Camp Yumuri-April 2014

Dear Friends of Cuba,

Thanks for your prayers while we were on mission in Cuba.  God always opens doors and provides for us while we are there.  Steve drove us and our duffle bags, which had been loaded into the Garner’s trailer, to Ft. Lauderdale Airport without any challenges.  Thank God we made it through U.S. and Cuban customs with no problems!

Our comfortable rooms were ready for us at El Calvario Baptist Church, in downtown Havana.  After unpacking our bags, we were involved in leadership meetings with Pastor Juan Carlos, who is also president of the Western Baptist Convention of Churches.  We were excited to continue collaborating with Victor and Abby, Cuban National Directors of APEN (Child Evangelism Fellowship). 

Saturday and Sunday we were involved in church activities and additional meetings.  We initiated a new ‘pen pal’ program for kids from our student ministry groups with kids at El Calvario Baptist Church.  Both groups are excited about making new friends! 

Monday came early as we loaded up the busses and vans to go to Camp Yumuri.  Camp Yumuri, is located near Matanzas, on ninety beautiful acres in Yumuri Valley.  Many weeks during the year, retreats, events and conferences are held at Camp Yumuri.  We were invited to join the 7 & 8 year old ‘retreat’ and had an awesome time!  Students and leaders from 38 different churches arrived by supper time.  Each day the schedule was packed full with time for devotions, music, games, Bible study, competitions, missionary stories, meals and snacks.  The chapel turned into a multipurpose room and was used to present the camp theme…’Put on the Whole Armor of Christ’…  Being a part of the ministry activities at the camp was a dream-come-true, answer to prayer for us.

Thanks to Tom Spencer, Rynell and Joe Novak for continuing to provide and partner with our ministry, we were prepared to present Puppet and Balloon Workshops.  As a result, seven additional churches are equipped and trained to begin Puppet and Balloon Ministries.

On the closing night at camp, we witnessed ten students praying to become Christ followers!  We are excited to go and tell….We enjoyed water balloon fights, soda drinking contests, and jump rope competitions with the underlying camp theme ever present.  Kids learned that God does in fact equip us with powerful tools which protect and allow us to stand firm in our faith.  Ephesians 6:10-18.

Take a look at the video clips of our week, entitled, Retiro de Principiantes, on YouTube…

Here is the YouTube link to Part 1…    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQsXPiqn21M

Virginia F. Hansen   •  561-712-1234   •  vacasa@bellsouth.net  •  www.cuba4christ.org
 Virginia Futch Hansen   •     Cuba 4 Christ    •   Virginia Hansen@Cuba4Christwpb  •   CUBA4CHRIST

Cuba Trip Update April 2014--Praise and Prayer Report

Cuba 4 Christ Praise and Prayer Report    

 

†Pray for the April 11-19,2014-- Cuba Mission Team Members:

Mary

Mary Daunhauer, from FBC of Orange Park,

Virginia Hansen, and Idda Pena from FBCWPB/FCE. 

Pray for the health and safety of our team members and our families while we are in Cuba. 

Virginia

 

Idda

 

†Praise God, we received confirmation of the Cuban Religious Entry Visas for the team members last week!

 

†Praise God for Sports Equipment, Medical Supplies, Food, and other Resources we are bringing to our partners in the Cuban Western Baptist Convention of Churches.  We continue to serve with President Juan Carlos Rojas and his leadership team at the ‘Convention.’  Juan Carlos also serves as Senior Pastor at ‘El Calvario’ (Calvary) Baptist Church, in downtown Havana.

 

†Praise God for items and materials given by *FBCWPB, *FBC of OP, *Florida Gardens Baptist, *Victory Baptist, *FB Denton, *FBC of Cairo, Georgia, *Grady Baptist Association, Cairo, Georgia, FBCWPB UPWARD, *Message of Hope Class, * Journey with God Class, *Women on Mission, *Mom to Mom, *Atlantic Christian Academy, *Berean Christian School, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and many other family members and friends whose prayers and financial contributions help support and encourage our brothers and sisters, in Cuba.

