In the midst of hardship, God’s love is shining through His people in Cuba. Though the daily challenges are many: 16-hour blackouts, severe food shortages, and a skyrocketing cost of living, faithful leaders continue to press forward, bringing hope, nourishment, and the gospel to those in need.
A Community Sustained by Prayer and Generosity
Pastor Dunesky recently shared his gratitude for a timely gift that we gave towards the purchase of a motorcycle, making it easier for him to travel for his ministry. “Your financial help has brought great relief to me, my family, and the brothers and sisters we help,” he said. But beyond the material support, it was the spiritual encouragement that touched his heart the most. “Your daily Bible reflections have made me cry because they came at times when I really needed them.”
One of our key leaders, Yaima, shared a similar sentiment. “These offerings show us that our Lord is attentive to the needs of His children,” she wrote. Vulnerable families, including mothers of five, the elderly, and pastoral families, are surviving month to month through these gifts. “Sometimes they express how wonderful God is, saying that on that very day, they had no food at all.” Yaima’s heart overflows with joy each time she delivers food to the people, witnessing the tangible love of Christ at work.
Pastor René and his wife, Yarelis, embody what it means to serve sacrificially. “Right now, more than 20 young people are playing soccer while the women prepare for a special Easter service,” René wrote. He continues to oversee church activities, train dozens of church planters, and lead a growing congregation of over 300 members, all while battling illness. “It take a lot of effort… but Christ is with us,” he shares.
Yarelis, a pastor’s wife and true partner in ministry, rises at 4:00 AM each day to pray, then spends her mornings cooking with charcoal and caring for church members and families. She’s also pursuing intense seminary studies while leading discipleship efforts with local women and girls. In her words and actions, she is a powerful example of what it means to be “poured out like a drink offering” for the gospel.
A Movement of Discipleship and Church Planting
Despite immense difficulties, Pastor Justo continues to lead a movement that is multiplying leaders and churches across the island. In just the last few months, his ministry has:
- Trained four new leaders by instilling eight essential values in them
- Planted five new churches
- Mentored 25 pastors across the nation
- Supported 30 churches in disciple-making efforts
- His wife, Sara, held women’s discipleship workshops in various cities with 30 women in training
These leaders also expressed deep appreciation for the spiritual resources they receive, especially the devotional reflections that I’ve been sending and the Ecos de Padre video and audio recordings. Yaima shared, “These reflections are a great blessing for our spiritual growth… They are like a refreshing balm.” Many leaders testify that they receive these words exactly when they need them most.
Join Us in Prayer
- For daily provision, food, clothing, and shoes for struggling families
- For the restoration of electricity throughout the island
- For the strength and protection of pastors and missionaries
- That more families would be reached with Christ’s love through this ministry
- That the gospel would continue to encourage them and spread through the daily Bible reflections and Ecos del Padre video and audio recordings
In every hardship, there is light. In every challenge, Christ’s presence is felt. We are humbled and honored to partner with these courageous leaders who continue to shine brightly on the Big Island. May we never grow weary in doing food, for in due season, we will reap a harvest, together.
Extend your Hands to Help
Through your donations and prayers, you become the hands and feet of Jesus to these families. Because of you, children receive shoes, families receive food, and communities hear the life-changing message of the Gospel.
Please continue to pray with us and extend your hands to help our Familia on the Big Island.
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
