Photo Caption: Aramis Rodriguez Coutin (second from left), president of the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention, shares with Hispanic Florida Baptists how God is moving through the Cuban Baptist Church during a Hispanic Fellowship Lunch at the Florida Baptist State Convention in Orlando.

ORLANDO–When life becomes difficult, even overwhelming, Cubans are turning in faith by the thousands to the only One who can offer hope amid the despair.

In the past 13 months, the island nation has been wracked by natural disasters, with earthquakes and hurricanes unleashing terror on the disaster-weary Cuban people. In the final quarter of 2024, two back-to-back earthquakes rocked Eastern Cuba Nov. 10, creating widespread damage and power disruptions in areas still recovering from Category 1 Hurricane Oscar, which struck Eastern Cuba Oct. 20, and Category 3 Hurricane Rafael, which made landfall in Western Cuba Nov. 6, 2024. More recently, Hurricane Melissa hit Eastern Cuba, in the Santiago de Cuba province, as a Category 3 storm in late October 2025, causing devastation and power outages due to 120 mph winds, flooding and landslides. 

Disaster relief from the natural disasters has become almost a way of life for Cubans in the storms’ paths. Although, Florida Baptist churches’ generous giving over the years allow resources to be positioned before storms occur. 

As if natural disasters were not enough for the Cubans to experience, a heartbreaking apparent-gas explosion in May 2022 devastated the historic Saratoga Hotel in Old Havana, Cuba, and also rained destruction on nearby Calvary Baptist Church, the first and largest Evangelical church in the country. Originally, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering was the key fundraiser for the purchase of the building, which was also home to offices of the Western Cuba Baptist Convention, organized in 1905. The Western Cuba Baptist seminary was founded in the building. Annual meetings for the convention were held in the spacious historic church, with a membership of about 1,200. 

Although it’s been more than three years since the explosion, the building is still unusable; repair is ongoing, slow and painstaking. Demolition and clean-up are complete; now the rebuild is getting underway.

“These three years (since the explosion) have been really difficult,” expressed Barbaro Marrero, president of the Western Cuba Baptist Convention. “I have this hope that the whole nation will see the rebuilding. And it’s going to be a testimony of the power of God for the whole nation.”

“I can only imagine the celebration when we can go back to that building again with many people, many churches, even unbelievers, to go and see God’s work. I think (the rebuild) is going to be an opportunity for the gospel. Buildings can collapse, but the Church moves on.”

Running to Jesus

In a recent in-person interview in Orlando, Aramis Rodriguez Coutin, president of the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention, said, “In Cuba, we have the experience that every crisis results in people coming to the feet of Christ. It’s like those people we’ve preached to for so many years, until they face a difficult situation, it’s as if they’re just not interested. But when they realize that the only solution and the only way out is in Jesus Christ, they have to run to Him.”

Marrero agrees, “God is working; He is touching many people. Many people are realizing the need for God. Many people are finding hope in Jesus Christ.”

He continued, “I think when we are in trouble as human beings, we recognize how fragile we are, which is good because sometimes we think we are immortal, that we have superpower, which of course we don’t have. But when we are in trouble, in trials, in tribulation, it’s easy to realize that we need God, we need to depend on Him desperately.”

Thinking back to the 2024 earthquakes, Marrero said, “When the earth trembles, we have the good tendency to put our eyes on heaven. And I think that’s what is happening in Cuba and in other places as well.”

Marrero stated that the Western Cuba Baptist Convention is reporting “the highest numbers of baptisms in the history of the convention. Most of our churches are packed with people.” Havana Baptist Seminary, which Marrero also serves as president, “has the highest enrollment in the history of the seminary. The Lord is raising a new generation of leaders.”

With the large enrollment, the seminary experiences growing pains, always needing more space and resources.

In Eastern Cuba, “The Baptist work in Cuba grows every year. We have the joy of planting more than 25 churches every year over the past 25 years. It is a work that enjoys the presence of the Lord. I can confidently declare that the hand of God is with us because He works every day and surprises us in a difficult context where there are many problems and many needs, but the hand of the Lord works in favor of His people, His Church and our convention,” Coutin said.