†Praise God and thanks to Idda, Jeff, Gilberte, Nidia, Tom, Charlande, Vince, Yla, and Steve for sorting, organizing, inventorying, packing and weighing the duffle bags for the trip.  Thanks to Bryan for providing his trailer to transport our luggage to Ft. Lauderdale Airport…Praise God for *Baker Vision Care for providing delicious brownies for us to take and share in Cuba!

 

†Pray for Victor and Abby, Cuba National Directors of Child Evangelism Fellowship and their leadership team.

 

†Pray that God will open doors for us to continue working with the Cuban Western Baptist Convention of Churches, including, house churches, inner city missions, the Baptist Senior Adult Home and seminaries.  All of which serve to point others to Jesus through their ministries across the island.

 

†Pray that God will pave the way and allow us to minister and encourage our Cuban brothers and sisters while we are there.  Pray for many new souls to accept Christ as their personal Savior during this Easter season in Cuba.

 

†Pray that our luggage and supplies will arrive with us and without extra tariffs. 

 

†Praise God for opportunities to share Jesus as we serve with leaders at Yumuri, a Baptist Camp, in Matanzas.

 

†Praise God for opportunities to do training workshops and network with children’s ministry leaders, sports ministry leaders, puppet ministry leaders, pastors and seminary students.  We pray we bring encouragement to all.

 

†Pray for Clown and Puppet Ministries and Sport Ministries as they plan for summer mission trips to the eastern areas of Cuba.

 

†Pray that we will return safely home filled with spirit-led encounters of our trip to share with family and friends.

www.cuba4christ.org  •  vacasa@bellsouth.net  •  561-712-1234  • Twitter: Virginia Hansen@Cuba4Christwpb

 

Facebook: Virginia Futch Hansen  •   Cuba 4 Christ •   Instagram: CUBA4CHRIST  • TEXT 561-225-0537

 

Cuba para Cristo!

 

Adorando El Rey-Music Festival Competitoin Photos

Bag pipes opened the Festival

091513

Thank God for the Adorando el Rey Contest ...Just received photos from last fall's competition with church Praise and Worship Groups and Soloists, held in Havana...

 

Standing Room Only

 

Gracias a Dios para el evento--Adorando el Rey, con la musica del grupos y soloistas de las iglesias en Cuba. Se fue presentado en la Habana en otono del ano pasado...Acaba de recibir fotos...

 

SOTER from Batabano

OBED from Guines

 

Music Festival Event/Competition with groups and soloists from different churches ...

 

 

Festival de musica-una competencia con grupos y solistas de Iglesias distintas... 

Idalmis ...

We had a great evening at the Music Festival.  God has blessed so many with wonderful musical talents...

 







Cuba Continues to Use 2008-Canoe Island VBS

090513

Dear Friends of Cuba,

It is exciting to see that Canoe Island-Isla Canoa, the Lifeway Vacation Bible School Program we took to Cuba, in 2008, is still being utilized and shared in churches on the island. Read this report from Pastor Alexis, where Canoe Island-Isla Canoa was presented to over 300 children and their parents last week!
Pastor Alexis reports on ‘Canoe Island’-‘Isla Canoa’ Vacation Bible School

 

Traveling is a word that excites every human being from time immemorial. But for a Cuban, who has always lived on an island, the implication is more than normal. Especially if that involves children, then it leads to frenzy. This allows us to understand why the flood of these small and energetic critters "filled" our Bible School, held in August. They took the trip fully involved, mom and dad had to make typical Hawaiian costumes with local resources. We escorted 309 babes on this trip to Hawaii, through ‘Canoe Island’, and that is not counting an additional 71 adults. The excellent work of 38 leaders allowed us to be transported in time and space to this beautiful island in the Pacific. And what about décor which is worthy to be compared to that of professional theater, accompanied by music, Bible study and missionary stories. At the end of each night, a snack was a prize for each participant. Everything we did and all the people who worked, were links that allowed us to build and enjoy this beautiful and unforgettable experience. Summer is gone, as well as all that it implies, memories and costumes are placed in the closet, teachings of daily life, and in the heart remains the desire to live a vibrant life until the next summer adventure arrives.

