Living with Hope and the Pastors’ Conference January 26-28
“Unlike optimism (when we think that things will get better)
hope is the trust that God will fulfill his promises to us in a way that brings
us to true freedom. While
optimists speak about concrete changes in the future, the person of hope lives
in the moment with the knowledge and trust that all of life is in good
hands.” Henry Nouwen
As we prepare for our ministry trip to Cuba for the Pastors’
Conference, we are more than optimists, our hope for success is in God. We know that this is a ministry that God wants us to
accomplish. We know this because
we’ve worked with the leaders in Cuba to find out what is most needed and how
we can help fill that need. And
one of those needs is spiritual support and encouragement for the local
pastors. The word for
encouragement in Spanish is aliento which
is the same word used for breath. And when I think of aliento I think of God breathing life
into us. And how He expects us to
breath life into others.
Thank you for your support of the ministry in Cuba. Your prayers, your love for the people
in Cuba, your donations and financial support encourage and allow the believers
in these two churches to be a light in their community. It gives them “aliento.”
As we embark on this trip pray for this particular
mission. For the speakers (Eric,
Carol and Greg) for the team who will be translating, facilitating discussions,
and visiting people. For all the
materials we are taking to make it through without any problems or delays. For the pastors and their wives who
will have to deal with transportation and child-care issues. For Pastor Alexis and the team in
Remedios’ church who are dealing with all the logistics of the conference. May God’s grace and care be upon us.
Here are some of the highlights of the work in the last half
of 2016.
Buenavista “Surmerged” Vacation Bible School. They made a submarine out of cardboard.
Remedios’ “Submerged” Vacation Bible School. They have great artists who did the stage
background.
First Class graduating from
the Seminary. Committed students
who braved time, weather, and all kinds of obstacles to attend every week and a
Saturday a month to train as leaders.
The soccer games have been a great way to reach young men in Remedios. Here they are listening to to a devotional before starting their
game.
For the first time the church in Remedios was able to rent a public space theatre to have a concert.
Buenavista had special children programs at the 5 missions twice this year.
Remedios had a Christmas program for the children at the 8 missions they visit on Saturdays.
Each child received a little bag with treats
Even "Santiclo" (Santa Claus) showed up. And riding a horse instead of a sleigh
