Amazed by the Passion for Jesus
Yesterday I was talking to one of the families that we’ve grown to love on the Big Island. They are very committed to serving the Lord. Debora* told me how disappointed she was that she couldn’t go out and share her faith as much now, because she is seven months pregnant. She decided that she could still minister and share the gospel by sending out messages on her phone.
I’m always amazed by the passion and commitment that our familia has to share the good news of Jesus!
Debora’s husband, Daniel* asked me to talk to a new friend of their’s, Mary* who had just come to Christ. I spent a good amount of time with Debora, Daniel and Mary, on a video call, praying and encouraging them. Mary told me that she had insomnia and that she’s not been able to sleep at night for the last five years. There’s a lot of witchcraft on the Big Island, so attacks like this from the enemy are not uncommon. We all prayed together. I could see Mary’s face lighten up as we prayed. She said she felt more at peace.
Daniel and Debora sent me a message today, letting me know that Mary said she slept well all night, and that she feels the Lord’s peace. God is bringing her healing for which she is grateful. She is hungry to grow in her new found faith.
It fills up my heart to hear these wonderful testimonies of how God is working and changing lives on the Big Island!
The love that Debora and Daniel showed to Mary is just one example of many.
God is Growing His Church Despite the Challenges
I asked all the pastors that we are working with to let me know how God blessed them and opened doors for them in 2023. They told me that they shared the gospel with a total of 4,554 people and 1,733 came to Christ. They started 70 new churches, and they gave aid – food and basic needs to 844 people. The majority of the people received help on a monthly basis.
Dawn and I give thanks for all that the Lord is doing on the Big Island despite the continued and growing challenges. It was reported in the Miami Herald on December 23, 2023 that, “It has been a ‘very difficult year,’ … one made more painful by the continuing exodus of the young, families and professionals fleeing Cuba’s hopelessness and desperation.” There is a lack of food and medicine. “According to the Cuba Observatory of Human Rights, 88% of Cuban families live on less than two dollars a day.” It’s hard to imagine that almost 90% of the population lives in extreme poverty.
The pastors that I’ve been in touch with have told me how discouraging it is for them to see so many of their friends fleeing the country. Also, they are concerned because the fuel prices are going up 500 percent. When they travel for ministry the costs are already high. This increase makes it even more challenging for them.
Help us to pray for these needs!
Extend Your Hands to Help Those in Need
Dawn and I ask you to prayerfully consider extending your hands to help! Send a gift today to help a needy family, and extend the gospel on the Big Island. TOGETHER we can make a difference!
Support one family for as little as $25 a month! Click below to make a donation today.
Video: Life and Times on the Big Island
This short video will give you a glimpse into how God is at work on the Big Island. Some of the people who are receiving the aid that we are sending share their thanks at the end of the video. It’s heartwarming to see.
Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift to help our precious familia.
In His Grip, Dave
P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja, and Beyond
* names changed for security
