We can make our plans, but God determines our steps  Proverbs 19:21

Tuesday, 2-19-13

Water pressure has been an issue at the property for some time…a storage tank sits at roof level and the system is gravity fed. Sinks and showers flow as though someone got carried away with water conservation devices. A pump lifts water from a cistern into the overhead storage tank…perhaps pressure can be improved by adding some connections and valves to the system. The construction plans provide for a new pump, but it will be some time before the new system is installed. Absent a simple or inexpensive solution, it appears that things will remain as they are until the new pump is installed during the construction project

A short walk through the neighborhood brings us to the house of Caesar and Olgita where we are to meet with Ramon, a retired electrical technician and instructor at Santa Clara University who is familiar with the area power structure. 

We hope to learn about the possibilities for an electrical service upgrade. We are invited inside and exchange the customary embrace as we are introduced. The teapot is filled and placed on the stove as we sit in the front room to inquire about family and friends and how they are doing. We are invited further into the home to the dinner table to discuss business matters with Ramon.  Cups of tea are brought to the table as the church construction project and electrical upgrade challenge are presented. 

After much description and diagrams drawn on paper have been exchanged, Ramon leans back, smiles and tells us that the needed upgrade can be done. Twenty minutes later we have the roadmap on how to get the upgrade accomplished. You could tell that God was in control just by the answers Ramon was giving to guide us. 

Feeling relieved on the walk back, I am also a bit disappointed for having any doubt in the first place. Whenever God has a plan, He has already worked out the details of how to get it accomplished. Our job is simply to find how we fit into the work that He has already begun.

In the afternoon we take a drive to the keys to visit a beach and relax a bit. The turquoise water is warm and surprisingly salty. Swimming, lounging, and eating are the only items on the agenda as we take in some much needed R&R. 

When we arrive back at the church in Remedios that evening, we find that several from the youth group have been thoughtfully waiting to wish us ‘buen viaje’ (good trip) and to say goodbye. Early tomorrow we will travel to Havana on the final leg of our journey before heading home. ~Rick

Tuesday, 2-19-13

You, O God, are….

All powerful, untamable

Awestruck we fall to our knees

As we humbly proclaim

You are amazing, God

                                     from Indescribable 

by Chris Tomlin

Tuesday night is our last night in Remedios.  We finish dinner and stow little hymn books in a backpack.  Three young people, Yaisel, Yudilen and I walk 2 miles   to the little mission in  Santa Rosa, one of several missions that the church in Remedios has started and visits during the week.

The walk takes us to the outskirts of town and down a dirt road.  In miles the distance seems short,  but it is an isolated grouping of houses.  When we arrive people are waiting for us.  After hugs and kisses we head to the house of worship (el templo).  Well, I had no clue they had a building designated for worship.

We come to this little building, no more than 10 feet by 10 feet.  It was used to store carbon (pieces of wood placed in a pit on the ground, lit, and buried until the wood turns to charcoal) now it’s el templo. We file in. It is packed with 15 people ready to worship and praise God. 

 Not even 5 minutes after we start the lights go out.   It’s pitch black.  We turn on a flashlight and continue praising God, praying, singing and studying the Bible while a man rigs up an electric cord with a light bulb and hangs it from the ceiling to give us light.  One little bulb, enough to see our faces.  We are half way through our worship time when the electricity comes back on.  

They want know about the people and church in the U.S. that supports our Mission Trip.  Why are we here? What does it mean to me? What does it mean to those who support this effort?  God’s love compels us to share His love with others so they too can know Him

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It’s past 10:30 PM when we head back on the dark road with only a flashlight to light the way.   All five of us are talking and praising God for the time in Santa Rosa.   We are glad the loss of electricity did not deter us from worshiping Him.  It’s a brisk walk back and the distance seems shorter.

When we get back Yudilen offers to clean my muddy shoes so they are clean for the trip to Habana early tomorrow morning.  I didn’t realize how dirty they were and who knows what I stepped on.   Jesus cleaning the feet of the disciples…. the thought runs through my mind.