Many of the new churches are launched and continue to meet in homes, even as churchgoers find themselves squeezing into limited space. Some of these homes damaged heavily by Hurricane Melissa still offer a physical and spiritual refuge for Cubans.

Not alone

In facing these crises and the gospel opportunities, Cuban Baptists are not alone. 

Florida Baptists have partnered with the Western Cuba Baptist Convention since 1997 and the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention since 2013. Through the partnerships, Florida Baptists provide resources, send mission teams and pray in an effort to undergird Cuban Baptist efforts at meeting needs while proclaiming the gospel.

“We thank the Lord for the Florida Convention,” Coutin said.

Marrero is grateful for the partnership; he describes the partnership as an encouragement and blessing. “You’ve been an encouragement for us for many years. We don’t feel alone because you are with us. We have been able to continue. Our request will be to please continue by our side. We are blessed with this partnership.”

During the recent 2025 Florida Baptist State Convention annual meeting in Orlando, the Western Cuba Baptist Convention welcomed a pledge of financial resources from the convention to help in the rebuild of a new convention building. Also, Mike Orr, pastor of First Baptist Church in Chipley and outgoing president of the Florida Baptist State Convention, pledged financial resources from his church to undergird Havana Baptist Seminary in its mission to educate Cuban church leaders. A team from First Baptist Church in Chipley recently returned from a mission trip to Cuba, with Orr stating, “As a team, we came away spiritually renewed and encouraged by our Cuban brothers and sisters in Christ. Spending time with them and sharing the gospel with others rekindled our fire for evangelism and gospel conversations.”

Prayer ‘gives strength … encourages us to keep going’

Coutin and Marrero know that prayer is the foundation of all that God is doing through His people in Cuba. They urge Florida Baptists to pray for their Cuban “brothers and sisters” as the gospel changes lives.

“Knowing that the Florida Convention, our brothers and sisters in Florida, are praying for us is something that gives us a lot of strength and encourages us to keep going. Pray for strength; pray that God’s grace will continue to be poured out over our lives.

“Pray that we can continue doing the work that God has entrusted to us. Pray that we remain faithful in the midst of the difficult times we are living through. Pray that we do not give into anything or anyone, and pray that we can keep bringing the gospel to people with or without resources, with or without opposition, but that we do not stop because there are so many people who need Christ Jesus,” Coutin said.

Marrero added, “Pray for the Lord to raise new leaders. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send workers to his harvest We can see the need of leaders when Jesus said, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.’” 

He requested prayer also for “the rebuilding of Calvary Church and the convention headquarters. Pray for the pastors and their families–that they may have a boldness in a time like this (and that) the Lord would continue providing for their needs.”

Looking ahead

Both Coutin and Marrero remain hopeful for the future of Cuban Baptists.

“We believe that the future of the church is in God’s hands; we can understand that the church stands firm. The church keeps moving forward. The church continues to grow, and the Lord continues to plant churches in other places because nothing, no one, can stop the Church of Christ, and circumstances will never be able to overshadow the love of the church,” Coutin said.

“I think that the best day for Baptists in Cuba is in the future,” Marrero said.

To contribute financial gifts to the Western Cuba Baptist Convention or the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention–please send checks payable to the Florida Baptist Convention, 6850 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, FL 32216. In the memo line on the check, designate either Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention or Western Cuba Baptist Convention. Further designating funds to specifics ministry may also be written.  Please email communications@flbaptist.org with any questions. 

Florida Baptist Disaster Relief and Send Network remain committed to supporting recovery efforts in Jamaica following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. The Category 5 hurricane was among the most powerful storms ever to tear through the Atlantic.

Billy Ray, a retired international missionary and minister who attends First Baptist Church Wildwood, and JD James, a member of Central Baptist Church in Monticello, were among the first Florida Baptist Disaster Relief team members to set foot on the ground in Jamaica. Joining Send Network in partnership with the Jamaica Baptist Union, volunteers worked to repair roofs on local churches.

