Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for one million people to accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord in Cuba by the year 2010. Although Hurricanes Gustav and Ike have caused much damage in the country and many are without sufficient food supplies and shelter, the Christians continue to press forward with the goal of winning their country for Christ. October 10 was set as the National Day of Prayer for the Spiritual Salvation of Cuba in 2006. There will be a prayer vigil beginning the night of October 9th at 6 p.m. until 6 p.m. on October 10th. This will be a time of remembering the passage in 2 Chronicles 7:14; a call for the people of God to humble themselves, pray and seek God's face. Each Christian in Cuba is asked to pray "on the 10th day of the 10th month for 10 people to be saved each year until 2010."
- Pray that God will give them strength as they pray through the hours of the prayer vigil.
- Pray for a special worship service on Sunday morning, October 12, that the pastors will deliver a message of salvation and hope for the people in their community who have such desperate needs.
- Pray that God will supply their needs of food, shelter, and clean water.
Day Fifty
Sunday, May 11
Thank you for praying for Cuba during these 50 days. But this is just the beginning of Cuban Baptists' plan to reach their country for Christ. Prayer is essential to that plan, and Cuban Baptists value your continued prayers. Pray the dreams of Cuban pastors and the visions of thousands of lay ministers will become a reality. Pray Cuba will indeed be won to Christ.
_____________________________
May these 50 Days of Prayer be just the beginning of your prayer journey!
Thank you for praying for Cuba during these 50 days. But this is just the beginning of Cuban Baptists' plan to reach their country for Christ. Prayer is essential to that plan, and Cuban Baptists value your continued prayers. Pray the dreams of Cuban pastors and the visions of thousands of lay ministers will become a reality. Pray Cuba will indeed be won to Christ.
_____________________________
May these 50 Days of Prayer be just the beginning of your prayer journey!
Day Forty-nine
Saturday, May 10
Rapid church growth requires strong leadership development. As Cuban Baptists seek to plant a church within walking distance of every person in Cuba, pray the Lord of the harvest will send more laborers into the harvest. Ask God specifically to call out more workers to reach children and youth, the future leaders of Cuban churches.
Rapid church growth requires strong leadership development. As Cuban Baptists seek to plant a church within walking distance of every person in Cuba, pray the Lord of the harvest will send more laborers into the harvest. Ask God specifically to call out more workers to reach children and youth, the future leaders of Cuban churches.
Day Forty-eight
Friday, May 9
Pray for Cuban Baptist children's leader Xiomar Acosta Blanco (see week 7 story) and others who are training Cuban children for future church leadership roles. Several children's house churches meet in Xiomar's town tonight. Pray that the children in these and other house churches will accept Christ early and become strong church leaders.
Pray for Cuban Baptist children's leader Xiomar Acosta Blanco (see week 7 story) and others who are training Cuban children for future church leadership roles. Several children's house churches meet in Xiomar's town tonight. Pray that the children in these and other house churches will accept Christ early and become strong church leaders.
Day Forty-seven
Thursday, May 8
Churches need many types of leaders such as pastoral, worship, children's, prayer and outreach. Pray God will call out leaders to fill these roles in churches across Cuba. Pray He will provide appropriate training for each need.
Churches need many types of leaders such as pastoral, worship, children's, prayer and outreach. Pray God will call out leaders to fill these roles in churches across Cuba. Pray He will provide appropriate training for each need.
Day Forty-six
Wednesday, May 7
Praise God for the more than 30 Lay Missionary Training Centers scattered across Cuba. These centers offer practical training to about 2,000 Cuban Baptist lay leaders. Pray for these leaders and their ministries.
Praise God for the more than 30 Lay Missionary Training Centers scattered across Cuba. These centers offer practical training to about 2,000 Cuban Baptist lay leaders. Pray for these leaders and their ministries.
Day Forty-five
Tuesday, May 6
Cuban Baptists have more than 5,000 churches, missions and outreach centers in Cuba but only 296 ordained pastors. Thousands of faithful lay ministers provide vital leadership to many of these congregations. Pray God will continue to call out lay leaders. Pray that ordained church leaders will empower them to carry out their ministries.