I could not wait to share with Rick about Santa Rosa.  He had stayed in Remedios to discuss the building project with Alexis.  Yes, he was speaking with Alexis all in Spanish, no need for a translator any more on this trip.

Thank you for your prayers and support.  Without your prayers I do not know what would happen.  We feel them, no doubt about it.  Please continue to pray as we plan for the upcoming trips in July and November.  

Incomparable, unchangeable

You see the depths of my heart

And you love me the same 

You are amazing, God 

                              

~ Oscar

Something Bigger than Ourselves

Monday, 2-18-2013

"Each of us is carving a stone, erecting a column, or cutting a piece of stained glass in the construction of something much bigger than ourselves."  Adrinne Clarkson

Construction plans are rolled out after breakfast…the drawings have been professionally drafted by a Cuban architect and now have an approved permit for construction.  To construct the new 2-story wing, the old 1-story wing must be demolished. To accomplish this, the shared wall on the property line must also come down and a temporary fence will have to be installed between the properties. We exchange ideas on how to minimize facility down time during construction without significantly increasing the project duration.

The pastoral home on the same property will need to be protected from what promises to be significant construction dust and debris. We examine and discuss the  existing electrical service and water supply. The plans indicate that the existing electrical service from the street is too small and will need to be increased in size. From here looking forward the project looks challenging, but a successful project means a community meals outreach program and added classrooms and offices.

Park in the town center of Santa Clara 

We then head out to explore the capital city of the province.  After one-hour ride in a ´52 Mercury to Santa Clara, we stop near the center of town to explore on foot. We blend in with the mixture of European, Canadian, and South American tourists. With a population of about 300,000 people, Santa Clara has a vibrant downtown area with many stores and shops.

Theatre facing the park

In and out of several stores we check on the availability and prices of construction, household goods, and re-lated materials. The good news is that more items of different types appear to be available in the stores today than in the past…the challenge is that many items are not available and those that are available today may no longer be around when one is ready to buy.  Despite an average household income of about $20 USD per month, prices on most items are higher than comparable prices in the U.S.

Back in Remedios we are getting ready for dinner. Pastor Alexis cooks pargo, a great-tasting fish found in Cuba, al "carbon"   It is during this time of the evening that lights typically flicker and buzz  so we take electrical voltage and current readings.   As power usage in the vicinity increases, the voltage value drops…the 215 volt measurement taken earlier in the day has dropped to less than 200 volts. We discuss at length what this could mean for the project without cooperation from the electrical service company. We decide to dig into this further tomorrow and pray for better news.  ~ Rick

THERE IS HOPE and JOY

Sunday, 2-17-13

Sunday morning cell phone alarm sounds off at 7:00. Shower, breakfast, and put on your Sunday best…everyone dresses up for church in Cuba. Music practice is taking place prior to 8:30 first service…second service will start exactly 12 hours later in the evening.

A special choir practices their harmonies as people begin to filter in. Sirley, the Youth Director, partners with her teenage daughter Ivelise and leads us in worship…Ivelise may not realize it now, but she too is being led. 

The pews are full and plastic patio chairs are spread about to cover the overflow. Worship is joyous and at the same time sincere. Pastor Alexis delivers an insightful and at times humorous message encouraging members and visitors to embrace change and to develop spiritually through greater participation.

The youth take over the facility and break into small groups throughout the space. Every group of 4 or 5 is led by someone slightly older…the plan is to train up leaders beginning at an early age and to promote and add responsibility as they mature.

In the afternoon we begin a long walk through the heart of town to a grassy field near the railroad tracks. The youth group plays soccer here for fun and as an outreach to the broader community youth. Simple printed tract-like invitations are handed to all visiting kids who are welcomed to join in the game…a pickup soccer game easily draws interest in Remedios.

For the walk back to the church, the youth pastor, Yaisel, gives the grand walking tour of Remedios. The central square, the train station, hotels, churches, and parks are main attractions. Yasiel is young and bright and has been honored by being selected for university training as an attorney. He clearly has both the ministerial gift and the heart for the Remedios youth, and the youth clearly returns the sentiment.

