Cuba (MNN) – For months, Iran has dominated global headlines amidst protests, crackdowns, and a regime under pressure. The world is watching closely.
But another headline is unfolding in Cuba — another government hanging in the balance, and a Church preparing for whatever comes next.
Duane Friesen, Vice President of International with The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, says these two nations share a defining question.
Vinales, Cuba (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Chen via Unsplash)
“We have two different countries in different parts of the world, but facing the same challenge, and that is: what does their immediate identity look like? Will they face a radical regime change that results in a radical identity change? And…what will be the response of the Christians in those places in the midst of radical change?”
Cuba is currently experiencing shortages of food and medicine, and facing a U.S. fuel blockade. The fuel crisis has led to power outages.
“This trickles down right to every village in the country,” says Friesen. “They are now in a crisis mode. They realize that they will not have power for maybe most of the day. In many cases, they’re only getting one hour of energy to charge whatever they have to supply. But in the midst of that, they’re wrestling through: ‘What will our country look like a year from now?'”
For Cuban believers grappling with economic challenges, Friesen says they still have a supernatural joy that can only come from the Holy Spirit.
“The Church in Cuba has tried to keep a Spirit-filled expression of grace in the midst of difficulty. But the reality is they have so little and continue to have less and less. [They] are in crisis just to get basic supplies of food, basic medicine, [or] be supported at a hospital.”
A makeshift baptism (Photo courtesy of The Voice of the Martyrs USA)
When Cubans are looking for relief, the ones who often show up with food, medicine, and encouragement are the local Christians.
Friesen says, “I’ve heard where there are networks of a church community given permission out of Havana to supply medical equipment and drugs to support the local hospitals on the outer skirts of the island.
“From the Church perspective, they’re looking at ways to be ready – ready to share what Good News they have, but also ready to be part of the solution, of blessing a nation in its next chapter.”
Please pray for Cubans to find sure footing in Jesus Christ.
Friesen says of Cuban believers, “Their prayer is that the Spirit would work through them to demonstrate what courage looks like in the midst of fear, in the midst of change, and that they would be a beacon of light to see a nation encouraged and brought to an understanding. There’s hope in Christ.”
Header photo: Wonders in graffiti above a woman walking in Havana, Cuba. (Photo courtesy of Emily Crawford via Unsplash)