Cuban Baptists have more than 5,000 churches, missions and outreach centers in Cuba but only 296 ordained pastors. Thousands of faithful lay ministers provide vital leadership to many of these congregations. Pray God will continue to call out lay leaders. Pray that ordained church leaders will empower them to carry out their ministries.
Day Forty-four
Monday, May 5
On the first Monday of the month, Cuban Baptists observe a day of prayer and fasting for God to bless their nation. Join them in this time of concentrated prayer, asking God to help Cuban Baptists find creative ways to train believers for church leadership. Pray for Cuban Baptists José Enrique Pérez and Daniel González Garcia (see week 7 story) and other leaders involved in training Cuban believers for ministry.
On the first Monday of the month, Cuban Baptists observe a day of prayer and fasting for God to bless their nation. Join them in this time of concentrated prayer, asking God to help Cuban Baptists find creative ways to train believers for church leadership. Pray for Cuban Baptists José Enrique Pérez and Daniel González Garcia (see week 7 story) and other leaders involved in training Cuban believers for ministry.
Week Seven
Looking toward the future
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams" (Acts 2:17, NIV).
During these past 42 days, you've been praying weekly about Cuban Baptists' dreams to reach a million Cubans for Christ and to start 100,000 new churches by the end of 2010. Looking toward those goals, Cuban Baptists are already experiencing one of the most rapid rates of church growth in the world.
As a result of that growth, one of the major issues facing Cuban Baptists is a vast need for more church leaders. "For many years our work has been larger than the leadership," says Pastor José Enrique Pérez, a Cuban Baptist missions leader. "We've been trying to repair the situation."
One way Cuban Baptists are trying to do that is by moving theological education closer to the local churches to equip lay people to assume major church leadership roles. At his church José Enrique coordinates a training center that makes it possible for students to receive theological education without having to leave their ministry to attend seminary. "Every church should be a center of theological training in order to prepare the thousands of leaders that we will need," he says.
Besides this emphasis, some Cuban Baptist leaders are trying to get churches to enlarge their staff to include missions ministers able to motivate the church to strategically accomplish its mission. Cuban Baptist seminary professor and pastor Daniel González Garcia leads a missions-study track at his seminary that prepares students for such a role. "We understand that nothing will happen in Cuba-speaking spiritually-without the church fulfilling its mission," Daniel says.
Cuban Baptists are also training children to become future church leaders. One church not only reaches out to children through traditional church programs but also has started nearly a dozen house churches for children. In these house churches, children learn how to lead worship and study the Bible. Their teachers share the Gospel with the children but also try to reach their parents and extended family.
"We establish a relationship with the parents and don't let it go," says Cuban Baptist children's leader Xiomar Acosta Blanco. "We follow them until they come to know God."
A focus on the family is central to the development of the church in Cuba, says Daniel. "The best training for us as pastors is our family and our extended family," he says. "The success of a pastor here will not be to deliver a great sermon to a large gathering, but rather to communicate sincerely in one small group truths that can be told in another and another."
As Cuban Baptists look toward the future, "We're not thinking as much about a city with large churches but communities saturated with (house) churches," Daniel says. "The home is where the real test of spiritual disciplines lies-of patience, self-control, forgiveness. The home is basic and simple."
___________________
Sunday, May 4 - Day Forty-Three
The rapid rate of church growth in Cuba has created a huge need for practical leadership in the churches. Pray God will raise up enough leaders to disciple the thousands of Cubans who are being won to Christ.
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams" (Acts 2:17, NIV).
During these past 42 days, you've been praying weekly about Cuban Baptists' dreams to reach a million Cubans for Christ and to start 100,000 new churches by the end of 2010. Looking toward those goals, Cuban Baptists are already experiencing one of the most rapid rates of church growth in the world.
