watching the waves splash up against it. But it’s heartbreakingto see the poverty in the country and how such a beautifulplace can be so rundown. Streets are lined with beautifulbuildings of Spanish architecture, each of them unique, butdecay is readily seen as rusted rebar is exposed by brokenconcrete.Yet, in the midst of the poverty and despair, it is evident thatGod is working. I’m always encouraged to see our brothersand sisters in the Lord. It brings great joy to my heart whenwe can deliver the materials they need. The Church in Cubais growing in spite of difficult circumstances. This time, I sawso much joy in the Christians, and how, while having so littlematerially, they have so much in the Lord.In every church service we attended, I saw faces shining sobrightly with Jesus, contrasted against the long faces of thepeople without God, without hope. The praise and worshipin the churches is lively and uplifting. The music wascontagious, and before long my foot was tapping and handseither clapping or raised in praise to God. Messages werepowerful and convicting. After the services, believers lingeredenjoying fellowship with each other.

THE HOUSE CHURCH WEATTENDED ON SUNDAYMORNING WAS PACKED.

The men’sBible study and children’s ministry met on the rooftop, whilethe ladies met downstairs. Another group was praying for theservice and the youth were meeting across the street inanother house. When the service started, we wound our wayback down the narrow staircase to a room packed withplastic chairs. Walls were lined with chairs as well, and thekeyboard and drums in the front of the room left very littlespace for the pulpit. Nobody complained as they packed in,rather they were grateful to get together to worship the Lord.Several men were standingoutside the door andwindows to listen to themessage.We were asked if wewould like to share a wordof greeting. We told themhow the Christians inAmerica love and pray forthem, which encouragedtheir hearts. I was able toshare how God is at workin China, Vietnam, andLaos. After the service, aman approached me and,through an interpreter, told me that he had walked awayfrom God, but today while walking by the house, he feltcompelled to stop and listen. We were able to pray with himto recommit his life to Jesus. Praise God!

CUBA PARA CRISTO (CUBA FOR CHRIST)It was a blessing to make another trip to Cuba.The tropical climate is welcoming,and the balmy air isinvigorating.I love the ocean,walking along the seawall,

THE ISLES,AND THE INHABITANTSTHEREOF… LET THEM GIVE GLORY UNTOTHE LORD,AND DECLARE HIS PRAISEIN THE ISLANDS.ISAIAH 42:10-12

During the week, wevisited several prayermeetings. The peoplewere praying for eachother, for their country,and for the rest of theworld. I was blessed tohear so much prayerbeing lifted up to theFather. Everywhere wevisited, the pastorswould ask about ourbrothers and sisters inChina and Vietnam.They pray for ourpersecuted brothers andsisters daily. The CubanChurch is a praying and worshipping church! - - PatrickWhat a privilege to see the work of God in Cuba and to bethe answer to people’s prayers. I am grateful God gave me theability to go and the passion for Cuba. I’m also addicted togetting Bibles and supplies into a restricted country.This was my third trip to Cuba. Ever since my first one, Ihave carried a Peso in my pocket as a constant reminder topray for the church, its leaders and the people. I pray that thechurch body will be so strong that, if religious groups areever allowed to freely enter the country, it will be able tostand up to cult groups; that when false doctrines arepresented, Christians would be able to show, from the Bible,where the cults are wrong.

SINCE BIBLES ARE SCARCE,PEOPLE HAVE TO EARN THEM.

Discipleship is very strong in Cuba, and when someone is ledto Christ, they are discipled for one year. They learn what tobelieve, why to believe it, and how to share their beliefs.After a year, they understand their relationship with Christ,and then they are baptized. After baptism, they are eligible toreceive a Bible – if one is available. Every pastor I talked withhas believers who don’t have Bibles. Two shipping containersof Bibles were delivered to Cuba and VBB contacts reportthey were received and distributed among the churches.

IT IS EXCITING TO HEARCUBAN PASTORS SHARE HOWTHEIR CHURCHES AREGROWING.

Every month, several are praying toreceive Christ and every quarter more are baptized. Withtheir limited ability to travel, church groups engage in missionprojects within the country. Each church has outreachministries, e.g, baseball games in the parks and witnessing tothe neighbors who come out to play ball with them.Our team met with one or two pastors everyday. I saw tearsin the eyes of a pastor when given a flannel graph set,because he had been praying for one for his Sunday Schoolprogram. I heard prayers for more Bibles and people willingto bring them in. One pastor prayed for the money to pay forthe materials needed for his parsonage foundation, and Godtold him someone would knock on his door with the money:we did just that.We were also the answer to many prayers as we deliveredmoney for pastors’ support. It is a humbling experience tohear them pray that God would bless us and our familiesbecause they are so grateful for the work we are doing. Whenpossible, they cooked the very best meal they could afford toshow us their appreciation.

VBB HAS STARTED APROGRAM CALLED VISION FORPASTORS

which provides an opportunity to supporta pastor in Cuba for $25.00 per month. The average couplein a city makes about $20 per month. According to the rationbooks we saw, the monthly ration per person in Cuba(contingent upon the government having these items)consists of:5 pounds of rice5 pounds of sugar1 pound of black beans1 pound of cooking oil1 half of a chicken leg5 eggs1 bar of soap for bathing1 pack of matches1 dinner roll per day1 roll of toilet paper