There is a Fresh Wind Blowing. Can You Hear the Nations Calling?

Dear Fellow Christian,

Something is in the air. Changes. New ideas. Are you curious yet?

Well, here it is;
After serious prayer I have agreed to extend our mission field into Cancun Mexico. Numerous times I was approached by pastors in the Yucatan to come and see what the dark site of Cancun looks like. Cancun has attracted many workers in the tourist industry from all over Mexico. People left their families and homes to pursue a dream that might set them free financially. Many were successful and are gainfully employed. The outskirts of the tourist city are proof of that. Block after block of row houses have been constructed, in the same monotonous cheapish style, to house them. They call them Colonies. But the not so fortunate, the ones who are not employed, built cardboard cities a stone throw away from the Colonies. Hundreds, even thousands of wires are tapped into the main power lines to provide illegal electric power to the self made structures. These areas are crime ridden as a survival tactic and hundreds of children are subjected to filth, unsafe water and sickness and more………. much more. Do I need to go on? You get my drift!

I am challenging you to pray about considering going with me to Cancun to work with local pastors. We will be setting up grids and interview those people without hope to see how we can help . We will supply them with water filters, introduce workshops on how to start a micro business, teach them about the love of God by bringing them the gospel and new hope. Are you ready to dive in?
The dates are as follows; Cancun Mission trip July 7- July 12
Cost; $1250 R/T Air and hotel all inclusive
Compulsory workshop June 22 – 24 Room and board provided
Culminating distribution meeting July 6

These are the 4 C’s to remember. Please pray, pay and go!!!

Serving HIM,

Johan

Beyond the Shimmering Streets and Golden Towers

Hidden Poverty in Cancun

Many have spent vacation time at glistening resorts, enjoying pristeen white beaches, jewel toned seas. Those glorious few days where every need is catered to the rat race of life slips away.

Imagine for a moment though what life is like for those who wait on us hand and foot during your brief excursions to utopia.  When they go home at night to their families, few enjoy even indoor plumbing and electricity.  Beyond the shimmering drives and golden towers is the hidden city of Cancun, Mexico, where many of the locals live.

Our post today is written by Johan and challenges us all to see beyond the normal perception.

Dear Fellow Christian,

I have been exposed to a new mission field during my travel from Cuba while in Cancun. Everybody thinks of a rich and beautiful place to vacation when Cancun is mentioned but while I was there post Cuba a local pastor named Ulisys took me on a tour of the outskirts of Cancun. I was disturbed about what I saw. Along the newly built loop around the city, tugged between the brush and denseness of the jungle, were hundreds of self constructed shacks. Hundreds of wires are grafted into each electrical pole where the unfortunate are stealing the electricity from the government so they have some comfort. Adjacent are the colonies where the more fortunate are living in small row houses. These are the ones who found work in the tourist industry. The ones in the shacks came to find work but did not. I asked Ulisys if these settlements were there before Cancun became known as a vacation destination to which he responded negatively. It is like going to the ghettos of Brazil. Ulisys asked me for advice and mentioned to have a piece of property adjacent to the ghetto. “how can we use this land to help these people?” he asked. My mind recalled what we are doing in Cuba and I responded by saying that we need to help them help themselves by teaching them how to fish.

Matthew 25:31-46 says: New International Version

^{Mt 25:31} “When the Son of Man comes ^u  in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne ^v  in heavenly glory.

^{Mt 25:32} All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate ^w  the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ^x

^{Mt 25:33} He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

^{Mt 25:34} “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom ^y  prepared for you since the creation of the world. ^z

^{Mt 25:35} For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ^a

^{Mt 25:36} I needed clothes and you clothed me, ^b  I was sick and you looked after me, ^c  I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ ^d

^{Mt 25:37} “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

^{Mt 25:38} When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?

^{Mt 25:39} When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

^{Mt 25:40} “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ ^e

^{Mt 25:41} “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, ^f  you who are cursed, into the eternal fire ^g  prepared for the devil and his angels. ^h

^{Mt 25:42} For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,

^{Mt 25:43} I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

^{Mt 25:44} “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

^{Mt 25:45} “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ ⁱ

^{Mt 25:46} “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. ^j  ” ^k

And 1 John 3:17 says: New International Version.

^{1Jn 3:17} If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, ^d  how can the love of God be in him? ^e

We are presently working on a possible trip to Cancun this summer and need workers, supporters and prayer warriors to consider getting involved. Maybe YOU can!!

