Pastors’Conference

We hit the ground running when we arrived to Cuba on Thursday.  We had lots of last minute details to prepare for the Pastors’ Conference on Friday and Saturday.

Using Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the Jerusalem walls as an example, Pastor Eric spoke to the pastors about their leadership role, rebuilding brokenness, planning for answers to prayer, involving and motivating others, managing opposition, and resolving conflicts.  We also had a session on adolescents.

Carol led the womens’ discussion during the breakout groups.  She spoke to them of how God lavishes love them, their uniqueness and their real identity. Her talks were awesome.

According to the pastors and their wives this was a timely and well-received Conferenceand itincluded areas of ministry whichis not usually addressed.  Pastors and their wives are under a lot of pressure from all sides:  expectations of the congregations, lack of resources, obstacles, balancing work and family, and isolation some of the issues they face daily.  They left refreshed, renewed and with lots of tools to deal with their work.

The congregation in Remedios did an awesome job organizing the event providing homes for people to stay overnight; cooking and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; and coordinating all the details.

We ended the Conference giving each pastoral couple a bible, a love offering and jewelry for the wife.  The Conference exceeded everyone’s expectation and I am sure God is pleased that we rallied to meet our brothers’ needs.

Pastor Felix and Marlene

Rachel helping Marta complete a bracelet

During Worship

Time for Prayer

Greg addressing the pastors and their wives

Mike Crowley and the translator Raul

Pastor Eric inspecting the finished bracelets