In the last few years the evangelical churches in Cuba have seen huge growth in the midst of poverty and restrictions. Pastor “Néstor” lives in an apartment with his wife. His church
meets in a room in which the congregation fit like sardines. “One of the things that makes us grow in our faith is the hardships and restrictions,” says pastor “Néstor.” In the midst of the restrictions on church buildings, the Baptists and the assemblies of God have see huge growth in the number of house churches. Despite the scarcity of resources, there is an evident hunger for the gospel throughout the island.
This is why the house churches are crammed full on Sundays. So Juan Stam carries on with his presentation to Fidel Castro (from Day 20): “ I finished my answer by telling him how John from Patmos criticises the Roman Empire for its economic injustices, bloody militarism and idolatry. I had written much about these things so I felt then that God had been preparing me to speak of them to one of the most prominent figures of our day, in what was an unexpected opportunity.
When I finished, Fidel answered, ‘You are very right, I see that the Jesuits didn’t teach me the Apocalipsis (Revelation) properly. Half way through the conversation we were able to speak to Fidel of our faith in the God of love, about life and justice. ‘Many atheists reject a false god, who is not the true God,’ we said. At around 2am, Fidel told us he had another meeting to
attend, but said he had one final question: ‘You are evangelicals; tell me what that means? Maybe I’m one of you without knowing it’!
Our leader, Israel Batista, didn’t miss the opportunity, and expounded the Gospel in a manner that Fidel would clearly understand. At the end of his words he suggested we all stand to pray. Fidel stood too, and Israel led us all in prayer. As we left the office, a member of Fidel’s staff asked me to send him some written material about the topic. He assured me that Fidel would read it. The following day we had a meeting with the Director of Religious Relations, a man by the name of Balaguer. He began by saying, ‘They tell me you had a very interesting conversation with Fidel about the Book of Revelation. Well, I have a question too…’ It showed me that there was huge interest in Revelation and in the Word of God in general.”
Source: Mundo Cristiano TV; Protestante Digital; Revival Media
Bible Study: 1 Peter 3:15
APRIL: Praise God that other members of the Cuban government showed interest in the Word of God. Pray WIDER that many of them may seek Christ in repentance.