 

Viajar, es una palabra que emociona a todo ser humano desde tiempos inmemoriales. Pero para un cubano, que ha vivido siempre en una Isla, tiene mayor implicación que lo normal. Y si eso involucra, especialmente a los niños, es algo que los lleva al frenesí. Eso nos permite entender el por qué de la avalancha de esas pequeñas e incansables criaturitas que “llenaron” nuestra Escuela Bíblica de Verano, celebrada en agosto. Ellos asumieron el viaje con total involucramiento, papá y mamá tuvieron que fabricar con los recursos locales los típicos trajes hawayanos. Nos acompañaron 309 pequeñuelos en este viaje a Hawai, a través de la Isla Canoa, sin contar los 71 adultos. El excelente trabajo de los 38 líderes nos permitió transportarnos en el tiempo y espacio a esa preciosa Isla del Pacífico. Y qué decir de una decoración digna de profesionales del teatro, acompañada de la música, clases bíblicas e historias misioneras. Hasta la merienda al finalizar cada noche fue un premio para cada participante. Todo lo que hicimos y todas las personas que trabajaron, fueron eslabones que nos permitieron edificar y porque no disfrutar de esta bella e inolvidable experiencia. Ha quedado atrás el verano con todo lo que implica, los recuerdos y trajes fueron al closet, las enseñanzas a la vida cotidiana, y en el corazón el vivo anhelo de vivir el próximo verano una vibrante Aventura.

 

Please continue to pray for us as we prepare to go on mission, in November, with a team of 8 missionaries from three different churches. We look forward to seeing what God will do as we spend a week serving alongside our Christian brothers and sisters in Cuba. We are praying for an early confirmation of the Cuban Religious Entry Visas. Cuba para Cristo!

 

 

Dr. Victor Samuel Gonzalez and Other Friends from Cuba Visit Summer 2013

August 11, 2013

Dear Friends of Cuba,

Thanks for continuing to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Cuba. These last few months in Cuba, have been filled with Vacation Bible School events, youth camps, sports events, and retreats.

Several of our friends were given permission to travel to the USA this summer. A group of our friends are participating in conferences being held at South West Baptist Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas. We thank God for His Provision.

 

Our friends Elena, Alicia, Jose Enrique, Ruben, Abdiel, Delvis arrived at MIA, last Thursday, and we were able to visit with them. Abdiel had an opportunity to preach at Oasis de Amor Church, in West Palm Beach, on Sunday. Later that afternoon, he attended FBCWPB’s beach baptism with us. We are thankful for JC and Loli hosting Abdiel in their home while he was here.

It was our pleasure to spend time with Dr. Victor Samuel Gonzalez, former president of the Western Cuban Baptist Convention of Churches this week. Dr. Victor Samuel is an oncologist and leads Ve y Dilo Ministries, spreading the gospel of Christ all throughout Cuba. Nidia treated us to a delicious lunch at her home while Victor Samuel was here. Here is a photo of the visit Victor Samuel had with Paulita.

Friends from Cuba are here for a visit...

Dear Friends of Cuba,

Thanks for continuing to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Cuba.  These last few months in Cuba, have been filled with Vacation Bible School events, youth camps, sports events, and retreats.

Loli, Mabel, Alicita, Elena, Va. at MIA

 

Mabel, Alicita, Blanco, Va., Jose Enrique at MIA

 

Loli, Alicita,, Va., Delvis, Mabel in Kendall

 

David, Daniel, Alicita, Mabel, & Fran (sitting) in Kendall

 

Several of our friends were given permission to travel to the USA this summer.  A group of our friends are participating in conferences being held at South West Baptist Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas.  We thank God for His Provision. 

 

Steve, Va., Abdiel, Mabel, Rene in West Palm Beach

 

Jimmy & Abdiel at the beach baptism

Our friends Elena, Alicia, Jose Enrique, Ruben, Abdiel, Delvis arrived at MIA, last Thursday, and we were able to visit with them.  Abdiel had an opportunity to preach at Oasis de Amor Church, in West Palm Beach, on Sunday.  Later that afternoon, he attended FBCWPB’s beach baptism with us.  We are thankful for JC and Loli hosting Abdiel in their home while he was here. 

