A Lifeline of Hope

Amid ongoing power outages and food shortages, our sibling congregation in Placetas, Cuba, continues to be a lifeline for its community. This week, we received a message through WhatsApp from Xiomara, one of the congregation’s oldest members.
Xiomara lived through the Cuban Revolution in the 1950s and remains an active leader in the church. She helps teach Sunday morning classes, participates in community programs throughout the week, and has repeatedly opened her home to members of Grace during our visits to Placetas.

Recently, a donation of rice, beans, and other essential food arrived for the church family. Xiomara wrote:
“Since I am the oldest in the group, I want to express our gratitude and let you know just how important this food is to us. We are truly going through very difficult times in Cuba, and this is something to be thankful for. So, thank you to the church, thank you to all of you, and thank you to God. It is very important to thank God for placing this desire in your hearts. Goodbye. Sending you a big hug.”

It is easy to feel helpless or discouraged when we hear about the dire conditions facing the people of Cuba. Yet God continues to work through the generosity our congregations share, through the prayers exchanged on WhatsApp, and through our unity as the Church, the Body of Christ in the world.

I am filled with gratitude and hope because of our connection with the people of Placetas, and I continue to pray that conditions will improve. I encourage you to hold Xiomara, the congregation, and the entire community in your prayers as well.

We are grateful for the faithful work of Darcy Eads and for everyone whose contributions have made this ministry possible. We are planning to return to Placetas in December. If you would like to learn more about the trip, please contact Carolyn Shaw. If you would like to support our ongoing ministry in Placetas click here or help make the December trip possible here, you may contribute through the giving page on the church website.

What a privilege it is to participate together in God’s work of compassion, hope, and love.