Gas Rations in Buenavista

I remember meeting Zenia for the first time during the hot Cuban summer of 2012. We arrived in Buenavista and stepped into a spotless, simple house. Pastor Omar and his wife Zenia embraced us with a humble hospitality, giving up their bedroom, opening their home, and going to great lengths to ensure that the table was heaped with food each night. I have a particular memory of Zenia insisting on washing my travel-worn clothes - by hand! It is a wonderful example of her heart, leading by serving.  

Last week Zenia sent us an email about the current difficulties in Cuba. In particular, the two motorcycles that the church uses to visit distant members of the congregation have not been holding their charge. Additionally, one of the motorcycles needs new tires; a commodity that is hard to come by in Cuba. 

Zenia with one of the motorcycles traveling to outlying residences of Buenavista.

Other hardships are at the forefront of Zenia’s mind. Buenavista is a small town, and many residents live miles into the countryside surrounding the town. A three to four mile distance is daunting when you don’t have a car, but the people of Cuba are incredibly resourceful. I remember a particularly bumpy ride on a trailer hooked to a tractor. For 50 miles. Ok, it was more like three miles but that jarring ride definitely left an impression! 

To alleviate the transportation gap, Zenia and Omar have been sending two large trucks to pick up church members who live far from town. However, the government has recently announced that gasoline will be unavailable indefinitely, meaning all of the distant church members will have no way of attending service on Sunday morning.

Visiting members of the congregation.

These are just a couple of examples of the many limitations that people experience in Cuba. Please keep Zenia, Omar, and the church of Buenavista in your prayers.

STRETCHING RESOURCES

Life itself is an underserved gift; a sacred gift to honor, not only in ourselves but also in others.

Once we realize this, it takes us from thinking of ourselves as individuals separated from one another to realizing we are connected to the whole of humanity.  When we do good, we reach humanity. And when we do good together we can overwhelm the world with good. We can overwhelm Cuba with good. 

This good was at work a few days ago when Gustabo knocked at Sadiel and Zady’s house. Gustabo is a pretty good handyman (In the photo below he is repairing a rice cooker). He is deaf and has trouble finding work. He had not eaten for a day or so when he knocked, hungry, at their door. She was making soup for her and Sadiel, but it stretched for Gustabo as well (pictured below with Zady).

Connected to the people in their town, Sadiel and Zady reach out to the destitute, the ill, the orphans, and those who are hungry. And people in the community know that when they go to them, they will be heard, cared for and loved. Aliento Cuba partners with Sadiel and Zady in their ministry.

CUBA TRIP Update - Prayers and a miracle

Luis is a cowboy.  But he is the kind of “vaquero”who is more into horses than cows.  He likes horses and likes to handle and train them.  In April he was handling a particular feisty horse.  Somehow Luis ended on the ground and the horse backside fell on his abdomen causing a lot of internal damage, as you can imagine.  When his good friend Adolfo arrived at the hospital, the doctors had pretty much given up on Luis.  Adolfo called the family to let them know of the extent of the injuries but he was hopeful.  “Do not light candles to the idols or start doing any kind of Santeria rituals.  I am going to pray and he will heal.”

And that is exactly what happened. Adolfo prayed and Luis’ condition improved. Not only did Luis heal physically, but spiritually he has new life.  Last Sunday Luis using crutches walked into the church to worship God and this time committed his life to following Him.

This is the type of ministry Aliento Cuba supports through the pastors in remote rural areas who visit people who are hospitalized, pray for their recovery and bring them food.

May Cuba Trip - Osvaldo's Gift

Sunday in Buenavista.

In the last year the ministry in Buenavista has extended towards even more remote rural areas.

Osvaldo, Marisel and their son David are the first family in their small village to join the community of faith of Buenavista.  We see how God is revealing himself in very specific wonderments to the people in these villages. 

A small fire started in the fields where Osvaldo works.  The foreman and other workers could not get the crank in the water pump to turn over so they could put the fire out.  After several tries they started calling Osvaldo who was nearby and surprised they would call him since he is not involved in that particular task. Osvaldo told them the only thing he could do was pray and so he did.  There, in the middle of his co-workers he prayed for God’s help. After the prayer Osvaldo turned to the foreman and asked him to try starting the pump again. 

 It started.  People clapped and gave a sigh of relief.  

This was God’s gift to Osvaldo.