Loli, Va., & Dr. Victor Samuel Gonzalez in West Palm Beach

 

Dr. Victor Samuel Gonzalez, Nidia, Mabel in West Palm Beach

 

It was our pleasure to spend time with Dr. Victor Samuel Gonzalez, former president of the Western Cuban Baptist Convention of Churches this week.  Dr. Victor Samuel is an oncologist and leads Ve y Dilo Ministries, spreading the gospel of Christ all throughout Cuba.  Nidia treated us to a delicious lunch at her home while Victor Samuel was here. 

For those of you who would like to partner with us and provide ‘school supplies’ for our Fall 2013  trip, the office supply stores have begun their annual sales!  We will be collecting school supplies, now until August 31^st!

Starting Sunday, for example, STAPLES is promoting spiral notebooks for 1 cent.

 If you are a teacher, STAPLES offers special options to purchase 25 of the same item at the 1 cent sale price.  Be sure to check that out! 

Label the items, ‘Cuba-Virginia Hansen’ and drop them off in the ‘bins for Cuba’ located conveniently in classrooms on the third floor of the Developmental Center at First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, and in the Solid Rock Cafe,  OR  leave them at the Security Desk near the Fellowship Hall at FBCWPB.

School Supply Items suggested by our contacts in Cuba—Collecting now through August 31^st…

Flash Drives 4g & 8g                            Paint Sets               Foam Craft Sheets                Pencil/Pen Case

Colored Construction Paper              Scissors                  Glue guns& sticks                 Scotch Tape

Permanent Colored Markers (like Sharpies)                  Pocket Folders                     Backpacks              Glue

Colored Pencils                    Colored Markers non-permanent                   Post-it notes          Spiral Notebooks

www.cuba4christ.org  •  vacasa@bellsouth.net  •  561-712-1234

Facebook: Virginia Futch Hansen  •  Facebook:  Cuba 4 Christ

Twitter: Virginia Hansen@Cuba4Christwpb             

Cuba Youth Camps Theme-Pursuing Holiness

Dear Cuba Friends,

We hope you are having a great summer.  Please continue praying for our brothers and sisters in Cuba.  Many of the churches have held Vacation Bible School activities these last few weeks.  Churches are continuing Sport Ministry Programs for kids and adults.  This summer, Pastor Alexi reports that 300 students and leaders are participating in Youth Camps at ‘Gibara,’ Holguin and ‘Yumuri,’ near Mantanzas!  The theme this year is 'Pursuing Holiness.'

 

 

For those of you who would like to partner with us and provide ‘school supplies’ for our Fall 2013  trip, the office supply stores have begun their annual sales!  We will be collecting school supplies, now until August 31^st!

Next week, for example, STAPLES is promoting white glue, two pocket folders, and pencil boxes each for 1 penny!  You are able to purchase 3 of each item at the 1 penny price, starting Sunday.

 If you are a teacher, STAPLES offers special options to purchase 25 of the same item at the 1 penny sale price.  Be sure to check that out! 

Label the items, ‘Cuba-Virginia Hansen’ and drop them off in the ‘Cuba plastic bins’ located conveniently in classrooms on the Third Floor--*DC 326E, *DC 325E, *DC 309E, *DC 304, OR at the Security Desk near the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach.

School Supply Items suggested by our contacts in Cuba—Collecting now through August 31^st…

Flash Drives 4g & 8g         

Colored Construction Paper           

Permanent Colored Markers (like Sharpies)

Colored Pencils   

Scotch Tape

Colored Markers non-permanent

Paint Sets

Scissors               

Foam Craft Sheets            

Glue guns & sticks

Glue                     

Pencil/Pen Cases               

Pocket Folders                   

Backpacks

Post-it notes

www.cuba4christ.org  •  vacasa@bellsouth.net  •  561-712-1234

Facebook: Virginia Futch Hansen  •   Cuba 4 Christ • Twitter: Virginia Hansen@Cuba4Christwpb