A Spirit of Power, Love and Self-Discipline

It’s difficult make our dreams come true.  Especially if it involves many people and finding resources to make it happen.  Each obstacle, each resource obtained is only overcome through God’s providence and the strength he gives us daily.  Some months ago God laid heavily on my heart to have a Children’s Camp and it became my dream and desire.

And it was indeed through God’s grace the people and resources came together.  People prayed.  South Valley Community Church in California provided the funds we needed.   And enough adults volunteered for Children’s Camp.

We wanted to challenge the children to make a difference in the midst of a society that is relentless in tearing down Christian values.  With God’s guidance the children’s leaders selected the theme (Marking the Path), verse (2 Timothy 1:17) and song  (”We can do all things through Christ”) for the Camp. 

Getting to this point was a challenge, but there was more to come.  A few days before Camp we found out that the facilities did not have produce for the meals and some of the children would have to sleep on the floor.  We found the produce and mattresses needed.  We were ready to go. 

More than 100 children attended camp

Finally the day arrived for our trip to camp.  Among tears (mostly from the parents) and kisses we set out for the camp, an hour away. 

Arrival at Camp

When we got there, the camp manager told me that one of the two water pumps was not working.  He said it’s OK because they can operate with the other one.  But while we were talking, the second water pump started to smoke and shut down.  Now we were without water and 100 children plus workers in the buses.  There was a strong possibility that we’d have to cancel camp and return to Remedios.  I looked at Maitee, the Children’s Leader, and saw tears streaming down her cheeks.  No one could bare the disappointment of not having camp.   Undeterred, we set out to fix the water problem.  We found some pipes and buckets to provide water.  And what could have turned out to be a disaster became an adventure.  The children had fun using buckets of water to bathe and play.

Without even beginning camp, we were already experiencing “the spirit of power, love and self-discipline” God has given us.  A great lesson for the children. 

I can imagine the smiling face of our Heavenly Father as he heard the voices of more than 130 of his children praising Him that night at camp and enjoying their time together. 

Evening Worship

I am grateful for what God is doing today in my country, for the many who love Him and teach the children about Him—the children, who are our future.

To God be the glory and to us the great joy of a battle won.

- Pastor Alexis Hernandez

Having fun on the see-saw

Bible Study on Daniel

Clowns also helped the children learn

Nutritious meals with vegetables brought from Remedios

February Mission Trip Video

On Sunday, March 25, Oscar was going to speak about the February Mission Trip to the congregation at South Valley Community Church (SVCC) in the Kelton Campus (Gilroy). However, the talk was postponed until April 15 (not a good day?)

SVCC has been the support base for the mission trips to Cuba. Although many people share and pray for this ministry and contribute financially, without the continuous support and encouragement of the congregation and leadership of SVCC Kelton, this ministry would not be possible.

You can view this video at http://youtu.be/xuiKzV-aJCE. The song is "A Ti Sea La Gloria" (To You Be the Glory) by Blest.

Debriefing

Often Pastor Yaisel expresses how much our mission trips mean spiritually to the young people at the church. And my first intention is to sort of dismiss his comments because I can never imagine really making that much of a difference. We simply go because we feel in our hearts a desire to support them in the work they are doing. It’s something God has put in our hearts to do.

Then I think of the people who impacted my life when I was young. Someone like Lon, who was the bible teacher and leader of our youth group…way back then when I was young. What mattered most was that he cared about me and loved each one of the young people there. He was present in our lives when there were difficulties. I think of another teacher, Iris, earlier in my life and how the love she had for me was a precious treasure that helped me get a glimpse of God’s love. And I start to see a pattern emerge between caring, loving and impact. And when it takes place within the spiritual realm, it begins to impact a life, my life and yours, in ways that leave that inedible imprint that lasts for eternity. The one Yaisel talks about.

So, I get it Yaisel. It’s not just a friendly visit or a vacation or even a challenge. It’s caring and love shared through the things we do together be it bible study, games, a day at the beach, camp, or songs. It’s being “present” in each other’s life, even for a week. It’s God in us and us in God not only individually but also corporately. That is why Gladys said in one of the earlier posts it reminds her of what God has always intended for life to be. United in Him; loving and caring for and about each other. Leaving an indelible imprint in each other’s life.

- Rachel

Repairs, Renewal, Rebuilding

"We all promise that we will take care of the Temple of our God." Nehemiah 10:39b

The building where the church in Remedios gathers is over 100 years old. They have been using the building for 75 years. A lot of blessings, prayers, hymns have taken place within their walls. Now the building itself needs some repairs.