Please contact me at Heart to Heart Fellowship: johankoenen@hthfellowship.org

Or Jkoenen@juno.com  or maybe you will want to call me at 972 8163565.

I know there are many needs across the globe but Cuba and Cancun are near and the expense is relatively low. Please pray and see how you could be a part of this new vision.

Serving HIM,

Johan Koenen                                                                                                                                                                                Heart to Heart Fellowship

Hidden Poverty in Cancun

Thank you, for giving to the Lord!

Baruc atah hashem Adonai, Melek ha-olam

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, King of the universe.

 

Not  many days ago, I was sleeping in the night, and I had a dream, a real dream. I was at a certain public place. About 10 people were there having a fellowship gathering, Cuban and American missionaries.  I walked to an American missionary in the room, and asked him, for how long have you been a helper to us? More than …- he replied. I knew the answer, but I was led to ask the question publicly in recognition to this missionary’s service (a slave to the good Master).   Then, in the dream, I broke into tears of thanksgiving to the Lord; I was taken into a spiritual  ecstasy. Suddenly, I was found before the Most High with my head bowed before Him in thanksgiving act. I saw old-aged American missionaries and Cuban missionaries who will pass away in years to come, and I also saw how  much they have been helping me and the church in Cuba. When I woke up, it was  about 3:00 AM; my eyes and my face were covered with tears, real tears. In my dream, the missionary represented  the people of God in America  and your love for Cuba and  for His people in Cuba as well. God bless America! God bless Cuba!

The dream is spiritually stronger and more real than I can tell by words.

• WHAT I SAY IS WHAT I MEAN:

À    The Bible principle for the dream is as follows: “Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if  you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. And if you give even a coup of cold water to one of these least  of my followers, you will be sure rewarded.” Mathew 10:40-41. NOTE: No other interpretation should be assumed.  THE MISSIONARY I ASKED THE QUESTION WAS JOHAN K.

…Thank you for giving to the Lord!, Shalom.

Abel Sama B.,

 

 

 

…a pastor in Cuba.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until we meet again….

 

We have had an unusually difficult time coordinating and delivering updates.  I believe this is in proportion to the good work that God is doing through the ministry and the body and the spiritual battles we go through delivering those testimonies.

Here is the last update from Cuba from Johan before he returned home.

On Saturday morning we went to the hotel where Dr. DB Martin was waiting for his transfer to the airport.  We had a good review of the past week of activities and despite some complications, the 77 year old reverend was very successful in teaching his seminar.  During our absence he had lost his wallet in a transfer from the seminary to the hotel, but was able to retrieve it after several phone calls.

After bidding DB goodbye we visited Susan, the lady with severe depression.  When she opened the gate to the fourth floor where she lived, I saw a light in her eyes that I had not seen before.  She was bubble and happy to see us.  She then opened the door to her apartment and to my surprise, it was totally cleaned up.  There was no more dust built up on her furniture.  The place was organized and tidy.  Everything had been cleaned and moved and she was so proud to let us know that because during our last visit to her she had found new hop and zest for life.  She is ow volunteering in a home for the elderly.  She is a new woman.  Praise the Lord for He is so good!

After leaving Susan, Miguel asked me to visit a lady who was a high ranking official in the government.  She lived in a special high rise for government officials.  As we approached the front entrance, security asked for the purpose of our visit and then called the lady to confirm our intent.  We were cleared to go up.  She met us at the door and welcomed us into her home.  She had been told about Christ before but had never made a decision.  After going through my testimony she responded; “I always knew there was more to the big bang than I was made to believe.  We have been lied to for all of these years.”  When I asked her if she was ready to put her faith in Jesus Christ, she wholeheartedly responded yes.  She has been serving right below Fidel Castro and now she is retired and wants to go to Spain where her ancestors left her an inheritance.  This has been refused by Fidel’s brother Raul.  She feels betrayed and is suffering this major disappointment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After we left “the Lady” we went to a small 400 sf house where a husband, wife and son (27) are living.  The son had a broken leg and his arm was heavily bruised.  We learned that the elevator he was riding up to the 4th floor in had malfunctioned and plunged down to the ground from the 3rd floor.  Miguel later told me that 3 weeks prior to my visit an apartment complex collapsed and 6 people had died and many more were wounded. The infra-structure of Havana is broken, rotted and disintegrating.  Balconies are falling off of the buildings.  According to Dr. Aymee, Miguel’s wife, there are hundreds of buildings in Havana alone that are in such poor condition that disasters are imminent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am grateful to God that I am living in the US and that I am so blessed.  I pray for the Cuban people, for their meager existence, for their hardships and for their oppressive government.  I pray that change is coming to Cuba shortly, and that the people may live a life of dignity and peace without fear of oppression.  May GOD bless CUBA!!!!!

