From Israel coming, arriving in Russia is like traveling at least 30 years back into the past. In Israel where WIFI is everywhere available, even on public buses or on beaches, it was hard to find one place with WIFI in Russia. Comfortable 2 level trains in Israel vs old overcrowded underground trains in Russia, where it's almost impossible to get a seat…. People in need are hungry for the Gospel! Although the most people can't speak any English, we could sense their hunger for more. And: “happy are those who are persecuted for they do what God requires; for the kingdom of God belongs to them!” mathew 5;10. The Christians living in Russia are only a few, for it doesn't matter how dark the circumstances are, their light just shines brighter! We met so many people who are on fire for God! God has great plans for this country!
From 30 years back in Russia, we even went further: exactly 55years by entering into Cuba!!! 55 years because at this time the political system of Cuba changed from capitalism to communism and everything got “frozen” or even worse, as it was before. You can hardly see any progress. Same cars, same trucks and same mototbikes are still used by the people, in the centre of santiago de cuba where 50 years ago has been once a tram, isn’t a tram anymore. Wifi is only since less than a year official available on a few spots in bigger cities in Cuba for a lot of money. The political system made Cuba which has been very rich to a closed poor small island. Luckily since 5 years communist system is starting to change slowly and Cuba is opening up in tiny steps towards the rest of the world.
But all of these circumstances doesn't hinder people from being happy and most of all being hostpitable.
We were traveling from Havana to Santiago, where we were staying most of the time. For one weekend we took a bus to Siboney , a small touristic village, to serve a local church. On the way somebody opened my bag, everything happened so fast.. my wallet was gone.
So now I didn't had wifi or any other opportunity to contact my bank or my parents. But God was present and he is faithful: he reminded me of Psalm 23. “ the lord is my shepherd, I HAVE ALL THAT I NEED”. I looked around me and realized: Yes I have all that I need: a place to sleep, overflow of food and drinks, loving people, I’m at one of the most beautiful places in the world and above all I have God who is my father! And that is something what the guy who stole my wallet didn't had. Jesus helped me to forgive him, so I could pray for him. At evening there was a youth meeting and I got the opportunity to share what happened. Without knowing the leader of the evening shared also about Psalm 23. So it fitted perfectly together.
God had already a plan!
On the last day in Cuba I got a new leather wallet, made in Cuba, as a gift!
God is awesome!