After a weekend full of activities with the young people and in Buenavista, it is time to take out the tools of the trade and start working on the church building. This time it's the doors. Three large doors on the front of the building need to be stripped of the brown and bluish layers of paint to get to the wood. So heat guns on hand we start the day stripping paint to get to the old wood underneath.

While we stripped the doors, Pastor Alexis was using very large cement drill to go through a very thick wall. He made a hole to install a power outlet on the other side.

The amount of work that needs to be done is overwhelming. It takes resources, but mostly patience.

The whole time I was working on the doors I was thinking of all the talented people in construction that I know and wished they were here.

But they had provided the next best thing: tools and resources to do the work.

People at SVCC in California supplied the tools; and together with other believers throughout the U.S., supported in prayer a team to work shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Cuba; to make a difference--not just in the church building, but in the lives of people in both countries.

So I think of the Israelites and Nehemiah, working together to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. They overcome obstacles, draw closer to God, remember what God has done for them, re-awaken spiritually, and renew their commitment to God.

- Oscar

These men who are part of the church repaired the walls. They filled large plastic bags with debris then carted it off.

WALL REPAIRS

BEFORE

AFTER

ELECTRICAL BOX

BEFORE

AFTER

Buenavista - Population 6,000

Cool air filled the sanctuary in Remedios on Sunday morning when we greeted Pastor Omar and Jorge, who was driving the truck that would take us to Buenavista. Winding around pedestrians on the streets of Remedios we made our way to the lush countryside enroute to Buenavista.

Buenavista in English means good or splendid view and the view of the paisaje (countryside) we saw lived up to its name.

Mountain tops and palm trees, green fields and roads lined with red clay.

Being so used to urban areas, it may be hard to image the how the church in Buenavista carries the news of Christ's love to the tiny villages in their area. Most of the villages have about 200 people. Buenavista as a town has a population of 3,000. Currently they have mission houses in 3 of the largest villages, but want to reach people in the most remote areas surrounding them.

In those areas, houses are far apart.

Far enough that you don't see your neighbor's house. Yet, close enough to know them because in rural areas you depend on your neighbors.

And just as relationships grow through many encouters, so must they build relationships and trust with the people in those small villages.

It takes many trips, much patience, and lots of love. All things they posses and are evident as I meet them for the first time.

The green transportation truck has become our icon for the church in Buenavista.

Worship songs filled the sanctuary. Soon the children were dismissed and I followed the children, who followed Yoani. He had them sit in the cool cement patio and through a skit taught them how to love and treat others well the way God wants us to do it.

Just as children everywhere, they were soon ready to play games and put into practice what they learned that morning.

Broom hockey?

The children compete in teams to see who is fastest at moving the wooden blocks from one end to the other

One of the highlights of the visit was putting together the puppet theatre we brought and getting them acquainted with Scruffy, Ruthie, and Michael.

These are three puppets that will surely become great friends to the children there; just as we have come consider the people we have met here not only our friends, but our family.

Pastor Omar with wife Zenia and son Jonathan, Oscar and Michael

on the front porch of the church in Buenavista

- Michael = Maikol

Awesome Day and an Awesome God

Saturday may have been a run-of-the-mill, routine day for you. But for 30 young people in Remedios it was awesome. The bomb. We all headed out to a cays one hour north of Remedios for a very special day.

Now, you have to realize that the cays in Cuba are like their national treasure. Virginal, pristine beaches; white powdery sand; crystalline water. A prized place to go; kind of like Disneyland, but in nature.

There were lots of new things to experience....

tourists’ shops full of never-before-seen gadgets, hand dryers...

billiards ...

mushrooms in the pizza.

a

Should we eat pizza with a fork or our hands?

And, of course,

... playing at the beach although was a bit cold in February

There are no words to describe the intensity of that day. But we can say that it left an indelible imprint on their lives.

“A magnificent experience that brought us joy and is an example of how God does incredible things in our lives.” -Daisel

“It was fun and edifying. A time to share together like a great family.” - Gladys

“It was one of the best days of my life, an unforgettable trip.” - Yileidy

“Hope that one day you will also be able to share an experience like this with us.” - Ivelise

“If this was awesome, I cannot even imagine the joy we will experience in heaven.” -Yaisel P

It reminds us of Psalm 133 which, paraphrased, says:

“How beautiful and pleasing to see our brothers and sisters living together in harmony. It is as pleasing as the sweet perfume of anointing oil as it spills from head to toe. It is as pleasing as a northern rain that falls from the highest peaks and runs down its slopes. Those who live like this, God blesses with life forevermore.”

