Pastors' Conference - The Struggles

My experience in Cuba this month has been incredible. Every new culture that I visit has a profound impact on me, and Cuba is no exception. I was particularly moved by the Cuban pastors; their lives and their labors are inspirational to me. Our Pastors Conference allowed plenty of time for discussion and Q&A between us, which gave us the opportunity to hear about their struggles and successes firsthand. 

Pastoral work in Cuba is incredibly difficult. Incredibly high congregational expectations and seemingly impossible economic difficulty lead to a high rate of pastoral “burnout” and discouragement. In our Q&A sessions, as well as in one-on-one conversations, I heard from dozens of pastors that their ability to continue on in the work they have been called to is literally, “A miracle.” I put that phrase in quotes because we heard it repeated over and over by the pastors. They told us plainly that the unique challenges of Cuba require God’s direct intervention and assistance in order for pastors to do what is required of them. This was a powerful lesson for me as an American pastor. It is all too common (and all too easy!) to rely on our own strength. The Cuban pastors, by virtue of their situation, are forced to rely on God in a way that all Christians ought to. Seeing their commitment to labor for the Kingdom of God in spite of the unique obstacles that they face strengthened my faith and reenergized me. 

                                    

At the same time, being a pastor, regardless of the country in which you minister, comes with certain challenges that are universal. The amount of time we were able to spend in dialogue with our brothers in Cuba allowed us to truly connect with them, to discuss difficulties that we have in common, and most importantly, to encourage one another to continue on in the work that God has called us to.

Our mission philosophy at SVCC is based on partnership, not paternalism. We believe in co-laboring with fellow workers of the gospel, seeing each other’s strengths and working for mutual support and encouragement rather than one-way help. Our interaction with the pastors in Cuba was a wonderful example of that type of partnership. I am thankful for their example, and for the opportunity to witness it firsthand. God is at work in Cuba, and we are blessed to be a part of His work.

Sam Whittaker