Local churches have become sources of hope and help for people who are displaced and without access to daily necessities such as clean water and food. Functioning as relief centers, churches are distributing food and supplies to community members.

The team has faced challenges due to widespread infrastructure damage. With only one main road open, heavy traffic has hindered progress. Volunteers leave their hotel at 5:30 a.m. and make multiple trips to transport team members between the hotel and the church. “Traveling in hurricane-affected areas is always challenging, but Jamaica brought it to a whole new level,” James said. “Our group had to turn around several times after hours of travel because roads were washed out or flooded.”

Supply chain disruptions have also made sourcing materials difficult, with many suppliers out of stock on construction items needed for repairs.

“Serving was a great reset for me,” James said. “It was amazing to see storm survivors praising God for their lives being spared. Instead of looking at all the material things they had lost, they were grateful for the gift of life.”

Florida Baptist Disaster Relief plans to maintain a presence in Jamaica through December and potentially into 2026. The primary goal is to help local churches reach a place of healing so they can continue serving those in need in their communities.

James encouraged others to pray, give and serve in the affected areas “even after the news stories end. This will be a long recovery in heavily impacted areas, with rebuilding continuing for years to come.”

Editors Note: To provide financial gifts to aid Hurricane Melissa response efforts, visit the FLDR giving page.

“The purpose of today’s meeting was to cast a vision for Crossover and to encourage pastors and ministry leaders to go ahead and get involved, whether that’s going to be hosting, if you’re in that target area, or coming in to serve and bring teams to serve alongside those host churches,” said JJ Washington, national director of personal evangelism for the North American Mission Board (NAMB).

Crossover is an annual effort in which Southern Baptists gather in the annual meeting’s host city a few days early to partner with local churches and blanket the city with the Gospel.  

The 2026 effort will focus on Orlando and the surrounding regions. While Crossover is open to all Southern Baptists, local churches serve as the foundation—volunteering to become host churches that plan and lead ministry events in their communities. Afterward, volunteers from across the nation come alongside them to provide support and resources. 

Tim Wilder, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Kissimmee, said the initiative aligns perfectly with his congregation’s renewed emphasis on evangelism. 

“Recently, my first sermon after sabbatical was about God’s not done and we’re going to focus on evangelism,” Wilder said. “With Crossover coming in June it made perfect sense. I told our church to take that week off before the convention, and we’re going to do a big weeklong mission trip here locally. We’ll be doing a bunch of different things to reach people.”

While NAMB has continued this annual event each summer, leaders emphasis this event is meant to be a catalyst for the local host church.  Once the week is over, the prayer is for local Florida Baptist churches to get an encouraging boost. 

“Crossover would help us to serve the community better, but also, I hope it will excite our members to get involved, to have some more gospel conversation on a daily basis,” said Charles Jones, senior pastor of New Covenant Bible Fellowship. 

Washington said churches that serve as hosts will receive valuable support and opportunities to expand their reach. 

“As a host church you are going to get help from more manpower to kind of do more in your community than you probably couldn’t do if it was just your church,” Washington said. “I would say definitely take advantage of that, and then obviously the opportunity for the Gospel. That’s what we are here to do. That’s what it’s all about.” 

The strategy is in place, but the greatest need at this point is for pastors to pray about becoming host churches. The geographic area for host churches includes congregations in the Greater Orlando Baptist Association, Ridge Baptist Association, Lake County Baptist Association, Brevard Baptist Association and East Central Baptist Network. Churches within these associations are encouraged to participate. 

“I think if a church is located in the open area, where you can host a Crossover, you should,” said Jones. “If a church is at a distance where you cannot host, I think you should join another church. Then we all are pushing for the Kingdom enhancement together.” 

During the 2025 Florida Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, Dr. Stephen Rummage, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention, announced a bold goal for Crossover 2026: 

• 1,000 participating churches 

• 10,000 Gospel engagements 

• 1,000 decisions for Christ 

“At Crossover, all kinds of people, from all kinds of churches will come together to proclaim one Gospel to every person we can reach in Greater Orlando,” expressed Rummage. 