-Yaisel Lima (Youth Pastor in Remedios) and Oscar

Arrival

Our day of arrival was a splendid experience interwoven with the ups and downs of traveling. I had finally arrived to this beautiful island I’d heard so much about, but never seen or experienced. In my imagination I had forged a portrait of what it is like. The first tender moment was the sight of the Cuban landscape. Royal palm trees and lush greenery brought tears to my eyes.

“Are you Cuban?” the Cuban customs agent asked me. I had a difficult time answering since I so closely identify with being Cuban but in reality am a Cuban-American.

Finally we were out in the soft Cuban air. It filled me with so much joy and expectation. Joy to be on Cuban soil at last after hearing about it for so long. Expectation of what it would be like to go beyond the airport: imagining the faces, getting in touch with the culture and learning more about the daily life and faith of the people in Cuba.

Pastor Alexis and Carlos (who drove the car to pick us up) greeted us with wide smiles and warm embraces; and we made our way through Cienfuegos, on a two lane road full of the daily life activities, to Remedios.

We did not know, until we arrived in Remedios, that there was a community of 250 people praying for our safe arrival.

All is well. We are a family, a community that goes beyond the borders of our own countries to share, love, and care for each other.

Thank you God for your faithfulness and love!

-Michael or Maikol (the phonetic pronunciation of my name in Spanish.)

Introductions for February Mission Trip - Michael

The team for this mission trip is a father and son team. Yes, Oscar is teaming up with his son to do mission work in Remedios. It is a special trip for Michael for many reasons, as you will read below.

- Rachel

Many people in the U.S. have aspirations of achieving the American Dream of riches and accumulated wealth. I, on the other hand, am of a different sort, one who realizes that riches and wealth do not translate to happiness…at least for me. I have always aspired to achieve what I call the Cuban Dream.

From the time I was a little boy and learned that my parents were Cuban, I learned to speak Spanish like a Cuban and eat Cuban food. I understood that God brought my parents to the United States for a reason. And that was the beginning of my Cuban Dream. My Cuban Dream is to trace a path, albeit backwards, to the reality that existed for people in my family when they lived in Cuba. Whether that means walking the same paths that my grandparents walked, or seeing ships docked in the port of Caibarien where my grandfather was a fisherman, or visiting the farm where my grandmother lived, worked and played. Those are profound images that I want to take in and cherish for life.

Yet the trip means more than that. People in Cuba have what in the U.S. is considered very limited means of getting by. In the past 4 years, I’ve worked in Mexico during Spring Break building houses in the most impoverished areas near our borders. I understand, and have been in solidarity with, people in poverty. And, through the men and women I met there, I learned to identify with their struggle of being poor or being denied entry to a country. I saw the power of God working in people in Mexico. That is one constant that is similarly working in Cuba.

God has a profound way of working in people and through people. I feel that working with and toward the betterment of situations in Cuba is a way to spread the message of God. Consequently, working in unison with people and demonstrating unconditional love toward others is what God wants from us and what I want to do.

Taking this opportunity to go with my father on this trip is special because not only do I have a chance to impact people, but also to see Cuba through his eyes while enjoying the sights and sounds of living my Cuban Dream.

Michael Serrania

Short of a Miracle

I’ve come to realize that even though I was born in Cuba, the culture there is so different from when I left that it’s like a foreign country to me. It does not cease to amaze me how people in Cuba deal with lack of resources.

Take the mission work the church in Remedios is doing in a nearby village. There are 3 women from Remedios who are in their 70s, that do outreach in the village. They get up at 5 AM to catch a truck to take them there because it’s the only viable transportation available. Once there, they have to wait for sunrise to start visiting people to talk with them about God. Sometimes it’s raining. They return at the end of the day in a horsecart.

These ladies wanted to show the Jesus Film in the village. The only place large enough was a bar. The pastor had to get approval from 9 government officials. But they did it. And it was a great success. “No trouble”, they said, “we just love Jesus and want to share what he has done in our lives with others.”

Their joy is inspiring, their humor is catchy, and their spirit of overcoming obstacles is awesome. It reminds me of Jesus feeding the 5,000. Their ability to accomplish so much for God with so little is just short of a miracle powered by their dependency on God. Maybe that’s where we come in in God’s plan. God working with and through all of us to accomplish his plan.

Below are some of the things we have partnered with them to do:

B U E N A V I S T A



In Buenavista, a railing around the church's porch provides added space and protection for the children.

At the end of the Christmas season they sponsored an event for all the children in Buenavista.
150 attended plus 50 adults.

