selflesscommunity

The Messy Room

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:49:54 GMT

The Messy Room

Pastor Eduardo asked me, “Do you see a name over this door?” There was nothing written over the door. I said no. He said, “This room is ‘The Messy Room.’” Then he opened the door to this… (see photo). Then he said “I told the congregation that the Lord asked him, “What do you need?” And Eduardo answered the Lord, “We need everything (Eduardo emphasizes with a karate chop gesture)!

Eduardo continues the story with me:

“The Lord sends someone to me and they ask me, ‘Do you need ________ ?’ And I say, ‘Si! Ges! We NEED that!’ And we put it in The Messy Room.”

E continues:

“Someone else calls me and they say, ‘Do you use __________ __________ ?’ And I tell them, ‘Ges!! We NEED that!!’ And we put it in The Messy Room.”

E goes on - same thing:

“Ges!!! We NEED that!!!” Pastor E looks me in the eye, closely and with a bit of a mischievous smile curling up on either side, “It doesn’t matter what they ask me, I say, ‘GES!!! We NEED that!!!’ And we put it all in here… and God moves it all out. Then He fills it again… and He moves it out… over and over and over..”

When you don’t have anything, you need everything.

I’ve been in this room many times. It’s never the same… and it’s always messy! A perfect mess. Praise God!

Then I think about my heart… it’s always messy, a perfect mess. God fills it up… God moves it out…

I think about the trips we take, the teams that go, the medicine, food & supplies we take, the Cuban people we engage… it’s always messy! But God opens the door to THE MESSY ROOM… His messy room in you and in me… “Ges! We NEED that!” He fills it up… He moves it out!

Marbles in Cuba

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:58:10 GMT

Marbles in Cuba

Popular pastimes in Cuba include baseball, boxing, salsa, chess, dominoes… and “bolas” (marbles). Especially among the young boys, I’ve noticed small, and sometimes not so small, clusters gathered on the sidewalk, in the grass and even on manhole covers to “Jugar a Las Canicas” (play marbles). So I thought it would be fun to take some “bolas” with me to give to kids. I got some little pull string bags and a bunch of marbles. How many marbles should I put in each bag? One is stingy, three is chintzy, ten is too heavy - Five - just right. Then I got a download… David picked up five smooth stones out of the stream as he approached battle with Goliath - “Perfecto!” But the game, “juego,” is played with a shooter marble called a taw or “mármol tirador.” It’s bigger than the other marbles. So I got ahold of some shooters. I started adding them to the little bags and God drops another download - the shooter is David - “Excelente!!” Trouble is that my Spanish is not good enough to explain the story, so I printed the scripture, folded it into an inch square, and stuffed one in each little bag - “Hermoso!!!” Pray with us that the love of Christ may somehow open doors through a bunch of “bolas” as we take a team to Cuba in late November.

Why go? And why do I go back?

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 21:46:38 GMT

Why go? And why do I go back?

How God helps us along!

My first trip to the island was with a small group of men from church. They were to follow up on a sports ministry the church was promoting, house visits, and to do a 2.5-day men’s discipleship training. I immediately felt at home when we got to Havana – the

climate, food, music, language, sense of community – all reminded me of my home –Puerto Rico. Oh yea! Although my role had not been clearly defined, I knew I was to be obedient to whatever the Lord directed.

I supported the sports ministry and had a great time sharing with the kids. We played some baseball and taught them some American football. What a blast! I thoroughly enjoyed the food: rice and beans, tostones, “cole” (cole slaw), bananas, pineapple. It was my first experience at a house church in the basement of some Soviet built apartments. I was asked to share a message, and I could feel the joy of the congregants.

I was asked to be the interpreter in the 4 Chair model of Discipleship by Dann Spader training, a course I had completed and felt comfortable with. I was new to evangelizing and discipling but wanted to be obedient. There were over 2 dozen pastors and church

leaders in the training. I could feel them gaining a working understanding of the model as they asked questions, simulated the actions of disciplining, and shared their testimonies.