“In June 2026, Florida Baptists get to participate in a moment that can create a movement right in our backyard where churches partner together,” said Patrick Coats, east regional catalyst for the Florida Baptist Convention. “We get to unite on our common mission to push back darkness and reach Florida for Christ. I believe it’s an amazing opportunity.” 

Florida Baptists can participate in Crossover 2026 in one of three ways: 

1. Host a local ministry event. 

1. Serve alongside another church. 

1. Pray for Gospel impact across Central Florida. 

Churches and individuals can express interest by completing an online form. (click here) 

Additional information and resources will be shared in the coming weeks to help churches prepare for the 1,000 / 10,000 / 1,000 goals. 

“I thank God for our convention, our state convention, our local association, our convention that’s going to partner with us in reaching our communities right here,” Wilder said. 

Three groups met in areas of ministry designated for lead pastors, next generation, and missions.  Each venue encouraged attendees to grow their ministry in hopes of increasing evangelism outreach and increase baptisms.

In addition, the annual Ministers’ Wives Luncheon also took place with a packed room of attendees.

Below are scenes from these gatherings.

Since then, Duncan has gone on mission to Cuba several more times and was excited to go with her home church this year. The nine-member mission team partnered with the Baptist Seminary of Havana where Mike Orr, pastor, First Baptist Church Chipley, gave an encouraging talk to students during the convocation to begin the new semester.

Training next generation of pastors

Earlier this year, as Orr celebrated 25 years at First Baptist Church Chipley, the church honored his name and service with the Mike Orr Scholarship to provide tuition for students at the Baptist Seminary in Cuba.

“Our pastor has a heart for training up the next generation of pastors,” Duncan said.

While in Cuba, the mission team presented the scholarship to its first recipient. “He was so grateful, and it was very humbling,” Duncan said. The recipient, a man saved out of the practice of Santeria and addiction, burned his idols when he began to follow Jesus and is now attending seminary to become a pastor.

‘Door is open for gospel’

The team also led vacation Bible school and worship services at Iglesia Bautista Salem de Arroyo Apolo. After hearing Orr preach about “renewing your first love” from Revelation 2, several people came to the altar.

“It is exciting to see how God is using the Church in Cuba. The door is open for the gospel there, and He is showing Cubans that true hope is found in a relationship with Christ,” Duncan said.

Orr also preached at Star of Bethlehem Church. There, the mission team provided and served meals for the local community.

The team served with a house church led by a husband and wife who open their home as a place of worship. There are more than 800 house churches in Cuba’s Western Baptist Convention. In this particular home, the wife prayed for 20 years for her husband to know the Lord. When he came to a saving faith, they both were baptized and saw the need for a place to worship in their neighborhood.

As the team shared the gospel of Jesus Christ in the community surrounding the house church, they saw idols from the practice of Santeria and received resistance from families who refused to forsake the idols. The team continues to pray for these Cubans.

First Baptist Church Chipley will continue to invest in spreading the gospel in Cuba through seminary scholarships and future mission trips. Dane Caldwell, missions pastor, Grace Church Bonifay, also joined the team. “I had heard that the church was growing in Cuba, and I couldn’t wait to see it. The leadership structure and plan for sending out the gospel amazed me. God has stirred a revival in Cuba, and Grace Church wants to be a part of it,” said Caldwell. Grace Church Bonifay is currently making plans to establish a long-term partnership with the Church in Cuba.

As a team, we came away spiritually renewed and encouraged by our Cuban brothers and sisters in Christ,” Orr said. “Spending time with them and sharing the gospel with others rekindled our fire for evangelism and gospel conversations.”

The more than 1,300 people who participated in the Commissioned … Called to Go Conference at Olive Baptist Church gained awareness about missions partners and developed connectedness through prayer, giving and going to do the work of missions.

Shaun Pillay, associate pastor, Olive Baptist Church, is a third-generation International Mission Board convert, whose grandmother was introduced to Christ by missionaries who went to their village in South Africa. Missions is his heart as he has served with the North American Mission Board and been on multiple mission trips. Through a survey of the congregation, Pillay learned that people wanted more information about missions,  such as: Where does the money go and how is it used? What role do ministry partners like the Florida Baptist Convention, International Mission Board, North American Mission Board, Bible Mission and others play in missions at home and abroad?