Johan

Faithful Saints and a Special Call to Prayer

We can always expect to encounter distraction and opposition when we together enter into our journey to take the Good News to the Nations.  No matter what body part we are, the beautiful feet on the journey, the intercessors that gird us all in ceaseless prayer, the senders who watch from home or those of us that journey with the Holy Spirit from across the great Mission Bridge that separates us geographically, we are all connected.

I been especially struck this week as I have prayed to Johan, for Cuba and for the Church, that I recall memories of dear ones that I have spent time with, invested myself in and that have blessed me by investing themselves in me.  The memories are like pictures in a book in my heart.  And every one is rooted from a relationship. I also see that along the way in Johan’s journey he is acting to further relationships for many of us.  Seeds were planted in many of us to help in some way and this time we have a messenger delivering the harvest of those visions to help.  Whether it be socks for adopted children, hardware to enable technology to take them to some place closer to what we know or funding for budding micro-enterprises, each of these began with a personal relationship.

This is all to say that the most important thing that we can bring to the great island nation is ourselves, armed with the Good News of the Gospel and modeling the love that Christ came and brought to us all.

As I read and share the updates from the field, my heart is full from the relationships I have begun with so many that they are visiting.  Many other brothers and sisters I have not yet had the privilege of meeting and sharing a bit of life.  But through many of you, and your relationships with them, I am still a bit connected.  I yearn for the first hand memories, of just showing up and being blessed.  They are the pictures in the most vivid colors.

Latest update from Johan.

There is special prayer needed for Miguel and Aymee. Again the government is getting on his case for using a government building to hold church services and children´s ministry. There will be a special hearing on Tuesday and they are really making it very hard for Miguel. He says that all he ask for is an opportunity to witness and to be a testimony to the government.   Please have everyone remember them in their prayers this Tuesday at 10;00AM.

Thank you very much.

I will begin with an urgent prayer request for Pastor Miguel and his wife Ayme.  The government of Cuba has set a hearing with Miguel regarding

While we were on the road I was unable to connect to the internet.  At the hotel there was a car rental desk and when I walked up to ask if there was anything available, he showed me the only car he had left.  There is a big celebration of the history of the Cuban cigar and every hotel was booked and every car rented…except this one.  God knew I needed it.  It was however very expensive, $900. USD.

We left Havana on Monday after setting up Rev. Martin in the seminary.  We took Miguel’s mom with us to drop her off at his brother’s house in Cienfuegos.  We began to pick up hitchhikers right away and to date we have transported over 60 people. It is surprising that when we first began years ago, about 20% of the people knew about Christ.  Now, about 80% either know Christ or are interested.

We drove the first day for about 10 hours to Las Tunas, where Pastor Yoikender was waiting for us.  A warm welcome and a nice meal greeted us.  He put us up for the night.  I was happy to save the money, but when I finally retired I realized that I was not going to get much rest.  It was not a mattress, but a box spring that I was to sleep on.  I was glad it was morning so that I could get up and walk.  We had some breakfast of bread with mayonnaise and coffee, interrupting a meeting of the church leaders and were then on our way to Monte Verde outside of Mayari Abago, a small community with precious inhabitants.

We arrived in Mayari Abago in the middle of the afternoon.  The church boasts 4 men and some 30 women in its congregation.  The pastor, Alexander and his wife Irma live on the church property in a dwelling of less than 300 square feet.  Irma has a heart condition and is pregnant with their third child.  My heart went out to them when I learned of their small living quarters.  I was able to help them, through donated funds, to begin building an additional 2 bedrooms and living/dining room onto the existing structure.  Praise the Lord.  They were so grateful and committed to be accountable for the use of this funding.  After serving us a great meal, they presented their micro business to me.

Tree of Life, made by the ladies of the Cuban Church

I had previously asked them to make artisan crafts so that I could buy them and take them to the States.  They had done just that.  They have been making Trees of Life from electrical wire, pieces of wire and a stone.  They had also made some leather wall hangings and pan holders and wash cloths.  This is a start up micro business and they were very happy with the funds they received for their work.

