Go to cuba or come to canada ? a christmas miracle

Betsy Knapp

I've recently wondered what Christmas would be like in Cuba? I don't mean on the beach at a resort with a mojito in hand, but in rural Cuba, small town or village, Cuba. I had the opportunity to meet with the Cuba Connection committee by zoom and meet the folks passionate about serving our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Cuba. They relayed stories about the people that they have formed relationships with and who they long to keep in closer contact with.

This time of covid pandemic has been a challenge for everyone, but has only compounded already present and difficult conditions faced by most Cubans. Lack of resources, small measures of basic food supply, unreliable phone and internet communications and uncertainty around political and economic systems has hampered the growth of the CRC church there (and the relationship with our CRC churches here).

The committee is blessed to be able to send some much needed monetary resources their way, which will help with repairs and construction of residences for pastors, but even with that, it may not be possible if the supplies are not there in the first place. On top of that, they continue to feel the covid disruption that holds back the growing relationships and we have had to sit and wait in this season of advent, with the perseverance and hope for greater things to come and injustices to be overcome.  

What has come recently, and praise God for making the way, is another brand new family to Canada from Syria! Fellowship CRC welcomed a new family that they were waiting for since the initial covid shut down in March. What an OVER EXTENDED time of advent it has been for them. A Christmas miracle for that family, and the Fellowship church community, to be welcomed to a new place, with new possibilities and hope for flourishing. 

It shows us a spectrum of struggle and celebration and it reminds us that God is with us through it all. He is with us in our pain, He knows our needs and He loves us no matter what. His desire is for us to know that, know him and reflect that heart of love and compassion to others. If you want to learn more about our Classis's Cuba Connection, check out the tab in the committees & ministries menu on this website or reach out to me by email. Also if you or your church want to learn more or become active in the area of refugee resettlement, we know of specific families that are in need and would benefit from your support. 

​Jesse - yournadc@gmail.com