Sitting, standing, walking or riding, we talk. Before dinner, during dinner, after dinner, before church and after church we talk…Cubans love to talk and they love to laugh just as much. I think I´m beginning to get the flavor of Cuba. For some, life´s struggle has left them feeling powerless, but for those who know the savior there is hope and joy. The challenges of life at the root of this struggle are the very conditions that God is now using to draw so many to Him.

~ Rick

PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP TO BUENAVISTA

Dos Sierras is 2 miles away from the town of Buenavista.  It is named for the two hills you see in the background.  

On the other side of the stone fence is a small co-op farm administered by Salvador.  

This is the small villages Rick and Oscar visited Saturday morning.

At Salvadors house where the mission meets.  Salvador is on the left

Population ~400

Dos Sierras has one of the three missions started by people in the church in Buenavista.  Pastor Omar and Yoani started it by knocking on doors until they found one person who was willing to have meetings at her house so people could learn more about God.  Rick wrote in his last blog, that this mission has grown from 15 to 21 in the last year.   

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Fresh coconut milk straight from its source

Building of the church in Buenavista. 

The building is on the main road through town.

We provided the funds las year for the railing around the front porch.  It provides additional space to hold children classes and a safe place hang out after the services.

Lunch on Saturday on the patio of the church in Buenavista.          

From left Oscar, Pastor Omar, Yoani (one of the deacons) ,  Zenia (Omar's wife) and Jonathan (Omar and Zenia's son).   Rick is taking the photo.

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Saturday night worship service. People from the missions of Adelas, Vinas and Dos Sierras join the church in Buenavista for the service.

BUENAVISTA

2-16-13

Late into the night of the day we arrived we talked…some time after 1:00 we turned in, only to rise again a little after 7 o´clock for a quick shower. Yudit is making breakfast in the kitchen. The temperature is about 70 degrees and feels refreshing, but shorts and sandals are still a must. For breakfast we have papaya, ham, pineapple and cheese. Desayuno fresco! 

We´re out the door and on our way around 8:30. Pastor Omar has arrived in a 1956 Ford Victoria and a ride into the nearby hills is on the schedule.

From the top of the hills the view of the lush countryside explains how the town came to be named Buenavista. The church is situated right on the edge of town and the facility is nicely finished and well kept. Zenia, Omar´s wife, has arranged to have the day off from English class…normally, she is up at 4:00 AM every Saturday to begin her journey to school in order to arrive at class by 8:00 AM but today is special. Gifts are exchanged and emotions flow. 

Several locals stop by to greet Oscar and to meet me. Everywhere I go I am introduced as ´el Papa de Emily´.  Amazingly, my daughter has become somewhat of a celebrity since her visit last year and every person expresses how she is missed. I am surprised at what an impact one person has made.

My newfound tailcoat celebrity has paved the way to many friendships. After a slice of celebratory cake we go on visitation to the outlying mission town of Dos Sierras. The ´56 Victoria carries us most of the way, but the last segment takes place on foot. Salvador, the mission pastor, and his wife Irada are warm and welcoming. We sit with about a dozen local members and share stories. From a count of 15 last year, the group has grown to 21 people and is in need of more space for their meetings. Oscar shares about our Bridge program back home and the locals are very surprised to hear that in the U.S. we too have people in need. We adjourn to the patio where fresh coconuts are husked and a small hole is cut into the top so we can drink the juice right out of the coconut.

Now back in Buenavista, we have lunch…chicken, rice, beans, and fried yams. Then, a very special treat…mermelada de guayava (a guava puree) with cheese. We learn that at a crusade last year, 60 people were standing in front of one house. Back on the road we head out to the local mission towns of Viñas and Adelas. A theme is developing…at each location, every meeting begins with embraces and a kisses and ends in a prayer circle holding hands. And another theme is developing too…wherever we go, home group members are spreading the good news and the church is growing. Another nearby town, La Caridad, is being discussed for the next mission town expansion.

