Restoration and Resilience: The Big Island Story

Light in the Darkness: The Church is Growing on the Big Island

One of our new church plants on the Big Island led by Pastor Emanual and his wife, Marina — *New Beginnings: Pastor Emanual and Marina are planting seeds of faith through one of our latest church plants on the Big Island.*

Imagine having only three hours of electricity and internet a day. Imagine the weight of watching your children cry from hunger while the shelves sit empty. This is the daily reality for our familia on the Big Island of Cuba.

Yet, in the middle of this physical darkness, a spiritual fire is spreading that no blackout can extinguish. While the situation remains incredibly difficult, the Church isn’t just surviving—it’s flourishing. We are witnessing a historic harvest, with new churches taking root in the very places where hope seemed lost.

A Harvest of New Leaders

*Pastor René launching another church near the capital city.*

Our partners are working tirelessly to expand the Kingdom. Pastor Rene recently shared a photo of a new work he is starting near the capital city. In just the last year, Rene has partnered with 28 new church planters to launch 19 new churches.

Pastor Mario and Yani with families being reached through a growing church plant. — *A growing *familia*: Pastor Mario and Yani (back right, in green and red) with families being reached through a growing new church plant.*

Pastor Mario is also seeing God move powerfully through his family. His parents, Jorge and Margarita, and his brother and sister-in-law, Jorge, Jr. and Rachel, are serving as two of the couples working alongside him to establish new church plants. Most recently, they celebrated the launch of a new work in partnership with a young couple, Emanuel and Marina.

Pastor Dunesky two church planters with one mission: reaching lives for Christ. — *Pastor Dunesky with Yoise: two church planters with one mission, reaching lives for Christ.*

In another region, Pastor Dunesky has relocated to pioneer new works. He is currently training and raising up leaders for 11 new house churches. One of these emerging leaders, Yoise, has a tireless passion for reaching the lost. Whether it’s preaching at bus stops or wherever the Lord opens a door, Yoise is a testament to the fire burning in the hearts of these planters.

Resilience Amidst Limitation

*Dayana and a friend serving their community one cup—and one conversation—at a time.*

I am constantly moved by the resilience of our familia. In most areas, they are restricted to just three hours of electricity and internet access per day. Despite these severe limitations, they work with whatever they have to advance the Kingdom.

Beyond the blackouts, the physical need is staggering. Many are agitated and afraid because food is scarce; many families have already run out of supplies.

Yaima - Hope served warm: meals and compassion for the elderly. — *Yaima – Hope served warm meals and compassion for the elderly.*

Yaima shared about a family where the father was having severe anxiety and wasn’t able to work. The family had gone 3 days without food and was dehydrated. When Yaima arrived, we were able to provide food and some school supplies for their son. There is so much hunger and desperation. Children cry because they’re hungry, and the parents become desperate.

One Family at a Time

*Israel and his mom — More than supplies—this gift reminded them they are not forgotten.*

And yet, through your generosity, hope arrives. We are deeply grateful that we can bless families like this—doing for one family at a time what we wish we could do for everyone.

Thank You for Making a Difference

*A warm meal and a reminder that they are deeply loved.*

Even the smallest gift can make an eternal difference.

Extend Your Hands to Help

*Young lives touched by the love and hope of Christ.*

Kingdom Growth: Supporting pastors and church planters as they pioneer new works in the darkness.
A Warm Meal: Feeding a family that hasn’t eaten in days.
The Gospel & Joy: Through Hannah’s Toys of Hope, children receive toys, school supplies, Prayer, and the message of Christ.

Help us to Reach More: Your Generosity Travels

*A simple meal can become a powerful ministry.*

You may be thousands of miles away, but your generosity travels. It arrives as a warm meal at the door of a family that hasn’t eaten in three days. It shows up as a toy in the hands of a child who needed to know someone cares. It keeps a pastor’s family going one more month.

Your gift is not just a donation. It is the love of Christ made tangible.

Even a small gift goes a long way in a place where a little means everything.

Click Here to Give a Special Gift.

Join Us in Prayer

For provision — that food and support reach families before desperation sets in.
For the church planters — for strength, wisdom, and protection as they pioneer new works.
For new believers — that their faith would take deep root in the middle of hardship.
For open doors — that communities across Cuba are receptive to the gospel.
For us — that Dave and Dawn would have wisdom, energy, and discernment to steward this work.

Somewhere on the Big Island tonight, a family has food on the table, a child is smiling, and a new church is gathering — because you said yes. Thank you.

Thank you for your generosity, and compassion in extending your hands to help.

In His Grip, Dave & Dawn Diaso

BeyondBordersLife.org