As a result of that growth, one of the major issues facing Cuban Baptists is a vast need for more church leaders. "For many years our work has been larger than the leadership," says Pastor José Enrique Pérez, a Cuban Baptist missions leader. "We've been trying to repair the situation."
One way Cuban Baptists are trying to do that is by moving theological education closer to the local churches to equip lay people to assume major church leadership roles. At his church José Enrique coordinates a training center that makes it possible for students to receive theological education without having to leave their ministry to attend seminary. "Every church should be a center of theological training in order to prepare the thousands of leaders that we will need," he says.
Besides this emphasis, some Cuban Baptist leaders are trying to get churches to enlarge their staff to include missions ministers able to motivate the church to strategically accomplish its mission. Cuban Baptist seminary professor and pastor Daniel González Garcia leads a missions-study track at his seminary that prepares students for such a role. "We understand that nothing will happen in Cuba-speaking spiritually-without the church fulfilling its mission," Daniel says.
Cuban Baptists are also training children to become future church leaders. One church not only reaches out to children through traditional church programs but also has started nearly a dozen house churches for children. In these house churches, children learn how to lead worship and study the Bible. Their teachers share the Gospel with the children but also try to reach their parents and extended family.
"We establish a relationship with the parents and don't let it go," says Cuban Baptist children's leader Xiomar Acosta Blanco. "We follow them until they come to know God."
A focus on the family is central to the development of the church in Cuba, says Daniel. "The best training for us as pastors is our family and our extended family," he says. "The success of a pastor here will not be to deliver a great sermon to a large gathering, but rather to communicate sincerely in one small group truths that can be told in another and another."
As Cuban Baptists look toward the future, "We're not thinking as much about a city with large churches but communities saturated with (house) churches," Daniel says. "The home is where the real test of spiritual disciplines lies-of patience, self-control, forgiveness. The home is basic and simple."
___________________
Sunday, May 4 - Day Forty-Three
The rapid rate of church growth in Cuba has created a huge need for practical leadership in the churches. Pray God will raise up enough leaders to disciple the thousands of Cubans who are being won to Christ.
Day Forty-two
Saturday, May 3
Pray for the three Baptist seminaries in Cuba and their nine extension centers. Ask God to anoint the teaching of the faculty members. Pray that those they train will help the church grow even more in Cuba. Pray these students will be part of starting a church within walking distance of every person in Cuba during the next three years.
Pray for the three Baptist seminaries in Cuba and their nine extension centers. Ask God to anoint the teaching of the faculty members. Pray that those they train will help the church grow even more in Cuba. Pray these students will be part of starting a church within walking distance of every person in Cuba during the next three years.
Day Forty-one
Friday, May 2
Pray for leaders of the Baptist conventions in Cuba. Each convention faces its own unique challenges because of the exponential growth of Cuban Baptist churches during the past 15 years. Ask God to give Cuban Baptist leaders wisdom to make decisions that will allow the continued movement of God across Cuba. Pray Cuban Baptists will reach a million Cubans with the Gospel by the end of 2010.
Pray for leaders of the Baptist conventions in Cuba. Each convention faces its own unique challenges because of the exponential growth of Cuban Baptist churches during the past 15 years. Ask God to give Cuban Baptist leaders wisdom to make decisions that will allow the continued movement of God across Cuba. Pray Cuban Baptists will reach a million Cubans with the Gospel by the end of 2010.
Day Forty
Thursday, May 1
Cubans are known around the world as superb athletes. Their passion for athletics is a natural bridge for sharing the Gospel. Pray for the many sports evangelism ministries in Cuba. Ask God to give creativity and boldness to believers using sports to win young Cubans to Christ. Pray that many Cubans will find the Lord through sports evangelism.
Cubans are known around the world as superb athletes. Their passion for athletics is a natural bridge for sharing the Gospel. Pray for the many sports evangelism ministries in Cuba. Ask God to give creativity and boldness to believers using sports to win young Cubans to Christ. Pray that many Cubans will find the Lord through sports evangelism.
