Pastors and church leaders sit in rapt attention as they listen to a leadership development seminar being translated in Spanish.I had long wanted to visit Cuba, Jamaica's nearest neighbour, a mere 90 miles away. I especially wanted to go while President Fidel Castro was still at the helm. Persons who had visited the communist isle before me, often said they feared that when the embargo is lifted Cuba would lose its 'innocence', and would move from one extreme to the other to become a kind of moral cesspool such as is often evoked by the mere mention of places like Las Vegas.
The opportunity to visit came when I enlisted last month as part of the 15-member team from a Corporate Area church. The visit was for one week. Shortly after arriving in Cuba, the team divided itself in two groups and went to separate districts in the eastern end of the island.
Towards the end of the week, both groups regrouped and compared notes. Our findings were remarkably similar. We found that the Christian churches in Cuba were vibrant but in need of friendly co-operation with churches outside the country, especially as such relates to the training of pastors and lay leaders.
Cuba is populated by 11.2 million persons, most of whom are armed with an infectious Latin warmth, humility and hospitality. Operation World, the renowned handbook on the state of Christian witness in churches worldwide reports that almost 47 per cent of the population describe their religion as 'Christian.' It points out too that "The 1992 Constitution declared Cuba 'secular' and discrimination against Christians illegal. In practice, periodic harassment of Catholics and Evangelicals continues."
Cuba's public debt stands at 77 per cent of Gross National Product and per capita income stands at about US$1,170.
The Cuban Christians, indeed even the non-Christians are the incarnation of the verse that says "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content."
Many Cubans are without jobs. Food rations and various forms of 'hustling' serve to keep meals on their tables. Some, however, are itching to see the end of the Castro regime as they believe it to be the number one stumbling block to that nation's economic, social and political advancement. Yet many love their country, are fiercely patriotic and would not want to leave it, despite acknowledging limitations on their personal freedoms, economic hardships - exacerbated by the decline of the Eastern Communist bloc. Santiago de Cuba, the province where we stayed on the first and last nights of the mission, boasts narrow streets and dilapidated-looking and discoloured buildings like downtown Kingston. If you want to make a fortune whenever Cuba embraces the free-market system, invest in the paint business. A whole lot of buildings do not seem to have had a painting job since the 1959 Revolution.
At almost every turn in Santiago there were uniformed law enforcement officers on routine patrol. We were warned to travel with our passports everywhere we went because at anytime these officers could ask to view them. We were thankfully never asked.
Driving throughout the countryside, one could see how Cuba could become an eco-tourism powerhouse whenever they get their act together. They already have the benefit of a disciplined and educated workforce which goes no short way to complement the required capital injection needed. In Cuba, churches that were in existence before the Revolution have the 'right' to acquire land and property. Those that were not around then cannot erect a building or acquire property. Consequently, many churches were formed in the homes of its members. By law house churches are not to have meeting where the attendance is more than 15. Though the law is still on the books, the Government has been lenient in recent years. This law, however, is actually a blessing in disguise as it served to secure the rapid multiplication of the churches. Hence as soon as a church grew to about 15, it was divided and a nucleus was established in another home to start another church meeting there. In the end, it helped to develop leaders more rapidly and it ensured greater mutual accountability and pastoral care of the few in attendance. Some of these churches were convened in the homes of pastors. This, of course, is a less than desirable situation. It served to cramp the time pastors should have for their families.
In recent years, restrictions on church life have been lifting. Persons can now go on the streets and hand out gospel tracts. That was a 'no-no' up to about 1999. The teams conducted daily vacation bible school (VBS) at the locales where we stayed in eastern Cuba. We were able to do so with the aid of translators from various churches. And believe it or not, despite the cumbersome nature of teaching through a translator, audiences sat in rapt attention and held on to every word spoken. I noticed a preponderance of children, young adults and the elderly at these meetings. However, there was in my view a disappointing turn out of teens. And I am still not certain what accounted for that.
There is a dire need for books, especially those that are printed in Spanish. Cuba is not like Jamaica where one can easily walk into a Source of Light or a Christian Literature Crusade bookstore and make a purchase. There are hardly any such stores in Cuba. I certainly did not see one at any time during my stay. There are quite a few persons serving in pastoral capacities who have had no formal education as a minister of the gospel. But thankfully these persons are teachable and willing to learn. Gifts of books and teaching materials will go a far way. Many would rather read Christian books than to watch the dull and boring television. Jamaican churches can help Cuban church leaders by sponsoring their short and long-term training here.
While there, I was told also of the need for pharmaceuticals as there is a shortage in the health stores. Here is an avenue for medical missions.
As with any missions trip, be prepared when you go to Cuba to experience some culture shocks. For me, the biggest shocks, came in the form of their transport and hygienic practices. In Santiago and the country areas where I stayed, old and modern cars were used for taxis as were bicycles (some with specially built passenger apparatus) and horse-drawn carriages. It was nothing strange to see someone purchasing bread or a cake and walking with it in their hands - uncovered. Paper bags and or scandal bags, for the protection of food, are not a common sight there.
Cubans are a remarkably healthy people it would seem to me. Most of them are slim and trim a profile no doubt enhanced by the fact that they walk a lot and many (men and women alike) ride bicycles regularly.
If you decide to go on a Christian missions trip to Cuba, try not to carry too much 'dress up clothes,' and gentlemen carry your windbreaker or sweaters but definitely don't wear a jacket to church, or you might be the only one so attired. Be careful what you say about President Castro. Many Cubans don't call him by name. Some estimates say that one in every 10 persons is a Government spy. Many will want to converse with you while you are there so ensure that you brush up on your Spanish to get out a few phrases to make conversation possible.
Cuban immigration authorities will not place a stamp in your passport. But it can't hurt nevertheless to ask them not to - just to be on the safe side. All you really need for entering Cuba is an address where you will stay and a tourist card, which is available at both our international airports. Cross-cultural missions is what the churches are supposed to be involved in, it is a central part of its Biblical mandate. Every Christian who is able to should embark on a short-term missions trip in a foreign culture at some time. In such trips, God sows the seeds for churches to produce missionaries to serve in the areas of the world where they are most needed. Those churches that support missions in their giving and in their sending, usually experience the evident favour of God.
Mark Dawes is a Senior Staff Reporter. Send feedback to dawesmark@hotmail.com