This year Buenavista launched a new program for children. They plan, work hard to make sure everything is ready and then rest on God for the results.

R E M E D I O S

Children receive tickets for different things they achieve through the children's program. Later they can trade their tickets at the fair for items they want.







160 Families received bags with oil, seasonings, and toiletries.

In addition to these events, both churches had well-attended Christmas programs.

R E M E D I O S




Christmas Program - Special Music and a Drama

B U E N A V I S T A


Omar Perez is the pastor of the church in Buenavista, a town of about 6,000. Here he is with his wife Zenia. They have three mission houses in nearby villages. Once a week everyone gathers to worship. Their Christmas event started on the 24th and ended on the 25th.

B A P T I S M S
Both Remedios and Buenavista held baptism services in December. Photos below are of Remedios.















More plans are in the works: expansion of church buildings for classrooms, new mission houses, children and youth camps, puppet ministry.

Thank you for your generous support, coming along side in prayer and financially to make all this happen as they share how God can make a difference in our lives.


- Rachel

A Time for Everything Under Heaven Nov 12, 2011

“you can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you.” ― Frederick Buechner



The time has come to leave Cuba. And we leave with plans to return in February to do more work on the church building, to work with life groups and visit the new missions, to bring resources for the Children’s Camp in April, and to finalize plans for the Youth Camp in July.

When we arrived last week it seemed that we had just left Cuba. It was great to recognize and greet the young people who we met at camp last July; to see once again the familiar faces of the men and women who are now our friends and family. It was a bit of heaven.

Rachel and I attended one of the youth home groups on Monday night. Some I recognized and some were new. I shared with them about God’s calling. Afterwards, we played volleyball at the church courtyard. No net, just the string that is used to hang clothes to dry.

We attended the prayer meeting on Tuesday night. On Wednesday while Rachel and Rosalva went to the children’s small group, I attended a class taught in partnership with the Moore Theological College program out of Australia. The six people there that night were excited to have me join them and to participate in the study.

We were able to be with Rachel’s family on Friday and celebrate two birthdays with them. We also shared some of Cuba’s beauty with the Team as we made our way to Havana for our departure.

So we seek God’s guidance and as He opens the doors and brings the team together for our return February 17-25, 2012.

We go there to carry their burden, literally. To put our shoulder to the task – side by side. To live inside their skin and experience personally their struggles, their joys, their love. To quote Alexis, the pastor of Remedios, “We miss you, but we are happy -- especially with your visit. It serves as encouragement and support to us.” The people in the church of Remedios send you their greetings.


Thank you to all of you for your support in prayer, with donations, and funds; for the support of SVCC as a whole in making Cuba a focus country for the Kelton Campus.

-- Oscar

The Hand of God - Friday November 11

Throughout the trip, we experienced God’s power in the work He’s doing in Cuba. We saw people whose lives were transformed, whose commitment was strong because of the challenges they faced from family and friends about their beliefs. We met people who feel compelled to share with others that with God life is abundant and joyous even in the midst of difficult circumstances. And people who on foot travel several miles to reach tiny towns with this good news.



Rosalva almost didn’t come on this Mission Trip to Cuba. She had several obstacles to overcome. Like JR, who closed his business for a week, she is self-employed. So she doesn’t have the benefit of paid time off or vacation. No work—no pay. Then there was the issue of funding the trip and getting a visa. But it was smooth sailing as, in amazement, we saw how God worked everything out.

God had work for Rosalva on this trip. The man who says there’s no hope; the woman who feels isolated and lonely; the girl who listens to really bad music lyrics somehow open up to Rosalva. And with love she shares hope, points them to Jesus, gives them a glimpse of a better way to live. To the women working at the church she is an encourager working side by side with them. Rosalva loves life, people, and music but more than anything she loves God. And all of us were blessed by her being there.

-Rachel

Leaving Remedios

Here's another comment from Esther.

“There's something majestic and healing about worship in Cuba that I've never heard anywhere else in my life. I think about all of you often and hope that Jesus continues to move in what often seems like a beautiful, yet broken place. ... I talk about life in Cuba often. My students are fascinated and ask a zillion questions about Cuba. But, I understand... I mean, who isn't fascinated about Cuba?” - Esther

Until Next Time - Thursday Nov 10



It’s early on Thursday morning and we are waiting for the van that will take us from Remedios to Havana for our return trip home.

The beams are down and the sanctuary has a feeling of openness. But there is still a lot to be done. The walls where the beams were anchored need to be repaired. The carpenter who was coming to do the doors now says he cannot come for 2 months. The courtyard doors need to be painted. And more demolition and construction is planned.

