The Crisis on the Big Island Deepens — But Hope Shines Through
What would you do if your family spent 20 hours a day in darkness?
The situation on the Big Island remains dire. The pastors we serve and the people they care for are suffering under the weight of daily blackouts, food shortages, and soaring costs of basic necessities. Many are reporting up to 20 hours a day without electricity.
Andrea Rodriguez reports, “For countless families in Cuba, the question is no longer if the power will go out, but when. Constant power outages, coupled with gas shortages, are forcing many to implement ingenious alternatives to sustain daily life as the island undergoes the most severe energy crisis in decades.
Electricity cuts have intensified in recent weeks due to persistent fuel shortages at power plants and again infrastructure. With summer’s rising demand approaching and no apparent solution in sight, Cubans face a grim outlook.” (Independent)
Voices from the Island
Pastor Dunesky recently shared with me the emotional toll these conditions are taking on his family. Pastor Justo described having to cook with a charcoal grill because they have no electricity, and a non-working fridge means food often spoils before it can be eaten. He expressed a desperate need for a solar-powered electric generator, one of the few viable options in their region, but at a cost of $1,500 and difficult to obtain due to restrictions.
We’re praying and believing that we can help at least 10 pastors by providing generators. This would dramatically improve their ability to care for their families and communities.
Things we take for granted, like refrigeration, cooking a meal, or storing groceries are a daily challenge for our Familia in on the Big Island. Imagine waking up unsure whether you’ll be able to cook, or even if food will be available.
Hope in the Midst of Hardship
Yet in the middle of these hardships, God is moving.
Pastors Dunesky and Justo recently trained 16 new leaders to evangelize and disciple unreached communities. New church plants are emerging, even as basic survival becomes more difficult. Their courage and perseverance are inspiring.
The Power of a Simple Gift
This is why something as simple as giving a toy to a child matters so much. It’s more than a gift, it’s a message of love and hope. It opens doors to share the Gospel, and every time we see those smiling faces, we’re reminded of how powerful even small acts of kindness can be. In the video above sister Idalmis is leading the children into a prayer to receive Christ.
Whether you can give $1,500 for a generator or $10 for a toy, your support is making a real difference. You’re helping pastors keep food safe, churches stay open, and families experience the hope of Christ.
Together, we can help the Kingdom expand, even in the hardest places.
Join us in Prayer:
-
Pray for strength and protection for our pastors and their families.
-
Pray that the Lord would continue to open doors in unreached communities.
- For daily provision, food, clothing, and shoes for struggling families.
- For the restoration of electricity throughout the island.
-
Consider giving today to bless a pastor, a child, and a church.
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 good, for in due season, we will reap a harvest, together.
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the poroper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
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
