Sports Uniforms & Equiment for CUBA!

Thanks for donating 'gently used and new' sports uniforms and equipment for the April Cuba Mission Trip.

Thanks to Lily C. for donating the 'driveway basketball hoop' for Cuba. Lily won the basketball hoop at the Upward Awards Night and decided to give it to Cuba. Thanks for sharing. Lord willing, our team of five missionaries will leave for Cuba on April 14, 2012.

If you want to donate more items, please write "CUBA' on the bag and drop them off at the security desk by the elevators at First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach on or before April 8, 2012.

 Thanks for your prayers.

PTL...Visas Approved, 103rd Convention, Chick-fil-a March 28, 2012

Praise the Lord…

Thank you for praying.  The copies of the Cuban Religious Entry Visas for the April 14-21, 2012 team of missionaries have been received!  We are so thankful to have them issued early.  Now we are able to go ahead and pack with confidence. 

We have been excited to receive reports from our contacts, in Havana, concerning the Annual Convention of Baptist Churches.  The Western Baptist Convention of Churches celebrated their 103^rd assembly this week.  Many representatives from the 300+ churches attended workshops, training sessions and plenary sessions. 

We are thrilled to see the unity within this body of churches and leaders.  The Seminary hosted many sessions and was the site of all of the food preparation.  An army of volunteers gathered each morning to prepare the mid-day meal for the convention participants.  The assembly line approach worked well and efficiently.  The food was transported to ‘El Calvario Baptist Church,’ which was the site for the plenary sessions.  Each morning, many vehicles delivered the food for distribution.   We have had the privilege of serving along side of outgoing President Victor Samuel Gonzalez Grillo, for the last six years.  Many wonderful changes have taken place and we have seen God working in marvelous ways while Victor Samuel was at the helm.  We look forward to working with newly-elected Western Baptist Convention President Juan Carlos Rojas Mantilla, pastor of’ El Calvario Baptist Church,’ in Havana.  Previously, we have worked with him and are confident that God will bless him as he leads the group into the future.

Don’t forget to join us at Chick fil A on Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, on Wednesday, March 28^th from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. for a fundraiser to benefit  Cuba Mission Trips.  The April 2012 Cuba team will be on hand starting at 8:00 pm to share more about our next trip. 

Thanks for your prayers and support.

More Baptisms, Baby Dedications...PTL!

Dear Friends of Cuba,

More wonderful reports are coming in from our brothers and sisters in Cuba.  The harvest is evident in many churches.  Pastor Pedro and his wife, Mercedes, sent news about baptisms and baby dedications this month.  Pastor Pedro works as the director of the mission program of the Western Baptist Convention.   Seminary students participate in mentoring and training sessions.  They are encouraged to ‘go and make disciples.’

Mercedes is actively involved in the Women’s Ministry, Orchestra and Choir.  She has developed a team of volunteers who serve in the Children’s Ministry, and in the Clown and Puppet Ministries at their church.   We have had many opportunities to serve alongside of these dear people and present Vacation Bible School programs.   The church sports ministry program is thriving and summer leagues are in the works for students, as well as, adults.  Join with us and pray for Pastor Pedro and Mercedes as they prepare for upcoming summer programs for adults and students.

Praise Report-Baptisms in Cruces

Dear Friends of Cuba,

Glory to God for the work that is continuing all across Cuba.  We are thrilled to report  from Pastor Vladimir that eight people followed our Lord’s example and were baptized in a special service last Tuesday!  Pastor Vladimir and Glenda, his wife, are very active in their community.  They led a campaign to reach out to those in their neighborhood and share the good news of salvation.  As a direct result, these eight precious souls will now celebrate eternity in Heaven.

Vladimir received his training at the Western Baptist Theological Seminary in Santos Suarez.  Besides serving as pastor and all that entails, he is also the director of the satellite branch of the Seminary working with students who will become future pastors and worship leaders in Cuba.  Glenda has always had a heart for reaching children.  She leads a team of volunteers and oversees training and discipleship classes for their children’s ministry.  Please pray for them as they continue to minister in their city.