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!
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.
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
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.
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.
