The Advance of the Gospel
God is doing a marvelous work on the Big Island. The gospel is going forth. People are being set free and coming to Christ. Pastor Lazaro wrote me this week and said six people had recently come to Christ. The church is helping families with the aid that we are sending them. They are also reaching out to children and families who are responding to the invitation to follow Christ!
The Gospel is Setting People Free
Pastor Ernesto one of the other pastors we work with shared a fantastic testimony of a young woman, Magdalena who was involved in witchcraft and Santeria. The church ministered to her and she was set free from the bondage that she was living under. Now she is growing in her faith and serving in the church.
So good to see the gospel changing lives!
Those are some of the wonderful testimonies that I’m hearing as I interact with the pastors. Unfortunately, not all the news I’m receiving is so positive.
Trials of Life on the Big Island
One dear friend, Debora shared with me through tears about the tremendous trial that her family is going through. The situation is getting worse with the shortage of food and medicine. Her son is sick, and they don’t have any medicine to alleviate the pain. The family’s home was also damaged by a tropical storm, and it’s close to impossible to get the materials needed to repair their roof.
Debora said they have felt discouraged and sad. They are trusting the Lord, but it’s hard to go through these trials. Sometimes they feel helpless and alone. With so many obstacles and so many friends leaving the country, at times it’s challenging to keep moving forward.
She said, “I thank God that we have you and Lety (Dawn). You always support me and encourage me in my times of discouragement. I read all the prayers and reflections that you send to us. It encourages me a lot to keep growing and to keep trusting the Lord.”
One news article said that our familia is living through their worst economic crisis that they’ve experienced in the last 70 years.
14ymedio.com states that “According to the VI Report on the State of Social Rights in Cuba, considering total household income, 88% of Cubans live in extreme poverty and 62% of those consulted said they have problems buying the most essential things to survive. Due to lack of money or scarcity, 78% said that they had skipped a daily meal, only 5% had obtained medicines from official pharmacies and 15% took expired medicines.”
It breaks our hearts to hear their stories. They have such tremendous faith, to continue in such difficult times. They are faithful to serve and share the good news. New people are coming to faith. Yet, it’s undeniable that life is hard there. It’s the tale of two cities. The best of times as the gospel advances. The worst of times as there is such scarcity of basic food items and 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
BeyondBordersLife.org