There’s also a problem with the electric power. The ceiling lights won’t stay on in the early evening hours. Maybe it’s that there isn’t enough power to reach the back of the building; or too many people using electricity; or the ballasts are wearing out. Whatever the reason, it’s dark without light.

A couple of days ago when the lights wouldn’t turn on I went to my room to find a flashlight. It’s not often I find myself surrounded by such darkness. It was so dark I couldn’t even see my hand. Literally. All I could identify and “know” was what I could feel and touch. The rest might as well not exist.

The culture in Cuba is one that accepts only what can be seen and identified. And worship is a spiritual dimension that does not fit that culture. But to those that believe in God by faith, His power brings light into their darkness to make them whole, to give them a new kind of life that cannot be found apart from God. So worshipping God IS a majestic and healing experience for people in Cuba who believe. It’s the spiritual dimension of peace, joy and hope to those whose lives have been illuminated by God’s light . It’s an experience that cannot be found apart from God.





Rachel

Elvia's Hope - Wed Nov 9

It’s 8 PM on Wednesday night. Rosalva and I walk with Yudilen to an apartment complex where Elvia lives 7 blocks from the church in Remedios . Elvia is a retired elementary school teacher. If I remember correctly she taught the lower elementary school grades. She loves children. She talks to them; she cares about what happens in their lives.

So she started a “grupo de vida” (group of life) in her apartment complex. The group started with 2 or 3 children. Now there are 14 boys and girls who come twice a week. They arrive one by one. They greet each other with a kiss. The group has grown by the children inviting their friends to the group.




All of them eagerly raise their hands when asked specific questions about last week’s Bible lesson about Daniel. Where was he living? How did he behave? Whom did he serve? How did he end up being thrown to the lions? Why didn’t the ferocious hungry lion attack Daniel? Their answers go beyond the obvious. They get it.

These children don’t attend the programs offered at the church 7 blocks away. Their parents don’t attend either. But they come to the small group that meets in the apartment complex. Some may say that they come for the small cakes that Elvia lovingly makes for them. But I could tell they come for much more than that by their level of participation. Here they find hope. Here they find that we all serve someone or something. And Yudilen and Elvia are teaching them that no matter where they are or what is happening around them, their eternal hope is God.



Rachel

I miss Esther

I miss Esther. She was the blogger on our last trip to Cuba. Being the blogger on this trip I miss her twice as much. Today I was able to check the comments and saw her comment about church construction. Typical Esther. I can hear her voice in what she wrote. That made me miss her even more and compelled me to share her comment with you.

From Esther:

Reading about all the construction reminds me of the theologian C.S. Lewis thoughts from Mere Christianity. (As a teacher, I would underline the book title, but Google doesn't allow me too!)

"IMAGINE YOURSELF as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what he is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised.

But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is he up to? The explanation is that he is building quite a different house from the one you thought of — throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards.

You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but he is building up a palace. He intends to come and live in it himself.

C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity

So glad to hear that we, as followers of Jesus, in America were able to partake in the building of the church in Cuba... the one that Jesus intends to come and live it in himself... and I pray that He does the same in my own heart. -el

Yay - The Beams are Down

Wednesday Nov 9 the beams come down.



It’s Wednesday, our last full day in Remedios. And the beams come down today. It’s taken a lot of work. Finally the concrete has been chipped away and the re-bar is exposed. Men from the church have come to help and today Junior joins them.

We met Junior at camp this summer. He has a heart for God and people; and a beautiful singing voice. On the photo you see him standing on the ladder. He came by last night and told us he is coming today to help and learn. Sure enough, he wants hands-on experience, so JR gave him some instructions and off he went.

JR and Junior. JR is not easy to for Spanish-speakers to say. The “J” is not hard, but the “R”…is just as hard as it is for English-speakers to say the Spanish double-r.
JR wants to know the name of Junior’s father and Junior wants to know how to pronounce JR. Quite a surprise for them to find out that Junior is not named after his father, Manuel; his name is simply Junior. And that JR is really a junior named after his father Oscar Henry.

This is JR’s first trip to Cuba. God’s plan for this trip was to include JR and he has been invaluable. We could not have accomplished this work without him. His keen eye and knowledge of how to improve how everything works will continue to impact future trips. He has brought humor to our team; patience; and his love for authenticity is contagious. He speaks truth without being brash. Alexis and Yudit will always remember he prefers bread and “no more crackers”. ☺

Rachel