Next was Los Indios and Sagua de Tenamo, about 3 hours away and we presented the plan of doing business to them.  They are so excited they can hardly wait to get started.  These places are close to Guantanamo Bay.  We met up with Raul, the pastor of the country church and rector of the seminary.  Again, they wanted to feed us but I could hardly eat since I was still full from the breakfast in Mayari.

We made a dash to Bayamo which was about 2 hours to the south, checked into a hotel and went to see pastor Alberto who was promised the startup of a pig farm.  The idea behind the micro business is that each individual eventually can become independent and learn how to multiply the money.

We delivered 2 Kindles and some MP3 players, which were donated by our brothers in the States.  You had to see their faces when they learned about these gifts.  What a blessing!  We were served a fantastic meal and had great fellowship with them.  By then the night was falling and I needed to catch up on my sleep since I had not had much.  We left Bayamo at 11 AM.

Our journey from there took us to Cienfuegos where Miguel’s brother lives and where we would spend the night.  We drove all day and part of the evening.  It is almost suicidal driving at night as there are horse drawn carriages everywhere since they have no lighting other that CD’s as reflectors.  Truck and bus traffic was very heavy, with light shining in on you and making it impossible to see them.  I prayed a lot when passing oncoming traffic that there was no one on my side of the road.  Even pedestrians and bicycles are common traffic with no reflectors or lights to identify them.

We arrived in Cienfuegos by 11:30 PM and I wanted to go to bed, but they wanted to feed me first.  I politely refused and told them I could not sleep with a full stomach.  Miguel;s brother and wife had given up their bed to accommodate me and I was grateful.

The morning came early and we prepared to go to Havana.  Miguel’s mother was going back with us and was ready to bring the whole farm with her.  Sausages, tomatoes, rice, beans, potatoes and milk.  Our empty cargo space was quickly filled up and Miguel had to stop her from bringing more.  We let at 11 AM and drove to Havana.  We picked up more passengers and entered the city limits by 2 PM.  By now, we had to drop off Miguel’s mother with her farm and proceed to our next meeting.

We had some more pastors to visit who were in Havana at that time.  They too were very happy with the vision of the micro businesses.  Tomorrow we will see off Rev. Martin and I will visit with a little lady by the name of Susan who was suffering from major depression during the last time I was there.  She has since come out of due to counseling and God’s hand upon her and wants to me to see first hand what God has done.

Sunday is to finish up the adoption program with about 12 more pastors.  Monday I will travel back to Cancun.  Tuesday, I will come back to reality, Dallas Texas.

We apologize for the delay in the updates.  May God bless you.

Johan

Day Two: Blessings in a Shower Head

I am struck today by how we all perceive blessings.  I’m specifically talking about those things we take for granted and come to expect without a second thought.  Whether it is the country we live in, or the lifestyle we have been accustomed to, we acknowledge our blessings based upon our perception.  Did you stop to think about the hot water that appeared as usual in your shower this morning?  Did you desire a new book, only to have it miraculously appear through the airwaves with only a click or two of effort?  Were you able to eat what you wanted, when and where you chose this week?  I challenge us all to look at the latest update from Johan in Cuba and change your perception a bit.  Most of all, I challenge you to see with fresh eyes the blessing of a God that loves us so much and knows us so well every single day.

 

7:10 came early.  I took a shower in the newly remodeled bathroom of my hotel and to my surprise, all of the equipment worked like a charm.  I had hot water, the shower head stayed where I put it and I was a happy camper.  Breakfast was at 8:30 and Pastor Miguel greeted us in our hotel lobby just as he had promised.  While working out the 19 day schedule, I realized it would be much better to have a car or we would not be able to get it all done.  CubaCar had a desk in the lobby and God had delivered the last car into my hands!  God is good!!

My traveling companion preached in a house church in the city of Lawton, about 40 minutes away and I spoke in a large house church another 30 minutes in the opposite direction.  In a previous visit I had met a man who had such large feet that he could not fit into any shoes available in Cuba.  I had taken a note and had brought 2 pairs of donated shoes size 13, one of which he fit into.  The other pair we gave to his son with the same problem, but he had some room to grow.  It was a true blessings.

We then visited Pan de Vida (Bread of Life) and donated all of the medicines and ink for the printer, as well as black DVD’s for the ministry.

Our third stop was Vision of Eden, our dear brother and educator of Aquaponics, Miguel Figuerido who needed some critical office supplies.

Our fourth stop was to Bonita, a Canadian Sister who teaches Greek to the Cuban pastors, where we left her a Kindle loaded with 347 Spanish Christian educational books.  She is also the intermediate person in our adoption program and added two new pastors to our list.