“The church was longing for awareness, connectedness and opportunities for involvement,” said Pillay. As a result, the church developed Commissioned … Called to Go, a three-day conference bringing awareness of how church members can be part of the Great Commission through prayer, giving, volunteerism and missions trips.

Guests from 22 international missions partners and 12 local missions partners represented 18 countries.

The week of the conference, Bible Mission parked the Bible Truck, an 18-wheeler that houses an exhibit of the Bible, at Olive Baptist Church. A walk-through of the “rooms” of the truck shows the history of the Bible, how various translations came to be, how the church has been persecuted because of the word of God and how the Bible has been smuggled through history.

“Many non-believers walk through and come out asking questions of how can they have this hope and know Jesus,” said Cook.

On Friday evening, more than 700 attendees heard Pillay share a vision to move the church “from the pew to purpose.” On Saturday, a guest from Bible Mission shared the importance of short-term mission trips, which resulted in people signing up for mission trips to places like Moldova and Sweden.

Part of missions is reaching unreached people groups. Olive Baptist Church showed a commitment last summer by asking children at vacation Bible school to donate money to fund a Bible written in the heart language of an unreached people group. The children showed up and raised more than the goal; the deacons showed out by matching the $6,400 raised by the children, and the church went above and beyond by raising $64,000 within a three-week period. The printed Bible was presented during the conference, resulting in children jumping for joy to understand how they can participate in missions.

Sunday, the conference culminated with a sermon from Ted Traylor, senior pastor, Olive Baptist Church and a special message from a London-based Bible Mission guest.

The church prayed for missions and observed the Lord’s supper, followed by a feast featuring cuisine from 18 nationalities. “The call to observe and remember is universal,” said Pillay. “During the supper, language did not matter.”

As church members feasted on international cuisine from China, Russia, Brazil and Spain, they sang hymns and fellowshipped with believers from different nationalities and backgrounds.

The church was Commissioned … Called to Give, and they gave sacrificially and generously during the weekend, raising $391,000 for missions, including funding three more Bible translations for unreached people groups.

“This was the most encouraging and challenging weekend for our church family to reach neighbors and nations,” said Traylor.

KRAKOW, POLAND–Kelsey Bennett finally felt acclimated to her new role as an International Mission Board missionary in eastern Europe. In a mid-term role, she served with a great ministry team, and her knowledge of the language and culture had grown. Then because of unrest in the area where she served, she had to evacuate quickly to a new location, leaving behind many personal possessions and the relationships she had built.

Suddenly, she found herself serving in Poland, learning another language and culture, and working with a new ministry team. Her home church, Hillcrest Baptist Church in Pensacola, rose into action, packing three suitcases with clothing and other items that were delivered to her by a pastor from the church and his wife.

“What a blessing that was!” enthused Bennett. “That was a really difficult year, and to have the support of my home church to physically help and offer an outside perspective was huge.” Visits from others in her home church also have provided her with an opportunity to introduce the ministry first-hand and to offer suggestions on what they can do to help.

In November, Bennett, along with 48 others, was appointed by the International Mission Board for full-time career service and participated in a Sending Celebration at New Vision Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

‘Called to missions’

Bennett never imagined she would be a missionary until she served as the Baptist Collegiate Ministries associate at a northwest Florida university. Developing a strong affection for ministering to university students, Bennett longed for an experience outside of America. After much prayer and with wise counsel from pastors and other missionaries, she began her journey into missionary service with the International Mission Board.

“As followers of Christ, we are all called to missions in some capacity. Whether it be to a location, to a people group, or in our everyday lives, we are called to share the Good News with anyone we meet,” said Bennett.

‘God is working’

Through missions, she has learned to trust God where He leads. She understands that things can change in a very short amount of time and that challenges abound no matter where you take the gospel.

As she serves in a university ministry in Poland, challenges include communication mishaps due to language barriers and cultural differences. Bennett found that in Krakow, Poland, people can come across as blunt and rude to someone who was raised on southern charm in the United States. To smile at or talk with a stranger in Poland is uncommon, she said, but Polish people “are very hospitable and friendly” after you get to know them.