A traditional Cuban meal is followed by homemade flan for desert. The buses arrive with people from the surrounding area and the church is filled for the 8:30 evening service. Oscar is called up front in surprise…it is his birthday tomorrow and they have remembered the date from last year. Pastor Omar delivers a rousing message beginning with Daniel in the lion´s den and concluding with the parable of the talents. At the end of the service, no one has left their seat…they are all waiting for Oscar and me to go to the back of the church. We are asked to wait there as each person greets us one by one and thanks us for coming.

Although only one day, it feels as though it has been a week long. Omar accompanies us on the ride back to Remedios in the ´56 Ford and bids us goodbye…it's the last we will see him on this trip.  ~ Rick

On Eagles' Wings

February 15, 2013

From the air above Cuba, the island appears much larger and flatter than imagined. Despite heavy rain and wind, our pilot landed the plane true but firm. We sailed through customs in 15 minutes…a 3 year record according to Oscar.

Alexis and the missionary pastor from Placetas Baptist Church met us at the gate and we loaded their nicely restored 57 Plymouth with our nearly 180 lbs. of luggage. The meandering ride from Cienfuegos to Remedios was filled with scenery. Lush palm and sugar cane acreage lined the rural roadway as we faded in and out of towns along the way. 

The 2 hour journey was filled with images most Americans will never see.
Horses pulling carts are met with well preserved autos from the 1950s. Goats, horses, chickens and cows are intermittently seen grazing along the roadway. A random dog darts across the highway. A large open truck bed is filled with commuters. Old motorcycles, old bicycles, and everywhere you look, pedestrians…Cubans do a lot of walking.

Amazingly, all of the above (including the pedestrians) share the same road whether pathway or highway.

We stopped for a large bag of rice at a roadside stand along a dirt road turnoff.

After 19 hours of travel we arrive at our destination with big appetites. We are met by Yudit and a table set with the traditional Cuban meal…rice, beans, pork, tomato, cabbage, and pineapple juice. Deliciosa!  

~ Rick

Expectancy - February Trip to Cuba

Rick and I leave tonight on a short-term mission trip to Remedios and Buenavista and will return on February 21^st.  

The focus of this trip is the building/construction project at Remedios’s church.  The plans are to rebuild a wing and add a second story to it.  Although it’s a relatively small project, it’s a big undertaking.  Time and weather have taken a toll on the building and, in addition, there isn’t enough space.  Pastor Alexis’ vision is to have the church be a center for the community—serving the physical and spiritual needs of the people who live in Remedios so they can experience God’s love and get to know Him.

The church in Remedios (the building) is unlike many churches we find in the U.S.  Since the pastor lives there, it’s open all day.  We could say, “It’s like Grand Central Station.”  The sanctuary, which is in the front of the building, is always full of light and welcoming to anyone who wants to come in.  During the day people stop by to seek assistance from Pastor Alexis, to talk with the staff, or take care of whatever brings them into the church.  Young people use it as their hang-out.  They come to their small groups and stay until late playing games or talking with the Yaisel (the youth pastor) and their friends.  And of course, during the worship celebrations on Sundays it is full of people praising God.

It reminds me of Psalm 122  that starts “When they said, “Let’s go to the house of God,” my heart leaped for joy.  And now we’re here….” ; and ends  “For the sake of the house of our God, God, I’ll do my very best for you.”(ESV)

Rick has construction background and electrical expertise. He is going to learn more about their construction process and how we can help.            Oscar Serrania

                                                               

                                                               MEET RICK DAVIS

The culture of Cuba, their history and even the old buildings and cars are an attraction for me.  But I am drawn to Cuba more by what is happening now than by what has happened in the past.  

God is working in Cuba. He has raised up leaders with big and bold ideas. The church is growing, more leaders are being trained and lives are being transformed.

Having outgrown their building in Remedios, an expansion project is poised to begin soon. The needs are many but the resources are few.

God is already hard at work in Cuba…I’m just going to join in what He’s already started.          Rick Davis