What I did not expect was the complete disappointment with the trip after getting home. OK, I went to Cuba, so what. What did I learn, did I make an impact, did I plant any seeds, did I grow in my faith? I kept asking myself, was there a ROI for the cost? Several months later, I met Selfless Community and was asked to join them on a trip. They were excited that I was bilingual and had a medical background. I was traveling with no one I knew. Every team member had some talent to share. One was gifted with playing with kids,

another performed magic as a way of sharing gospel messages, one was a physical therapist, and we had a former restaurant owner who help establish a bakery!

Little did I know the impact of my first visit until I was back. Pastors, kids, church staff, church members remembered my complete attention to their needs that I had shown by my presence and speaking Spanish. That was when I learned that it was not about me. I had felt disappointed by what I had gotten out of the trip. I now realized that it was being obedient to the Lord and seeing and appreciating their needs that made impact.

You have some God-given talents and life experiences that qualify you to serve and grow the kingdom. You can support or explore the opportunities Selfless Communities offer to serve the body of Christ in Cuba.

That is why your support matters so much!!!

If you know Jesus you are qualified to go...all you need is heart to serve!!!!!!! The need is real. The gratitude is overwhelming. And everything we are able to do is part of the Great Commision. Time and money is used to help people who truly have nowhere else to turn.

Please prayerfully consider giving to help us continue this work.

Basic Medical Help

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:29:05 GMT

Just the basics are incredibly difficult to find!!!

The Need for Medical Supplies in Cuba Is Urgent

Our most recent mission trip to Cuba went very well from a medical standpoint, but it was also heartbreaking.

Every item we were able to bring was received with smiles, gratitude, and often relief. But the need is far greater than what we were able to carry in. Many mothers asked our pediatrician for vitamins for their infants and young children. We had none to give them. These mothers are deeply worried about their children’s nutrition, and they are doing the best they can in very difficult circumstances.

The clinics we visited were in desperate need of even the most basic medical supplies. The nurses, doctors, and clinic staff are trained and willing to care for their people, but they simply do not have what they need. They need Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, sterile water to clean wounds, gauze, dressings, tape, and basic wound-care supplies. In many cases, they do not even have the supplies needed to properly suture wounds.

They also lack common medicines that most of us take for granted, including Tylenol for adults and children. They have very limited medicine and equipment to treat asthma and other breathing problems, which are a major issue in Cuba.

Before every trip, we prepare as carefully as we can. We collect supplies, pack what we are able to carry, and do our best to meet the needs we know about. But every time we leave Cuba, we leave knowing they need more.

That is why your support matters so much!!!

A simple gift can help provide basic medical supplies, children’s vitamins, wound-care materials, and medicine that can make a real difference for families, clinics, and medical workers who are trying to serve their communities with very little.

The need is real. The gratitude is overwhelming. And every supply we are able to send is used to help people who truly have nowhere else to turn.

Please prayerfully consider giving to help us continue this work.

See how we partner with SOS to ship a container of basic needs

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:43:02 GMT

The needs in Cuba are great and sometimes overwhelming.

Basic things like food and medicine are very hard to find. That is why we partner with SOS here in Louisville for medical supplies, and with Lifeline Christian Mission in Ohio and Love the Hungry in Louisville for food.Each year, we send 3 to 4 containers to Campo Amor Church in East Havana. Two of those containers are filled with medical equipment and supplies, including ultrasound machines, bandages, surgical gloves, and many other items that clinics, doctors’ offices, and hospitals desperately need.

These supplies do not last long because the need is so great and the availability is almost zero. Many people suffer because doctors and hospitals simply do not have the supplies needed to perform surgeries, treat injuries, or provide basic medical care.

We also send food containers filled with sealed meal packs. Each pack contains rice, dried vegetables, beans, soy, and micro-nutrients, and each bag provides 6 meals. A 40-foot container holds about 286,000 meals, and those meals are used quickly.