Day Thirty-nine
Wednesday, April 30
Ask God to bless the New Dawn Ministry, a Cuban Baptist outreach to disabled people in Cuba. Believers involved in this ministry share Christ with the blind, the Deaf and others who are physically or emotionally handicapped. These believers hope not only to win the disabled to Christ but also to empower them to take the Gospel to others who share their unique challenges. Pray, too, for the group's outreach to families of disabled Cubans.
Ask God to bless the New Dawn Ministry, a Cuban Baptist outreach to disabled people in Cuba. Believers involved in this ministry share Christ with the blind, the Deaf and others who are physically or emotionally handicapped. These believers hope not only to win the disabled to Christ but also to empower them to take the Gospel to others who share their unique challenges. Pray, too, for the group's outreach to families of disabled Cubans.
Day Thirty-eight
Tuesday, April 29
In the one-car garage of an apartment in Havana tonight, Cuban Baptist Abel Hernández (see week 6 story) will lead a group of street people to pray that God will help them break free from drugs, prostitution and delinquency. They will hear Christians share testimonies of how the Holy Spirit is transforming their lives. Together they will learn songs about Jesus and hear a Bible story about life in Christ. Ask God to make His message very clear.
In the one-car garage of an apartment in Havana tonight, Cuban Baptist Abel Hernández (see week 6 story) will lead a group of street people to pray that God will help them break free from drugs, prostitution and delinquency. They will hear Christians share testimonies of how the Holy Spirit is transforming their lives. Together they will learn songs about Jesus and hear a Bible story about life in Christ. Ask God to make His message very clear.
Day Thirty-seven
Monday, April 28
More than half of Cuba's population practices Santería, a mixture of African traditional religions and the worship of saints. Practitioners try to manipulate their circumstances by appeasing the many different spirits they believe control their daily lives. Pray for followers of Santería, asking God to open their eyes to their need for a personal relationship with Christ. Pray they will find true rest and freedom through the liberating power of the Holy Spirit.
More than half of Cuba's population practices Santería, a mixture of African traditional religions and the worship of saints. Practitioners try to manipulate their circumstances by appeasing the many different spirits they believe control their daily lives. Pray for followers of Santería, asking God to open their eyes to their need for a personal relationship with Christ. Pray they will find true rest and freedom through the liberating power of the Holy Spirit.
Week Six
Light for the darkness
"Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, 'I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life'" (John 8:12, NASB).
Abel Hernández will never forget the day he came home to find a crowd in the street near his home in Havana, Cuba. Soon he learned what all the commotion was about. Pablito, a young man in the neighborhood, had committed suicide after struggling with a drug addiction.
God used that tragedy to call Abel to minister to Cuban youth hooked on drugs and alcohol. Now a pastor, Abel has a vision to reach these young people and others struggling to survive on the streets.
"When we began acting on the vision, we understood that a young person who comes from the streets needs to return to the streets. He comes hurt and returns transformed to a new life by the Holy Spirit," Abel says.
Several nights a week Abel opens a small garage and invites people from the streets to come in for worship. Concerned about taking the Gospel to the streets, Christian young people from local churches also join the group. Together the group forms the link joining the church with the streets, Abel says.
The garage soon becomes standing room only as more young people gather to worship before going out to witness to street people. Sharing Abel's vision, these young people learn to love the outcasts of their city. "Once they have the vision, they go out on the street and also begin winning others to Christ-others who are suffering or have no purpose in life. That's how we do it," Abel explains.
After worship, Abel and his group hit the streets around midnight and stay out until about 4 a.m., sharing Christ with street people in downtown Havana and in city parks.
"We say here that the cockroaches and rats come out at night. Since that's the kind of person we're looking for, we only go out at the time they're emerging," Abel says.
As they go out to shine Christ's light into the darkness, these young believers depend upon prayer. "We're praying because we know there are people suffering in all our cities-drug addicts and prostitutes. So we're preparing ourselves to go out," says Abel.
Abel knows firsthand why that preparation is critical. Earlier in his life, "I, too, was involved in drugs and delinquency," he says. "The Lord took me out of that and called me to reach others. God is looking for others who want to honor Him."
