Last week I was in Cuba with a group from the University Church of Christ in Abilene. Our church sponsored the conference, along with 3 churches in Tennessee and some other individuals. It was especially nice for me to travel with my wife, Carolina, and daughter, Andrea.
I feel like a broken record when I tell about Cuba. It was wonderful, great, exciting…. The work in Cuba continues to be one of the most encouraging works I’ve been a part of. Half a century of socialism coupled with an economic embargo imposed by the U.S. have left the island’s economy in shambles. People live constantly on the border of disaster. Yet being there makes me think of James’ words:
“Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5)
I’ll share some pictures from the trip:
The ladies from our mission team
Tony Fernandez, Herald of Truth rep in Cuba
Tony leads singing Sunday a.m.
One of several baptisms Sunday a.m.
Worship at the church’s farm Sunday afternoon
Baptism at the farm
Youth conference
Paul Rotenberry and Steve Austin, elders from UCC
Some of our team with a family from the province of Las Tunas
Andrea sharing her story with the young ladies
Ladies sent by the Madison church in Tennessee
Lighthouse built by the young people. Each box had a Christian virtue printed on it.
Tony Fernández and Ammiel Pérez, two of the principal leaders in Cuba
Alejandro Ezquerra speaks to the young people
There were 3 baptisms the last night of the youth conference
The church had a party for the elderly of the congregation
Me and one of my favorite people: Pastor Cardenal. I call him “Bishop,” which always makes him laugh.