The cost to send a medical container is just under $20,000, but the supplies inside are worth more than $300,000. A 40-foot food container costs about $12,000 to ship to Cuba. That means every donation helps meet a real and urgent need.

God has opened many doors of opportunity over the years, and we want to be faithful to walk through them. We are so thankful for the wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ who help make this work possible. Together, we get to be vessels used by the Almighty to bless others in the name of Jesus.

Neighborhood Medical Clinic

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:57:22 GMT

Lining up for medical help!

People lined up throughout the neighborhood for two medical clinics we hosted with Cuban doctors, serving 461 people who otherwise may not have been able to reach a regular doctor. Here, they are lined up 3 hours early for the help. Along with the clinics, our team helped lead four children’s programs where nearly 400 children heard the truth of God, delivered three house church messages on Sunday morning, and celebrated as 20 people were baptized on Sunday afternoon. We also distributed badly needed medical supplies to four Policlinicas, two consultorios, and a major hospital. The AA ministry remains active, with attendance rising and falling from week to week. Daily life continues to be extremely difficult for many families because of the lack of food, gas, electricity, and relief from the heat and humidity. Power may only be available two or three hours a day, and sometimes it comes on in the middle of the night, from 2:00 to 4:00 a.m., forcing people to wake up just to cook or do anything that requires electricity. In the middle of these hardships, God continues to open doors for care, encouragement, and the hope of the Gospel.

March 2026 Trip Report

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:20:42 GMT

God showing us the way

God loving the Cuban friends through us, His vessels...3 medical clinics, 330 people seen and given diagnosis and meds. Delivered BP cuffs, bandages, gloves, syringes, and other supplies to 5 Policlinicas in east Havana. 4 children’s programs sharing Christ, 3 days of street evangelism and house visitations, 3 adult Bible studies with house church leaders, 5 church services we shared Christ along with the House Church pastor and congregation, 14 baptized on Sunday afternoon. In addition the addiction recovery program continues to grow!... Beautiful time with beautiful people that are suffering from lack of food, medicine, electrical power, lack of fuel, but no lack of JOY! They inspire us!

PoliClinica visits

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 23:30:15 GMT

PoliClinica visits

It was amazing to watch God work in the medical field in Cuba. Selfless Community was recognized by our PoliClinica for our contribution to what they’re able to provide in services. The generosity of many is in play here!

November 18-24, 2025 Trip Report

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:24:12 GMT

Had an unbelievable trip to Cuba...

This fall, a team of 11 volunteers from Selfless Community traveled to Cuba to support local house churches and share the hope of Christ in both word and deed.

Our team partnered with Cuban medical providers to hold three medical clinics in different house churches. Each clinic was staffed by four Cuban providers and six members of our team. Right now, many people in the area are suffering from mosquito-borne viruses such as Chikungunya and Oropouche, which cause fever, joint pain, headaches, and muscle aches. Because of the great need, the clinics were full. We planned to see about 150 people at each location, and even though we brought more medicine than on any previous trip, we still had to turn some people away. Those who were seen were deeply grateful for the care and medicine they received.

While people waited to see the doctors, our team shared about Christ, prayed with them, and helped with children’s ministry. We also did house visits and street evangelism. Most of the people who came to the clinics were members of local house churches, along with their family members and close friends. In the evenings, the team helped with children’s programs, supported an English-language school, took part in Bible studies, and prepared for the next day’s ministry.

Over the weekend, the team joined youth services on Saturday and then divided into five house churches on Sunday to participate in worship. In every setting, the message was the same: hope in Christ. We shared our faith in conversations, teaching, and personal testimonies. Much more happened than can be captured in a short report, but God was clearly at work.

In addition to the medical and spiritual ministry on the ground, we are also thankful for ongoing material support. A container of meals from our partners at Lifeline Christian Mission has already shipped and is on its way to the port of Havana. Another container with medical equipment and supplies from SOS is scheduled to leave in about three weeks. These resources will continue to bless the churches and communities long after our team has returned home.

