🌪️ Hurricane Melissa Hits Cuba: Standing with Our Brothers and Sisters in Need
Imagine losing nearly everything overnight—your home, your belongings, the little you had—while struggling to care for your family in a place where help is rarely close at hand. This is the reality now facing so many in Cuba, after Hurricane Melissa’s devastating blow. Our partner pastors and their families have found themselves in the eye of the storm, not just weathering the wind and flooding, but also fighting for hope, for community, and for the basics of daily life.
While we were ministering in Oaxaca, a storm was brewing..
We just returned from Mexico, hearts full after a wonderful time of ministry. But today our eyes are on Cuba, where our friends are hurting and crying out for support. We can’t ignore their need. And together, we won’t.
Dawn, Jonathan, and I are grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside Pastor Eliel and Jessica Osorio and their church, Hospital de Fe, in Oaxaca. We look forward to sharing stories from that trip soon. But today, our hearts are focused on an urgent need—Hurricane Melissa, which tore through Jamaica and has now ravaged parts of Cuba with flooding and destruction.
Pastors and Families in Need
This week, Hurricane Melissa brought heavy flooding and property damage to parts of Cuba. Our dear friends Pastor Justo and Pastor René have sent photos and updates about how the pastors and families we partner with are doing.
Several of our partner pastors, including Pastors EliaquĂn and Marielena, Sixto and Melkis, and Arcadio, were directly affected. Many families have lost what little they had, and recovery will take time. Please join us in praying for protection, provision, and strength for the Church as they care for one another through these difficult days.
Communication in Cuba is never easy, even under normal conditions. But in the wake of this storm, it has been even more challenging to stay in touch and check on everyone’s safety.
Hurricane Melissa’s Aftermath in Cuba: A Glimpse of the Damage
Today, Pastor EliaquĂn sent me a video showing the flooding and destruction near his home. It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation and to know how much the people are already suffering even without this latest setback.
Extend your Hands to Bring Hope and Help
We are working now to send emergency aid to those most in need. There is an urgent need for:
- Help to rebuild and repair homes
- Food and clean water
- Blankets and clothing
We’d like to ask you to partner with us to meet these pressing needs.
Would you prayerfully consider sending a gift today — $25, $50, $100, $500, or more — to help these families recover?
“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” — Matthew 10:42
🧸 Hannah’s Toys of Hope: Light Amid the Storm
In the midst of all this suffering, we thank God for the ongoing ministry of Hannah’s Toys of Hope (Juguetes de Esperanza), which continues to bring joy, hope, and the gospel to children and families throughout Cuba.
Through this outreach—led by Pastor René and Yarelis, Sara, and Yaima, and supported by our faithful partners, hundreds of children who have never owned a toy are hearing about the love of Christ.
God is using this ministry not only to bless families but also to open doors for new church plants in unreached areas. Even in hardship, the light of Christ is shining brightly across the island.
🙏 Please Pray for Cuba:
- That the Lord would strengthen His Church in Cuba, meet every need, and use these trials to advance His Kingdom.
- For the pastors and families most affected by the hurricane — Pastors EliaquĂn and Marielena, Sixto and Melkis, and Arcadio.
- For Pastor Justo and Sara, Pastor René and Yarelis, Yaima, and many others who continue to serve faithfully amid persecution and great need.
- For God’s supernatural provision, protection, and peace to cover His people throughout the island.
đź’› Thank you for standing with us and with our Cuban brothers and sisters during this difficult time. Your prayers and generosity are making an eternal difference.
Together, we can bring hope beyond borders.
Click below to give a special gift today and help us bring the hope of Christ to those in need.
Thank you for your generosity and compassion in extending your hands to help.
Video: Hannah’s Toys of Hope
P.S. Don’t miss this inspiring video created with our colleague Jim DeWitt, showcasing how Hannah’s Toys of Hope is making an eternal difference. Watch how God is using toys to transform lives through Pastor René and Yarelis!
Thank you for walking alongside us on this journey.
Together, we can make an eternal difference.
In His Grip, Dave & Dawn Diaso
