Can Cuba be summarised in words? Impossible! But with God all things are possible... He is impossibly possible! Here is a short summary of how each team member experienced Cuba and what God did in them while in Cuba:
Cuba is truly one of the most amazing countries I've ever visited. For me it was amazing to see how the country's bad political situation is actually forcing people to flock to the church, to turn their lives over to Christ and most importantly, to really live by faith. We, who live in the developing world, have lost the true meaning of living by faith and we hardly ever find ourselves in situations where we are totally dependent on God. The Cuban people touched my life in so many ways and I will keep on trusting the Lord for more and more growth in the church of Cuba.
The guidance of the Holy Spirit is probably one of the most breathtakingly beautiful gifts that God has given to mankind, and the best this is...it's completely free!! We were almost forced by the Holy Spirit like cattle to stumble across the most incredible ministry point in Santaigo de Cuba on the country's South-East coast. Most of our time there was spent building relationships with the people there in order to have a foundation on which future teams can build upon. We thank the Lord for His provision and guidance and ask that you will rejoice in Him with us. The rest of this year is going to WILD!!
-Gerrie
God's timing is just perfect. We can make plans all we want, but they will many times leave us feeling burdened down and confused when they don't work out the way we expected them to. Cuba taught me to depend on God alone, commit your ways to the Lord and He'll make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). And that God loves people, He doesn't want to pick a fight, He just wants to love them. Lord, I want to walk in your ways! So, after Cuba, I don't just listen to people and then walk away, but I take that extra time to stop and pray for them. That is the biggest gift I can give to anyone. I'm not where I have to be yet, but thank you Jesus, that I'm not where I used to be.
-Linel
No human plan, no route, no set destination, no accommodation, not knowing one person's name in the whole country - we stepped off the plane as Global Challenge - Distant Island pioneering group. For me uncertainty has never played a big role in my life so this was a completely new feeling for me. I was uncertain of many things, but the one thing I was certain of is the fact that our almighty God was in total control. Few people ever get the chance or create the opportunity for God to be in total control and be dependant on him for your next step. And how He did show us that He is in control...
I struggled a lot with the fact that although we are the team building the relationships in Cuba, we will not be there to see the fruits of our work. God soon revealed to me that we are like a foundation, although it is under the ground and not seen or thought about much it is the reason the building can gat build and rise into the sky. I feel so privileged to be in this situation, because I know because of our trust in Gods plan so many kids and even other Global members will get blessed by the camps and what God wants to do through that.
I realized again our job description for the year: 'TRUST AND OBEY'
- Marlene
God is busy changing everything that can be changed, and shaking everything that can be shaken. He is changing the face of the Church, and it is such a privilege to see and experience what God is doing within the realm of the Church.
- Andre
Cuba!! God is working in such a powerful way in that coutry. The People are so passionate about life and I continued to learn more from them each and every day that I was there. The Church are striving for great things despite their situation and that is something so inspiring to see. We had the great opportunity of experiencing some of the absolutely delicious local food and going to some of the most beautiful historic sights. One tip for future travellers in Cuba: if you travel by train be aware of how or if the toilet door functions... some won't let you out for almost half an hour! =)
- Ashleigh
Cuba was fantastic. We had a really blessed time in Cuba. It was amazing to see how God's hand is moving in a communistic country such as Cuba. I learned a lot of new things, including some Spanish. I learned and just saw that God has a plan and we just have to allow Christ to work through us. The Cuban people are extremely friendly and warm people, and it was a privilege to live with them. I loved our time in Cuba and I am excited for future teams to go.
- Arthur
I realised that I had a program with God in it, but there was no place for God to move. Even if I did do it the 'correct' way. I should still remember that the program is only the skeleton of the devotion. It depends on God if He wants to bring the skeleton to life or if He wants to bring something new. Thanks to God for changing this mindset of mine!
- Albie
God was working with me during my time in Cuba to finally begin to realise His greatness. Travelling to another country means different people, languages, transport, currency, beliefs traditions etc. But one thing binds us all. We were all created by the same amazing God. We are all loved by one God. And this is my God. In Ephesians 4:4-6 it says:
There is one Body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
It was so amazing to worship with these people, and the fact that we were 24 nations worshipping the same God with the same characteristics made it almost unbelievable. My God is an awesome God!
- Kim
I learned that it is never a waste of time to stand in faith and trust in God. God will always come through for you. God has a perfect track record and He will never ever disappoint you if you totally surrender and submit yourself fully to Him and His perfect will. God really is in control of this whole world and everything in it: the people, the countries, time, nature... everything is in His hands. Even if it doesn't always look or feel that way to you. God sees a bigger picture than we do and we will not always understand everything that is going on right now, but we just have to believe and trust in our Saviour, Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:18-27 Future Glory
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the Glory that will be revealed in us.
God changed many of my perspectives that I had about life and Christianity through his word. I read Romans in Cuba and I could see how everything that I read was being revealed to me through the other believers in Cuba. It was such a magnificent privilege to meet more of God's children in Cuba and to have fellowship with them and learn from them. God is busy with a bigger plan than we can ever imagine or fathom. It is like a raging river that will never stop flowing. He will fulfil His plan. Are you going to stand on the side of the river and watch? Or are you going to get onto the boat (Jesus) and become a part of God's awesome plan? Cuba is onboard and going with God's raging river. I pray that His river will flow through all the countries and bring revival in the whole world, just like the revival that we have seen happening in Cuba.
- Marielle
Challenge with us!
As a team, Cuba really challenged us with the 6–letter word, that makes out such a big part of our Christian walk: PRAYER. The Cubans don't just say they'll pray for you, as we all many times do before leaving a conversation, many times forgetting what it was even about; they start and finish everything with prayer. When men work, men work; but when men pray, God works. So we'd like to challenge you: Start in this day to pray for every person you come in contact with – even if you just put your hand on their shoulder and tell them Jesus loves them. It may be strange to do the first time, but God will bring it to completion. Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." So just go for it!
We need Your Support
We want to ask you to please pray with us for Cuba. Pray for their government and for their people. Pray that God's church will continue to move and to grow in Cuba. Pray that the people will find their hope and strength in the Lord. Pray that the relationships which we established will be blessed and that future teams will be able to get involved with the ministry in Santiago. Pray for the Baptist Church and Pastor Joel, that God will guide him and his church and use them.
We also need you to please pray for our finances, so that God will provide the money that we need for our journey ahead.
If you would like to contribute and help us by giving some financial support, we would really appreciate it. Here are the banking account details:
Account name: GCX-One Year 9206958383
ABSA
Branch: 31 Da Gamma road, Jeffreys Bay, 6330, South Africa
Branch code: 334515
Reference: DISTANT ISLANDS
Swift Code (for international payments): ABSAZAJJ
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Thank You Lord for Cuba! All the glory to God!
... and now we continue in our Journey to the Caman Islands
Adios amigos! Dios te bendiga!
Goodbye friends! God bless you!
Distant Islands Team
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