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REPORT BY: Bethan Jones-Erlenbach (Cardiff, UK) I don’t know if words or pictures can truly capture what was accomplished on the island of Cuba over three weeks in April 2008. What I do know is that a tangible Jesus was at work in and through the lives of the 22 people that travelled from the UK and Canada. The work was beautiful – alive – magnetic - a masterpiece! We started planning and preparing for our trip six
months prior to departure and God met us with love and encouragement at
every junction. This happened in the way of financial provision,
miracle healing, material resource and in our personal walk with God.
God accomplished things in us before we left and as a result we took
natural and spiritual wealth and the confidence to deliver - but it was
the Holy Spirit who took what we had and made it grand.
It
was He who really ensured the right people were on the right teams,
that our bags contained the right goodies for the people we met. He
even positioned the right people to minister into the right churches
and as a result we were extremely blessed.
God,
who holds everything in orbit, held the details of our trip to Cuba in
His gentle grip. Using ordinary people – he did extraordinary things.
Through us, God did what only God can do. He used our words to bring
salvation, healing and restoration from sickness, disease and despair.
He used our hands to extended His blessing and encouragement and He
brought great joy. He filled His people with His Spirit and empowered
them for life. Through our feet, we walked remote and dirty roads to
simply bring the love of God, where many thought the love of God would
not come.
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Through the generosity of His
people, we were able to deliver new clothes (for all age groups), linen
& towels, sewing products and sewing machines, a laptop computer
and projector, medicines, vitamins and first aid products. Puppets,
hand coloured pictures and letters had also been sent with us for the
children’s ministry. Through the kind financial offerings, youth
ministered to youth and we were able to deliver more than enough money
to send 1500 youth (aged 18 – 35yrs) to their summer conference.
We
knew His protection and health for ourselves and for our families at
home because our churches were praying for us and the churches we
visited prayed for us.
Above all we met people. God’s people.
People who shared what they had with us. People who were ready to
encounter a real God. People who showed us kindness and love. People
who expressed their love for God with passion. People who were
expectant that God would do something extraordinary … and when He did,
great joy filled the house.
We travelled over 5,000km to meet
these people and we learned that they were serious about seeing God
reveal Himself in the earth. They are seeing church growth, the
miraculous and are knowing personal strengthening and equipping through
the teaching they have received through many of us who have travelled
to their nation. God is being victorious in their lives, in their
streets, in their nation.
Here’s what some of
the team had to say:
"I felt so touched and humbled by the people that served us. They made such an impact on me wherever we went. We went with the intention of serving on a mission team, but I always felt that what we received far outweighed what we gave." Sara Cosgrove, Huddersfield, UK
"Naomi and I have come away from the week feeling challenged, encouraged and excited but most of all with a sense of what a huge privilege it is to serve God in building His kingdom." Andrew and Naomi Shaw, Swansea, UK
"My heart was made glad going to Cuba. I absolutely loved every minute of every day. Loved being useful for Jesus. Absolutely loved the people. I loved being able to pray for families. I loved the fact that God was there for me when I stepped out of the boat and I have learnt to trust Him. I loved seeing people giving their lives to Jesus and seeing people being healed and delivered, wow how amazing is our God!" Alison Reynolds, Cardiff, UK
"What I liked about the trip is that we were ready for anything!" Alison Lloyd, Huddersfield, UK
"What was wonderful about what we did is not only that we were going out to Cuba to bless our brothers and sisters, but God was working in our lives as well. God is the ultimate gardener." Jonathan Sheffield, Wakefield, UK
"Since returning from Cuba, one thing God has been reminding me of is that He is the same God in Canada as He is in Cuba. The Holy Spirit is the same in me regardless of which country I am in or what the situation is. I have found myself “louder” and more confident about who He is and what we are capable of through Him." Megan Barwell, Ottawa, Canada
"Cuba – a land of beautiful people who are passionate and committed to seeing the Glory of God fill their land. What will stay with me, and encourage and spur me on is their dedication towards living a life full of the Holy Spirit. They know that it’s “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts.” (Zach.4:6) Michelle Ramdhanie, Ottawa, Canada
You may not see their faces or know their personality, but pray for the people you have never met. When you have the opportunity to sow your time, your finance or resource, do it all the more knowing that God is accomplishing so much. At 10am GMT every day, know that churches across the island of Cuba are called to corporate prayer for you because they know a big God who does big miracles.
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