Cuba Mission Trip 2023
Great things are happening through your support and prayer at Going Global Inc. all around the world. In July we travelled to Cuba to come alongside Pastor Manuel and his team to support the dreams that God’s placed on their hearts for reaching their nation for Christ. We have worked in Cuba since 2005, and it is wonderful to see what is happening all over the nation today. Manuel has three pillars of the ministry in Cuba: Children’s Ministry, Power and Light Bible School, and The Local Church.
Children’s Ministry
There was a prophetic word given to Dennis Nonnemacher in 2009 while on a trip to Cuba — The nation of Cuba would experience the goodness of Jesus by reaching the children. Since then God’s favor has been evident over our partners located in Havana. By supporting, encouraging, and training them, we have seen thousands of children presented with a relevant gospel message through children’s outreaches lead by Manuel and the team. These outreaches flow through the local church, where the church is built up, equipped, and trained during these events. By reaching children, the church is growing in Cuba, where testimonies like that of Adriana are happening all the time.
Adriana is the young girl seen in this picture. She was invited to attend a children’s outreach, where she heard the gospel and gave her life to Christ. From here, Adriana has become a worship leader in her church and is filled with God’s love—really such a sweet girl. Here is where the story gets fun, after joining the church, Adriana invited her dad and mom to attend, and after seeing how God changed their daughter, they were happy to go. Adriana’s parents are now leaders in the church, where they serve as assistant pastors. The story just keeps getting better; after seeing the family transformed, Adriana’s grandparents started coming to church, where they became Christians too! Generations are being reached with the power of the gospel in Cuba by reaching the children! God is good and we are thankful that you support and pray for Going Global Inc. as we work together.
Power and Light Bible School
There are 2,000 students enrolled in Power and Light Bible School all over the nation of Cuba. These schools are meeting in local churches, where men and women from 13 to 90 years old are being discipled, trained, equipped, and sent to make a difference. We had the privilege to participate in a graduation during our mission trip, where we got to see first hand the impact of this ministry. The local church is being supported with their discipleship process, built up as they find a place to serve, and the churches are reaching the lost as a result. My mom always saw the value of generations working together—young to old. During the graduation I had a chance to speak and encourage the graduates. The sermon was dedicated to my mom, because I was so touched to see the 87 year old graduate and the 14 year old graduate linking arms together to see people meet Jesus and be transformed by His love. The Bible says that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. We praise God for the laborers that are being raised up through this ministry.
The Local Church
Churches just like the one seen here are meeting all around Cuba. The sanctuary is in the garage of a house, permanently setup with benches, a sound system, and even a pulpit. Anywhere from 40-200 people will gather on Sunday mornings, and the sound of worship and people shouting, “amen” is heard through the neighborhood. Some homes will have everyone gather for church, then conduct a children’s service immediately following the church service. Some churches find ways of having the children meet in a neighbor’s garage or even find the means to build a space for kids. The church grows by reaching their neighbors, as they will go and invite them to worship, small group, or even by sharing a meal. The children’s outreaches will attract families where these churches meet. The children’s team will go out and invite them to join the children’s service, and it’s here that parents are also presented with the gospel.
One fun story was at the kids service that took place at Pastor Manuel’s church on Sunday morning. The clowns went all around the neighborhood inviting kids to come to the children’s outreach. Dozens of kids piled into the garage/sanctuary to sing, dance, laugh, and hear about Jesus. Outside stood one of the dads, triple fisting his late Sunday morning beer. He shared with me how grateful he was that his son was hearing about Jesus and how Cuba will benefit from the youth that have faith. Manuel took some time to show this man love and acceptance. I am praying that this family would come to know Jesus, would you join me?
Bob Gustafson
Vice President, Going Global Inc.
Mission Thoughts from Pastor Betz Castro
Walking down the streets of Old Havana, I attempted to take in the fact that I was actually there. As I looked around, all I could see was decaying buildings and roads with potholes. My emotions turned from happiness to sadness and then to anger. Why was it so bad here? I knew that the economy was poor, but it’s difficult for people living in this poverty. Then a familiar voice came in my head, “You’re gonna love Cuba." I didn’t at that moment. Speaking to my wife later, I told her what I saw, and she told me to look beyond the decay and see the people. Once I did that, my perspective was transformed.
Manuel is the director of Power and Light Ministry. The conversations we had were rich with details of the current state of the nation, the spiritual condition, and culture. Manuel has big plans, and he has put them into action with the help of organizations like Going Global Inc.
Going Global Inc. has touched many nations with the gospel and with aid towards pastors, orphans, single mothers, and widows. Manuel was about to have an outreach for pastors and leaders to train them for children’s work. They dress up as clowns in order to reach hundreds of children. Through the games, entertainment, and prizes, they are able to pass along Bible lessons with the message of salvation at the end. It is because of events like these that a little girl that attended an event once said to her father, “All I want for my birthday is for you to go to church with me.” Today, three generations of that family have come to Christ. That’s where it all began for this family, and today the father is the right hand to a pastor. This little girl’s grandparents have come to the faith as well. It is truly an amazing testimony of what Power and Light is doing in Cuba with the help of Going Global Inc. and others!
As my days were coming to an end, I said to Bob Gustafson, “I would definitely come back here.” The reality that hit me was a need for more spiritual breakthrough. We can’t change the economy or culture, but we can change lives through the gospel. Now when I think back to my time there, I just remember the people and, of course, the food. It is my hope that more can be done to bring the gospel to the people of Cuba. They are not looking for a handout, but are willing to put in hard work with what is entrusted to them. I was truly impressed by all that they do to share the gospel. One day I hope to go back with others from my church and enjoy a plate of Ropa Vieja with some strong coffee. Thank you to all who give to Going Global Inc.to support ministries like these.
Food For Thought
“Put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel.” Josh 23:23 ESV
You say “I don’t serve idols.” That may be true in a sense. You don’t serve statues made of stuff! That’s good. But do you trust in anything, anybody, or yourself over God in all situations? Let’s follow Joshua. “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Prayer Requests
You can be an important part of our ministry by praying for us. Prayer is a weapon of warfare, and we covet your prayers. If you would like us to pray for you, e-mail your prayer requests to us. Please pray for the following:
We thank you, in advance, for praying for the following:
Pray for your pastor and family.
Pray for Manuel and his family.
Pray for our government leaders.
Pray for wisdom as we plan travel.
Ministry Goal
“And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.” Luke 24:31
We founded Going Global Inc. in 2007 with this ministry goal. It is still our heart today. Thank you for praying and partnering with us. Together, we can do a lot!
Dennis & Robin Nonnemacher
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