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