From June 8 to June 16, 2016, the Lord allowed a group of 8 people to make another blessed trip to Cuba for the purpose of evangelism. The group consisted of 4 brothers and 4 sisters; from Minnesota, California and Florida. This trip included sisters for the first time, who prepared a good children’s program, participated in the music ministry, and also left a good example. Over the course of a week, the brothers and sisters visited 5 cities, where they held services and preached the gospel on the streets and in the homes of the local people. We are grateful to God and to all the brothers and sisters who have contributed their time and resources to support the work of the gospel through this trip. Each group member had an extra bag containing Christian literature, candy, and small gifts for children and adults. During this trip, it became evident that the people in this country are open to receiving the Word of God and need dedicated workers for the pure preaching of the Gospel.
    The Russian-speaking people living in Cuba especially need those who can help them in spiritual matters, answer the questions of people who are just beginning to approach God, but who are confused in various false teachings.
     In the city of Cardenas, we were warmly welcomed by the hospitable family of a Cuban Baptist pastor who showed us much love and care. Despite our different dialects, we felt united by the love of our Lord. This family, like many Cubans, loves to sing. Every morning at breakfast, our conversations were accompanied by singing. They especially enjoyed singing to the accordion, which we had brought for musical accompaniment. Many of the hymns we sing in our churches are also known to them, allowing us to sing together in two languages. Hymns such as “How Great Thou Art,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and others. In Cardenas, where we held a service, we traveled mainly by horse-drawn carts. The small hall in which the service took place was filled with people, so that some people had to stand outside to listen. Both adults and children eagerly listened to the Word of God and the hymns during the three-hour service, which concluded around 11 PM.

      In Varadero, we split into two groups to visit the homes of those who were attending church but had not yet committed their lives to God. The pastor requested that we encourage these individuals to accept Christ as their personal Savior. In one home, a woman attended church regularly, but her 17-year-old son, Emmanuel, initially refused to talk to us about God. After we invited him through his mother, he came out and began to listen attentively. We learned that his brother had died in an accident just eight days prior. Despite initially saying he couldn’t come to the evening service, Emmanuel attended and listened intently. After the service, a young man approached the pastor, confessed his repentance, and sought guidance on baptism and his next steps. A few days later, we saw Emmanuel again at the church service, and he expressed his intention to continue attending church. We pray that he will give his heart to God and find complete happiness in Him.

        The next day, we visited the village of La Gunillas, inviting people to an evening children’s service. Many children and adults attended, eagerly listening to a program about the creation of the world and the birth of Jesus Christ. At the end, we distributed children’s Bibles, candy, and gifts, bringing immense joy and gratitude to the children and adults.

     In Matanzas, we met with a group of Russian speakers and held services for two days. The brothers preached about God’s plan of salvation and the incarnation of Christ. The attendees listened attentively, asked questions, and received Christian newspapers and spiritual literature in Russian. One person commented that it was the best visit they had ever had, highlighting the deep thirst for pure spiritual teaching.

      Our final stop was in Havana. We handed out tracts to passers-by people, who accepted them with interest and gratitude. In the evening, we preached the gospel on the waterfront, distributing tracts, singing with the accordion, and engaging in conversations. We also visited a Russian church in Havana, where we were asked to explain our understanding of praying in tongues, a topic that had caused confusion and despair among the congregation. Our pastor, provided clear explanations based on Holy Scripture. After the service, there were personal conversations with members of the congregation who are still establishing their faith. They expressed their need for ongoing guidance and asked for more frequent visits and prayers.

         We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us in prayer, which we truly felt. Please continue to pray for revival in this nation and for the Lord to send families to serve in Cuba. Our desire is to establish a Russian-speaking church in Cuba where the pure, true Word of God is preached.