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
Soccer games! Looks like fun! Thanks for your commentary! You are doing a great job by making us wish we were there.
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John and Maryellen
I is great that we have this blog to keep us inform of how God work in every moment of their mission trip, thanks for the effort.
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