In addition, we continue to support those who are struggling with addiction issues. There is much to be done here, and a 12 step program has been put in place and is growing slowly. Good progress was made on this trip!

Finally, the solar panels and the associated equipment needed to install the system arrived and the instillation has begun. We are working to purchase the batteries we need to complete the system and any help in that area would certainly be appreciated!

We are deeply grateful for everyone who prays for and supports this ministry. Your partnership makes it possible to serve the people of Cuba in Christ’s name.

In Christ’s love,

Steve and Volunteers

July 13-18, 2025 Trip Report

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 13:20:59 GMT

Great trip to Alamar community where 3 teams participated in a medical clinic, youth camp, and baseball clinic. Over 200 in the community were seen by a Cuban medical physician and assistant. A team from South Carolina brought an ophthalmologist and glasses were provided to many who could not afford glasses at that time. The youth camps were awesome relationship building opportunities and allowed them to share what Christ is doing in their lives.

The baseball clinics provided instruction to younger players and afterward each day a baseball game was played with players and coaches. The mango and papaya were in season and nothing is more refreshing than a cold plate of fruit after a hot day!

July 13-18 Trip Report

June 2025 Trip Report

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 10:00:59 GMT

I wanted to update you regarding the two trips we took this spring, one in February and the other in April. But first, asking for prayer for the many people who are suffering, there in need of basic food and medicine. Power outages occur every day, lasting from 2-3 hours at a time or for days, depending on where one lives on the island.

Specific prayer for Dr. Johanna, who is battling cancer, Roberto and Dulce, who tragically lost their son, Luis, in heartbreaking fashion, and Hector, who is undergoing dialysis 3 times per week while waiting on a kidney transplant. Suffering is universal, l understand that, but we can pray for God’s sustaining power to lift them up in these difficult times.

Thank you for your prayers and also giving so generously over the years. You have helped in so many wonderful ways.

We finally had our 2 containers delivered this past week! They arrived in the port of Mariel in Havana, the first week of March, and due to government bureaucracy, it took longer than ever to be delivered. The first one was loaded with food donated from our friends at Lifeline Christian Mission, 286,000.

The second was loaded with medical equipment, food from “Love The Hungry” here in Louisville, medical supplies, and other items needed for the church to distribute throughout the community and various provinces throughout the island.

Yes, this is wonderful, and it gives the people hope and puts a smile on their faces, but the best part is the church lets them know it’s from the love of Christ. Mark 9:41, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. We do everything out of love, Christ’s love in and through us.

Our February trip was fantastic as we had a team of 16 awesome friends that conducted 4 medical clinics, seeing over 400 people, house visitations sharing Christ, evangelizing in neighborhoods, and teaching house church leaders. We did AA meetings for those struggling with addiction, a Saturday morning youth study program, preaching in house churches on Sunday morning, and meals at the homes of church leaders. We loved every minute of it!

The April trip was just the two of us taking things down that we were asked for in February. Water pressure pumps, medicine for 3 house churches, and funds for a mom with 2 teenage daughters who needed their own apartment. Members of our sweet team in February saw the need, and everyone pulled together and raised the money necessary.

Just a beautiful response to the Spirit of God. I really can’t get into details, but the mom was just blown away and was incredibly grateful. You would have to see it to believe it and understand the joy of giving and focusing on others.

April 22-28, 2025 Trip Report

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:23:39 GMT

We had an awesome time in Alamar during this time as we installed 3 residential circuit breaker panels and re-wired 3 buildings. Two great fellas from READY ELECTRIC went down with me and did a beautiful job! Much needed for safety and to power air conditioning units and hot water heaters for the missionary lodges. We are always looking to improve conditions there to make things more comfortable for everyone. Contact me if you are interested in making a trip to assist in the community: 502-724-3816.

Thanks, Steve

April 22-28 Trip

March 2025 Trip Report

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 12:38:01 GMT

To all who prayed, gave, or simply cared—thank you. Whether you’ve followed past trips or are just hearing about this one, I hope this update encourages you.