Another challenge is helping Polish people see their need for a relationship with Jesus. Catholicism permeates the culture, with many believing they are “good” because of their religious traditions. “Mostly, they just don’t see their need to be forgiven of sin and saved in Jesus. It is hard soil, but we know God is working,” said Bennett.

She seeks to develop friendships over coffee and evangelism-based activities like karaoke, game nights, movie nights and sports days at a local park. Eventually, those friendships lead to Bible reading, gospel conversations and times of prayer.

A weekly event called Breakthrough Krakow is a time for practicing English conversation skills where topics can be light and fun, but can lead to the deep and spiritual discussions.

Another fun event that Bennett looks forward to is hosting an American Thanksgiving meal for students. Many who attend will have only seen Thanksgiving celebrations in movies and on television shows. It is another way to build relationships and show gratitude to Christ.

Bennett finds discipleship, fellowship and accountability through weekly Bible study with a group of young women at the Polish church she attends. Her mission team is made up of Polish Baptist church members who desire to grow in discipleship, evangelism and sound biblical teaching and preaching.

The goal of university ministry is to connect students with local Baptist churches so they can be discipled by Polish believers in their heart language. “There are many steps to get to that point, but our main goal is getting these students connected to the church. We may not be there for more than a few years, so we want to make sure we pass them to believers who will continue to invest in them,” Bennett said.

Yesterday, Nov. 11, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook Eastern Cuba after weeks of hurricanes and blackouts that left most of the island reeling. The government has reported landslides, building collapses, and damage to power lines.

• 

  Please pray for the Cuban Baptist churches as they respond to their neighbors in need.

• Pray there not be a larger outbreak of waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases.
• Pray that food and clean water can reach the needed areas.
• Pray for the Cuban Baptist leaders as they are working tirelessly to share the gospel and minister to the needs of their community.

In a number of ways, Cuba is unique. Normally I would not request roofing for church buildings. In Cuba, local churches are not just places where the church gathers on Sundays. Local churches are the centers of community life. We are running feeding kitchens in the churches that still have roofs. The few that have generators are able to minister to their communities by being able to pump water out of community wells, charge phones, fans and lanterns. They can refrigerate milk for children, medications for the elderly, and keep some food fresh.  Without a roof or a generator, it is extremely difficult to help.

I am praying that churches will step up and help by providing funds for roofing and generators.

• $30,000 for roofing
• $50,000 for generators

Cuba is in the midst of a spiritual awakening. Two years ago, the churches reported 101,514 professions of faith. Last year, they reported 142,634. There is a huge need for new member discipleship and leadership development.

Last year, the two conventions reported:

• 22 new churches
• 179 new missions
• 6,086 new house churches

We need to do what we can to stand with Cuba.  If there is any way your church or association of churches can help, it is much appreciated.

To contribute financial gifts to the Western Cuba Baptist Convention or the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention for hurricane and/or earthquake relief, please send checks payable to the Florida Baptist Convention, 6850 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, FL 32216. In the memo line on the check, designate either Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention or Western Cuba Baptist Convention. 100% of designated funds will go directly to Cuba for recovery efforts.

El pastor Aramis Coutin, presidente de la Convención Bautista del Este de Cuba, recuerda haber estado en su iglesia, Que Dios Está Por Mí, el domingo por la mañana cuando las sirenas alertaron a los feligreses sobre el peligro inminente. Los miembros de la congregación inmediatamente levantaron los brazos en el aire incluso cuando los primeros temblores del terremoto, que alcanzaron una magnitud de 5,9, comenzaron a sacudir el edificio y el suelo debajo. Muchos corrieron a la calle, tratando de mantenerse a salvo de los escombros que caían. Allí, amigos y vecinos también alzaban sus brazos al cielo, invocando la misericordia y protección de Dios, mientras un segundo terremoto, de magnitud 6,8, golpeaba la ciudad tan solo unos minutos después.

