Experiencing God’s Work in Cuba

Bob Gustafson
Jun 3
5 min read

Updated: Aug 4

It’s hard to describe the experience of standing in the middle of Havana, Cuba. You are surrounded by classic cars, rich history, and the sound of worship echoing from a home-turned-church. There is a passionate spirit for God in Cuba.

This month, we are excited to share what God is doing through Going Global’s partnership with Cuban leaders, especially Pastor Manuel and the Power & Light Network. These leaders are not just building churches; they are fueling a movement of unity. They are sharing the good news of Jesus and training individuals to shape the spiritual future of their nation.

A Nation Changed by Prayer

Cuba has a rich history and vibrant culture, but today, it’s also known for something else: a deep spiritual hunger. For many years, Pastor Manuel and his team have faithfully served the Cuban church. Their story began in brokenness. Years ago, Manuel's wife faced a challenging battle with lupus, leaving her bedridden and hopeless. In their darkest hour, two women knocked on their door. They were strangers sent by God. They prayed and shared the gospel. That morning, Manuel gave his life to Christ. Within weeks, his wife experienced a miraculous healing. Doctors had predicted she had three months to live. That was 27 years ago. This divine intervention restored their health and launched a ministry that would impact thousands.

Facing Death, Hearing God

Manuel’s testimony includes many miracles. While serving in eastern Cuba's mountainous regions, he contracted cholera, a deadly illness. He was near death on a dirt road, miles from a hospital. Lying on the ground, unable to speak, he heard God's audible voice: “Though she may forget, I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15).

That word brought him peace and ultimately, healing. Hours later, he woke up in a hospital, alive against all odds. This moment launched Manuel into a life of ministry.

Power & Light School: Raising Up Ministry Leaders

Today, Pastor Manuel leads the Power & Light Evangelism School. This ministry equips nearly 2,000 students every year across Cuba. These students go on to preach the gospel, disciple believers, and plant churches. The school is not limited to one denomination. It draws leaders from every corner of the island, creating a unifying force.

Power & Light is also a network of over 74 churches meeting in homes due to restrictions on building new structures. Students graduate equipped with knowledge and a passion for evangelism. They serve in unreached communities, often walking or biking long distances to share the gospel.

Reaching the Next Generation: Children’s Outreaches Across Cuba

One vibrant aspect of this ministry is its commitment to reaching children. Outreach events occur throughout Cuba, drawing 100 to over 1,000 children at a time. These events are filled with joy, worship, Bible teaching, games, and a clear presentation of the gospel. Churches are trained and mobilized to host these events in both rural and urban communities. Many children attending come from families not yet part of a local church, making these outreaches powerful for evangelism. Over a year, thousands of children are reached, many giving their lives to Jesus and setting the foundation for a new generation of believers in Cuba.

Church at Home

Due to limitations on constructing church buildings in Cuba, most congregations meet in private homes. Living rooms become sanctuaries. Garages turn into pulpits. Backyards fill with chairs and the sound of worship. We visited one such church, a converted garage overflowing with people. The dining room walls had been knocked down to create more space. The entire house transformed into a worship center and was completely full. This reflects the reality across Cuba. Pastors open their homes, and God shows up in powerful ways.

Partnering for the Harvest

For nearly two decades, Going Global Inc. has partnered with Pastor Manuel and the Power & Light team. Our goal has been to reach the next generation. We’ve facilitated ministry training, supported children’s and youth events, contributed to leadership development, and supplied much-needed resources.

Now is the time to add fuel to the fire. There is a significant need to:

Expand training centers for leaders and children’s workers
Provide reliable transportation for Pastor Manuel and his team
Equip churches with resources to serve their communities more effectively

We left Cuba deeply changed. We witnessed a thriving church. A people who give generously, worship joyfully, and pray expectantly. A generation is rising!

Let’s keep going!

Bob Gustafson

President - Going Global Inc.

Story of Revival

Meeting with the President of the Council of Cuban Churches

We had the joy of meeting the President of the Council of Cuban Churches. He praised Manuel and shared a touching story.

After the revolution, many churches in Cuba were closing. One woman stood in the gap. Rita Rodríguez was the last member of a church in Cuba that had dwindled to almost nothing. As leaders debated closing, Rita made a heartfelt plea: “Don’t close the church. Even if it’s only me, I will stay.” And she did.

Week after week, Rita prayed and waited. Eventually, a preacher began arriving every couple of months to minister to her. What started as a small gathering became the seed of revival.

That church, once thought to fade away, became part of a wave of growth and revival that led to 50,000 believers in Cuba about 20 years ago. Eighteen years ago, we began working with Manuel, and there are now 2 million Cuban believers! Revival begins with faith. Cuba is experiencing the fruits of hope, thanks to “Ritas” across the island.

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. We are blessed to serve alongside those on the frontlines of ministry.

Andaman Orphans Update

A recent mission trip to the Andaman Islands at Love Children's Home

We received an update from Raja and Sheeba in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands about Love Children’s Home. Their nation is implementing regulations that will increase the expenses of running the orphanage. Raja and Sheeba are no strangers to trusting God in challenging times. They are trusting God to provide for these new regulations, and we need to join them in this trust.

Thank you for joining us in prayer and generosity towards Love Children’s Home and these precious children.

Food For Thought

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9

When we plant corn, we reap corn. When we plant soybeans, we yield soybeans. Do good for others; we experience good things in our lives. Don’t grow tired of helping others, especially the poor and downcast.

Prayer Requests

You can be an essential part of our ministry by praying for us. Prayer is a powerful weapon, and we value your prayers. If you would like us to pray for you, please email your prayer requests to us. Here are some specifics to pray for:

We thank you in advance for praying for the following:

Pray for your pastor and family
Pray for the revival in Cuba
Pray for the orphanage in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Pray for upcoming trips to Kenya and Cuba

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 remains our heart today. Thank you for praying and partnering with us. Together, we can achieve much!

Dennis & Robin Nonnemacher