From Cuba to the Canary Islands: How God Uses Exile for His Glory
When the early Church faced intense persecution in Jerusalem, the Book of Acts tells us they were scattered across the nations. But they didn’t just run—they carried the Gospel with them.
Today, history is repeating itself. The ongoing crisis in Cuba has plunged the island into darkness, forcing families to survive without basic electricity, food, and freedom. This heavy weight has driven countless people to flee the country they love. Yet, what the enemy intends for isolation, God is using for expansion.
Three years ago, a pastoral couple named Dagoberto and Yaima, along with their two sons, made the painful decision to leave Cuba for the Canary Islands in Spain. What started as a heartbreaking escape has transformed into a powerful outpost for the Kingdom of God.
Overcoming the Wilderness
I remember vividly how difficult those first months were for them when they arrived in Spain. They deeply missed their friends, their family, and the incredibly loving church community they had left behind in Cuba. Suddenly, they found themselves as strangers in a foreign land.
During their darkest moments of homesickness, I reminded them of the Israelites wandering in the desert after leaving Egypt. Even though Israel had been delivered from brutal slavery, the moment they faced the harsh realities of the wilderness, they wanted to turn back to what was familiar. I challenged Dago and Yaima to look forward to the freedoms they now possessed and promised them that, in God’s timing, things would get better.
Slowly but surely, the Lord provided. They found work, connected with a local fellowship, and began to truly feel at home in the new land God had placed them in.
A New Church Takes Root in Spain
Dago and Yaima are exceptionally strong, gifted leaders. About two years ago, the fire in their hearts led them to plant a brand-new church in the Canary Islands. Today, that church is thriving, and lives are being radically transformed by Jesus Christ.
The Lord is building a beautifully diverse flock around them. Recently, a Cuban exile named Andres found his way to their congregation. Broken and lost when he arrived, Andres encountered Jesus through their ministry. He recently shared with us the sheer joy filling his heart now that his life has been completely turned around.
But the ministry isn’t just reaching Cubans. Lazaro, a local resident born and raised in the Canary Islands, expressed how incredibly blessed he feels to have found a spiritual home under Dago and Yaima’s leadership.
A Global Community Found on Google
The reach of this new church plant is even crossing continental lines. Six months ago, a lonely man from Germany arrived in the Canary Islands. He was entirely by himself, completely isolated without a single family member in Spain. Desperate for connection, he searched for a church on Google and walked through Dago and Yaima’s doors.
Seeing his pain, Dago and Yaima’s son, Rangel, stepped up to encourage him, showing him the true meaning of Christian family. He hasn’t missed a service since.
The Ultimate Network of Hope
It is a beautiful, full-circle story of Kingdom connection. Dago and Yaima Padilla actually came out of the exact same local church in Cuba where our trusted Hannah’s Toys of Hope partner, Yaima, still serves. Though separated by an ocean, these two ministries remain deeply bonded, constantly communicating and encouraging one another.
The physical darkness on the Big Island is real, but the spiritual light originating from its people is now warming hearts thousands of miles away in Spain. God is scattering His seeds, and the harvest is growing.
Extend Your Hands to Help
God is moving powerfully in Mexico, Cuba, and even Spain. Through your support of Beyond Borders, you aren’t just sending a donation; you are providing a lifeline. Your gift arrives as:
-
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
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