As you might imagine, being in cuba was incredible and surreal, especially since my team and I were able to go in May, before the re-opening of the embassy and other recent steps taken to improve Cuba – U.S. relations.

Unlike most people that seem to come into Cuba through Havana, I came in through Santa Clara, which is a bit more central to the Island.

The airport was small, but welcoming. The land, beautiful and rural, but you could almost immediately begin to feel a sense or spirit of hopelessness. There were lots of people out and about on foot, often looking downhearted; very few vehicles, as most people rode bicycles or horse pulled type carriages.

From this point in Santa Clara throughout my time in Cuba, a restoration of hope became my hearts cry…and not just hope for a better tomorrow, or better wages than the $20/month average wage earned, but a hope that goes beyond this present time. A hope that can only be given by the Father who gives freely. A hope that restores and empowers us to reach, to do – in Christ, and be most fulfilled in this life.

Most of our time was spent encouraging our church contacts and their vibrant life-encouraging church plants in and around Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, and the Trinidad areas. With all the positive impending changes being talked about with U.S. – Cuban relations, the Cuban church was reminded to not set hope on the wrong things, be it a possible changing economic dynamic, or even just a dependence on much needed support from their international christian family.

Overall, Cuba was a treat, definitely a blessing to be able to visit. I was strongly encouraged by the Cuban church, their worship, and desire for more of Jesus. And it was all possible because of all of you that financially partnered with me, and/or prayed for me.

THANK YOU!

I will now post a few photo’s from my trip, courtesy of some of my teammates. Thanks again, and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you, as God leads, and me willing to step out in obedience.