Cuando la tierra se calmó, el pastor Coutin no vio daños evidentes en el edificio de su iglesia, pero sabe que a muchos cubanos no les fue tan bien, con casas y otros edificios dañados, líneas eléctricas caídas y profundas fisuras en las carreteras. Aunque todavía se están evaluando las estimaciones de los daños, los informes iniciales indican una devastación generalizada.

Incluso cuando el polvo se estaba asentando, el mensaje del pastor Coutin a su congregación fue simple: “Dios sigue siendo bueno”.

Tanto la Convención Bautista del Este de Cuba como la Convención Bautista del Oeste de Cuba están trabajando juntas para ayudar a los cubanos afectados por los huracanes y terremotos, mientras que Send Relief, los bautistas de Florida y otros socios también están ayudando en los esfuerzos de socorro. Un equipo de líderes bautistas de Florida tiene previsto viajar a Cuba en las próximas semanas para entregar suministros muy necesarios.

El pastor Coutin hace un llamado a los creyentes para que oren para que sus vecinos cubanos tengan los recursos necesarios para sobrevivir en su vida diaria y puedan “estar tranquilos a pesar de las dificultades”.

También pidió oración para que quienes lideran los esfuerzos de recuperación tengan sabiduría. “Queremos dar una mano a cualquiera que esté pasando por un momento difícil en este momento”, dijo. Cuando ocurren desastres naturales y otras crisis, Coutin ha visto a muchos cubanos descubrir la esperanza y la fe en Dios mientras los creyentes comparten la esperanza del evangelio, incluso en medio de la angustia.

Hoy, cuando muchos cubanos sufren y están al borde de perder la esperanza, Coutin pide oración urgente para que los creyentes “puedan ser una luz en medio de la oscuridad”.

Para contribuir con donaciones financieras a la Convención Bautista de Cuba Occidental o la Convención Bautista de Cuba Oriental para ayudar a las víctimas del huracán y/o terremoto, envíe cheques a nombre de la Convención Bautista de Florida, 6850 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, FL 32216. En la línea de notas del cheque, indique la Convención Bautista de Cuba Oriental o la Convención Bautista de Cuba Occidental.

Pastor Aramis Coutin, president of the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention, recalls being in his church, Que Dios Esta Por Mi, on Sunday morning when sirens alerted churchgoers to impending danger. Those in the congregation immediately raised their arms into the air even as the first earthquake tremors, reaching a magnitude of 5.9, began to shake the building and the ground below. Many rushed into the street, seeking to steer clear of any falling debris. There, friends and neighbors also were raising their arms into the sky, calling on God’s mercy and protection as a second earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 6.8, hit just minutes later.

When the earth grew still, Pastor Coutin saw no obvious damage to his church building, but he knows that many Cubans did not fare as well, with homes and other buildings damaged, power lines down, and deep fissures in the roads. Although damage estimates are still being assessed, initial reports indicate widespread devastation.

Even as the dust was settling, Pastor Coutin’s message to his congregation was simple. “God is still good.”

Both the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention and Western Cuba Baptist Convention are working together to help Cubans impacted by the hurricanes and earthquakes, while Send Relief, Florida Baptists and other partners also are helping in relief efforts. A team of Florida Baptist leaders is scheduled to travel to Cuba within the next couple of weeks to deliver much-needed supplies.

Pastor Coutin calls on believers to pray that his Cuban neighbors may have resources necessary to survive in their day-to-day lives and may “be calm in spite of the difficulties.”

He also requested prayer that those leading out in recovery efforts would have wisdom. “We want to give a hand to anyone who is having a hard time right now,” he said. When natural disasters and other crises occur, Coutin has seen many Cubans discover hope and faith in God as believers share the hope of the gospel, even amid the heartbreak.

Today, as many Cubans are hurting and on the edge of losing hope, Coutin asks for urgent prayer that believers “may be a light in the midst of darkness”.

To contribute financial gifts to the Western Cuba Baptist Convention or the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention for hurricane and/or earthquake relief, please send checks payable to the Florida Baptist Convention, 6850 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, FL 32216. In the memo line on the check, designate either Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention or Western Cuba Baptist Convention.