Ahead of my recent trip to Cuba, I felt led to quietly raise funds—not for programs, but to place directly into the hands of Pastor Eduardo in Alamar (near Havana). The goal? To "bless" individuals in need who fall outside the usual ministry programs. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $3,650, which Eduardo began distributing almost immediately to those most in need.

While I was preparing, I learned that the 2023 exchange rate was roughly 100 Cuban pesos (CUP) to $4.17 USD. By the time I arrived, it had dropped to just $0.33 USD. Inflation is devastating. Diesel prices are expected to multiply, baby formula is scarce, and ration card food staples are being cut or restricted.

Despite the economic challenges, our team was able to:

Host 3 medical clinics with vital medications and supplies
Share the Gospel at a private English Language School
Teach Bible studies to house-church leaders
Help train workers in the church-run bakery—providing income, jobs, and community outreach
Lead a Saturday children's program with crafts and the Gospel
Participate in neighborhood evangelism and home meal outreaches

And thanks to your gifts, Eduardo was able to personally “bless” others in powerful ways:

Jonathan, a 13-year-old I met in 2017—now a believer, baptized in 2022, and fluent in English—received help for basic needs. His mother was overwhelmed with gratitude.
Pablo, the church's overnight security guard, received $15 to help with food and housing.
Families received 50lbs of garbanzo beans for nutrition.
Two unbelieving bakery workers were quietly blessed as a demonstration of God’s love.

God used your prayers and support to open doors and meet both spiritual and physical needs. I’m humbled to have been a part of it.

Thank you for sending me and for being the hands and feet of Jesus through your giving. All glory to God.

February 2025 Trip Report

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 17:26:08 GMT

Just a mile from the central church in Alamar, our van dropped a small team of us in front of a modest home in an impoverished neighborhood. This was Yailen’s house—a young leader already serving in a house-church elsewhere—where we hoped to plant a new house-church. Pastor Eduardo’s church model isn’t centered around a single building, but rather on small groups of believers (no more than 24) meeting in homes across Cuba. The central facility in Alamar—a pair of connected houses—serves as a worship site, mission team housing, supply storage, and home to a church-run bakery.

That evening, we planned a children’s program followed by a women’s gathering. Expecting a handful of kids, we were stunned to see over twenty children already packed into the dimly lit, tin-and-plywood courtyard. The energy was high—clearly, the party had already begun.

As I shared the story of Jesus using storyboards—with the help of an interpreter—the power suddenly went out. The entire neighborhood went dark. Using phone flashlights, we continued moving among the children so they could see the images. One little boy stood out to me. After we explained that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, a team member pointed him out, sensing he was ready. I spoke with him, and right there, he gave his life to Christ. Later that evening, two women did the same during the women's program.

We hope to help Yailen build a home that can better serve as a house-church and ministry hub.

This trip brought more ministry opportunities than I’ve ever experienced—leading people to Christ at medical clinics, English schools, AA gatherings, home dinners, children’s events, and more. We stayed busy, and we saw God move.

selflesscommunity

The Messy Room

The Messy Room

Marbles in Cuba

Marbles in Cuba

Why go? And why do I go back?

Why go? And why do I go back?

How God helps us along!

Basic Medical Help

Just the basics are incredibly difficult to find!!!

The Need for Medical Supplies in Cuba Is Urgent

See how we partner with SOS to ship a container of basic needs

The needs in Cuba are great and sometimes overwhelming.

Neighborhood Medical Clinic

Lining up for medical help!

March 2026 Trip Report

God showing us the way

PoliClinica visits

PoliClinica visits

November 18-24, 2025 Trip Report

Had an unbelievable trip to Cuba...

July 13-18, 2025 Trip Report

July 13-18 Trip Report

June 2025 Trip Report

April 22-28, 2025 Trip Report

April 22-28 Trip

March 2025 Trip Report

February 2025 Trip Report

More Ministry Opportunities Than Expected