last May when he was here it was almost his greeting to Kristin, one of our team members.  I was aghast!  No one ever talks about flies and missions in the same conversation – let alone the same sentence. 

We clearly state all the things that God is doing, but we are mum about the hardships.  As if the two were incongruent.  We barely mention heat or humidity, but not too much -- because it would be complaining. 

But the truth is that mission trips are exhausting.  Whether it is to Mexicali, Cambodia, Cuba or anywhere else.  There’s the long trip, the heat, the drastic change in diet, mosquitoes, spiders, and flies, illness, …  not to mention the emotional stress of living and experiencing the lack of resources that are, oh, so abundant at home. 

So, why go?    Here's the answer to the question...from Pastor Alexis.

"I still hear the echo of the bustle of the kids and the songs.  The last night of camp was emotional and beautiful.  But more beautiful was the reaction of the parents when the kids returned.  The parents were ecstatic and grateful for what their children received. 

We overcame countless obstacles in getting ready for this Camp. Today I can unequivocally say that it was worth the sacrifice.

Our expectations were surpassed.  And God was glorified in an unbelievable way, as always.  The impact in the lives of the young people, the community and the leaders has been tremendous.

I want to let you know how important is what you are doing and the impact it has in our ministry in Remedios.

May God bless you and renew the fire in your hearts for Cuba and especially for Remedios."

Pastor Alexis

58 young people from Remedios attended Youth Camp.
Photo taken across the bay from Havana during an outing.