We completed our day just shortly before midnight.

Prayers that you are all doing well.

Serving HIM,

Johan

 

Day One: God is Never Late, but Always on Time

Havana Sunrise

In spite of ourselves, with our most earnest prayers, all of the best intentions and hard work, at the end of the day we are still at the mercy of life beyond our meager comprehension.  Many of us have all helped to prepare in some way another trip across the water to the Island Nation of Cuba.  Our ever faithful Mission Leader has gone to the Nation this week to share the Good News, offer encouragement to our brothers and sisters and come alongside them with resources that will make their ministry and life easier and more effective.   For those of you that have held this country, its precious inhabitants and those who serve them in intercession we are forever grateful.  Much planning and preparation takes place in the months between our trips across the bridge.  But, at the end of the day we submit it all, to our Father who’s plans are so much greater than we can comprehend and completed in a time that is perfect.  Every detail is like a perfectly orchestrated step in a grand ballet, never late and always on time.  As we travel with Johan over the next several days I challenge you to watch for our Makers fingerprints as He weaves the days ahead into a time of eternal investment.  I know I won’t be able to help pointing out a few of the God sighting that I see. 

I received the update below from Johan this morning dated late Sunday night.

Day One:  Travel Day

It is 10:30 PM and the first time I have had to myself.  God has been good.  Let me start with the beginning.

Saturday 2:30 AM cam early.  I packed my bag the previous night and a small voice told me to layer my medicines with foil paper.  Maybe the xray would not penetrate it.  I had tried to make reservations for parking the car in the long term lot, but the web told me that the first shuttle would run too late to catch my flight, but I took a chance and went anyway where I was blessed by a courtesy shuttle who followed me in and followed me to my parking space.   a blessing of favor.   I arrived at the terminal in no time at all.  As I entered the terminal there, although there were a few people milling around, there were no Airline personnel to be found.  After inquiring to security for the SkyWest desk, I was directed to the next building.  Rolling my luggage to the next building only to be told that the United terminal I needed to check in with was back where I started.  I returned to a few more people gathering, followed eventually by a ticket agent.  An hour and fifteen minutes later, we were finally checked in with 50 minutes before departure to spare for another journey to yet another terminal for the gate.   I was concerned for a moment but all worked out.  perfectly on time  Arrival in Houston with 50 minutes to spare, quick trek to another terminal via sky train.  It was an uneventful flight to Cancun with an arrival 10 minutes early.  Passport control was easy but then the xray machine spotted all the medicines.  I was ordered to place them back on the table and open the bag.  After seeing the contents, a staff medical doctor was called and after an inspection handed it back.  “Do you have papers showing the medicines are a donation?”  I did not.  “Do you have a letter from your government showing that these are a donation?”  I did not.  I saw it coming…”How much are these medicines worth?”  I have not idea!  They were a donation!  They could have charged me the import duty on the full price but since that was an unknown factor, they only charged me the minimum of 20. USD.  Thank God.  Proceeding outside, I met up with Reverend Martin, my traveling companion for the rest of the journey.  A courtesy shuttle trip later, a zoo adventure in the terminal complete with 3 lines and a large mountain of plastic bags waiting to be checked by Cuban travelers.  We were blessed not to be charged for our extra weight.  2 hours and 3 gate changes later, we boarded our flight and arrived in Havana 1 hour and 10 minutes late.  By now my nerves were getting the best of me.  Only once before had I been required to fill out entry forms that were so detailed with every item noted and money counted.  I filled out the paper and stuck it in my pocket…and never took it out to show anyone, because I was not asked.  I just prayed and prayed for God to let me through customs with no problems.  He did just that.  Either the foil had worked or God had turned the inspectors head.  I believe it was the latter.  OK people, I’m not even going to point out the obvious here.  I picked up my bag, walked to the green zone without an official even looking at me.  Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!  

Getting our ground transportation taken care of was only a small challenge in comparison to what I had just been through.  We arrived at the airport about 9:30 PM.  After some refreshment and time to sort out the donated items it was time to turn in.  Morning would come early.

Welcome Home Beautiful Feet

 

 

How beautiful are the feet of those who announce

the gospel of good things! Rom 10:15

 

 

 

What a glorious day it is that we will welcome home many of our Mission Team members as they return from Cuba.  We have gone with them in spirit to the Island Nation of Cuba and hopefully shared in the eternal joy of the great work that has been accomplished.

