Listen. Learn. Love.

On Mondays, we visit the homes of pastors of casa culto ("house church") in the Cuban town where most of the ministry is based. We hear the testimonies of pastors about how each person got to the place where God placed them. We hear testimonies that resonate of God’s provision when His people clamor for his help. We learn that it is not easy for these servants of God to stand against the enemy who attacks in various ways, one of his ways being through witchcraft/ Santeria, a Cuban religion that stems from an African religion brought by slaves to the island which later got mixed with Catholicism.

Today, as we were praying over the ministry of this one particular pastor who had recently celebrated the one year anniversary of his new casa culto building, a member of the missions trip team brought us to realization that the enemy despises when servants of God further the kingdom of God, and therefore he attacks the pastor and his wife who are the first line of defense. When the shepherd is struck down, it’s easy for the devil to scatter his sheep.

So even though Mondays might seem like just a "visitation day" for mission trip teams, I am starting to see that it’s as equally important as other ministry days they get to be a part of, if not the most important. Empowering the local churches and their leaders is far more important and long-lasting than material goods that give temporary satisfaction. Being present at the homes of the pastors and hearing their stories, interacting with the leaders of the churches and sincerely caring for their ministry, encouraging them to fight the battle and to find peace and comfort in God’s care, and most importantly equipping these leaders with prayers are all amazing ways to bless and be real with these shepherds.

Today, I saw an immense joy and radiating smiles from the pastors’ faces as the team left the church building. Today, I saw loving relationships being formed between the visiting team and the local pastors because of the over-arching care and love, and, most importantly, the unity of our God present among us.

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Learn more about Cuba Mission Trips!

You must have a group size of at least 6 members to join this trip. Please view the Small Team trips or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414.

View Small Team Trips

For most trips, you must have a group size of at least 6 members. Please view the Small Teams tab on each Community page or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414.