Inspired by Cuban Christians

I am sorry that it has been “all quiet on the blog front” for a several months. But I am back at it and excited to tell you what God is doing in my life and in our church.

beautiful country

worker coming from the fields

horse and buggy

expresso time

church leader

house church

fellowship

beautiful child

met with house church

Castro is in charge

 A recent trip to Cuba has left an impact on me. It was my first trip to this country, one that is so close and yet seems so far away. Its communist government has left a lasting impact upon the land … and the people have suffered. Some of the pictures you see in this article are just a small glimpse of life among the Christians in Cuba. You will see people with very little materially, yet very full spiritually. We sensed a great joy in their hearts as they talked about the Lord and their desire to share the gospel.

 They have very little money, limited transportation, limited communication, no freedom of speech, no freedom of assembly, no church buildings in which to minister, and the knowledge that they are constantly being watched. The Christian work is primarily through house churches and word of mouth.

 Yet what passion; what joy; and what commitment to the Lord. They are sacrificing for the Lord in ways that would make most American Christians embarrassed. One pastor we met has no vehicle, yet shepherds 4 churches. He hitch-hikes to one because it is 25 miles away, rides a bike to another that is 10 miles away, and walks to the others that are closer. And not only that, he is looking to start another home church in a distant neighborhood with no Christian presence.

 I was inspired. I saw people with very little resources making a great impact on their community. Our situation in Jonesboro is very different. We have freedom of speech, we have freedom of assembly, we have a beautiful church building, we have great avenues of communication, and we have great resources to do the work. God has given us all we need to make an impact in South Atlanta, but the most important resources is a changed life and an obedient heart.  

 May God do a great work through FBC Jonesboro, reaching people for Christ in our unique context. I pray that everyone would jump in and serve the Lord with all their heart. These are exciting days, and the wind of the Spirit is moving among us.