But I ask, “Did they not hear?”  Yes, they did; Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the inhabited world. Rom 10:18

 

As updates are beginning to come in from the island itself I continue to stand in awe filled praise for His mighty loving hand of protection.  Although confronted with distractions of bald tires,  government intervention and stories of the persecution of our saints in the island, no harm has befallen our missionary team.

Please continue to pray for our missionaries that are still serving in the field, that the Almighty Hand of Protection remain with them.

Our desire is for the continued intersession for the Nation and the Body of Cuba, protection for the workers and their families during times of persecution and trials.

We pray for the day of great resurgence, that the walls will crumble and this mighty nation will itself will go and make disciples of all nations.

As our travelers return home today I clearly am reminded of a loving Christ, who on the very night of His betrayal, through His actions taught us that He would expect nothing of us that He was not willing to do Himself.

“Do you know what I have done for you?.  You call Me Teacher and Lord.  This is well said, for I am.  So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash another’s feet.  For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you.”  John 13:12-15

 

So to you who have gone, you that have prayed or supported in so many ways….

Welcome home, beautiful feet.

Day 8 Until We Meet Again

It has been an incredible week of fellowship and ministry for our team.  The Sabbath began with Sunday Worship with Pastor Carlos and his Church and a time of fellowship with our Christian Band as we shared encouragement and support for all of their efforts.

The rest of the day was spent returning to Havana.  The team spent the week traveling with Pastors Miguel and Digmar.  They have written to me of anticipation and excitement over the last couple of months for this time with the team.  It means so much to them that we come and share life with them.  Your support, whether in prayer or material needs provides so much for the churches they serve.  You are all part of the Great Commission to the Island of Cuba.  I surely pray that you know the difference you make in the lives of so many with your tithes.

Today our mission team spent the day enjoying fellowship with one another and getting to see and experience life in Havana.

Havana Chinatown

They’ll have lunch in Guanabo and enjoy some fun on the crisp white beach.  This evening they’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with our host pastor and his family.

Guanabo Beach Cuba

 

Tomorrow will begin the travel home.

Until we meet again dear  brothers and sisters.

Day 6 Maybe We Need a Cuban Brownout

My day has been consumed with busyness. I pass myself occasionally, rushing around, tripping over my own thoughts..and feet, trying to accomplish the to-do list that has no end.

It’s a very good thing that I have committed to habit a quiet time, first thing in the morning before I open the door and let the world in. It’s my time in the garden, or on the porch more accurately. Quiet, in the dark, with only my bible, devotionals and my precious Father for company. It’s my time to seek direction for the day. Without this time I will rush through the day and miss most of what is important. I stretch my quiet time as long as I can, sipping on my first cup of insanely dark and sweet cuban coffee. i savor the wisdom and companionship I receive when I am only seeking the fellowship of my Father. Often I will bring others with me into the dark calm ocean of time that for a little while knows no time or distraction. Many of you have joined me through my thoughts and prayers into this quiet time.

This morning was one of my “check in with my friends and colleagues” morning. I love these mornings. it is intentionally scheduled on my calendar. It is not often possible to sit and enjoy the company of those I love in person while living in the mission field of rural America, or as I fondly describe it “Hooterville”. Instead I’ do the next best thing and pick up he phone. Down the list I started. Three people were in my thoughts and I started down the list. Voice mail greeted me instead of the gracious voices of the first two on my list. Computer generated quasi voices. No part of me desired to enter into a conversational response with dead air. My precious friends are busy important people. They don’t often have time to just sit and chat. I fondly understand and I can be a bit long winded sometimes as I delve into catching up with them. Relationships take time and investment. It is eternal work.

This all reminds me that all my Father really wants from me is my relationship, craving the time that I can just sit in the quiet place seeking His face.

My thoughts this week have never been far from Cuba, our mission team and our beloved Cuban Family. Today I was drawn into memories of the many times we found ourselves suddenly in a government enforced brownout. Much activity would cease. Family and friends would gather together and sit in fellowship, enjoying the quiet time and focusing on what was important. Relationships.

Maybe what I need, what we all need is a few more brownout to slow us down and send us into the quiet places.

Today we pray for our Mission Team as they fellowship and build relationships. May their days begin early, in the quiet of a garden place with the Father. May they be filled each morning with the Holy Spirit and may it overflow to the Island Nation.

Protect our loved ones Father. Guide them and fill them with your love and power so that they may be your hands and feet and equipped to share eternal gifts of comfort.