________________
Sunday, April 27 - Day 36
Pray for Cuban Baptist Abel Hernández (see week 6 story) and Cuban believers who share Christ with people in the streets of Havana. Pray lost people will see there is something different about these believers. Ask the Holy Spirit to draw these street people to Christ. Ask the Lord to transform their lives and use them to bring many others to the Savior.
"Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, 'I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life'" (John 8:12, NASB).
Abel Hernández will never forget the day he came home to find a crowd in the street near his home in Havana, Cuba. Soon he learned what all the commotion was about. Pablito, a young man in the neighborhood, had committed suicide after struggling with a drug addiction.
God used that tragedy to call Abel to minister to Cuban youth hooked on drugs and alcohol. Now a pastor, Abel has a vision to reach these young people and others struggling to survive on the streets.
"When we began acting on the vision, we understood that a young person who comes from the streets needs to return to the streets. He comes hurt and returns transformed to a new life by the Holy Spirit," Abel says.
Several nights a week Abel opens a small garage and invites people from the streets to come in for worship. Concerned about taking the Gospel to the streets, Christian young people from local churches also join the group. Together the group forms the link joining the church with the streets, Abel says.
The garage soon becomes standing room only as more young people gather to worship before going out to witness to street people. Sharing Abel's vision, these young people learn to love the outcasts of their city. "Once they have the vision, they go out on the street and also begin winning others to Christ-others who are suffering or have no purpose in life. That's how we do it," Abel explains.
After worship, Abel and his group hit the streets around midnight and stay out until about 4 a.m., sharing Christ with street people in downtown Havana and in city parks.
"We say here that the cockroaches and rats come out at night. Since that's the kind of person we're looking for, we only go out at the time they're emerging," Abel says.
As they go out to shine Christ's light into the darkness, these young believers depend upon prayer. "We're praying because we know there are people suffering in all our cities-drug addicts and prostitutes. So we're preparing ourselves to go out," says Abel.
Abel knows firsthand why that preparation is critical. Earlier in his life, "I, too, was involved in drugs and delinquency," he says. "The Lord took me out of that and called me to reach others. God is looking for others who want to honor Him."
________________
Sunday, April 27 - Day 36
Pray for Cuban Baptist Abel Hernández (see week 6 story) and Cuban believers who share Christ with people in the streets of Havana. Pray lost people will see there is something different about these believers. Ask the Holy Spirit to draw these street people to Christ. Ask the Lord to transform their lives and use them to bring many others to the Savior.
Day Thirty-five
Saturday, April 26
Today, Cuban believers Osvier Acosta Ferrero, Ricardo Tadeo Soria Perez, Rosaida Camacho and Claribel Morales (see week 5 story) will pray with others from their church before they all go out as teams to share the Gospel in rural Cuba. Ask the Lord to prepare the hearts of the lost people these teams will visit. Pray that Cubans who need the Savior will be willing to commit their lives to Him.
Today, Cuban believers Osvier Acosta Ferrero, Ricardo Tadeo Soria Perez, Rosaida Camacho and Claribel Morales (see week 5 story) will pray with others from their church before they all go out as teams to share the Gospel in rural Cuba. Ask the Lord to prepare the hearts of the lost people these teams will visit. Pray that Cubans who need the Savior will be willing to commit their lives to Him.
Day Thirty-four
Friday, April 25
Pray for stamina, good health and safety for Cuban believers who go to remote areas of Cuba to spread the Gospel. Pray for their protection as they travel at night over unlit trails and roads. Continue to pray that a million Cubans across the island nation will accept Christ as their Savior by the end of 2010.
Pray for stamina, good health and safety for Cuban believers who go to remote areas of Cuba to spread the Gospel. Pray for their protection as they travel at night over unlit trails and roads. Continue to pray that a million Cubans across the island nation will accept Christ as their Savior by the end of 2010.
Day Thirty-three
Thursday, April 24
Christians in Cuba make many sacrifices to share Christ and to disciple believers. One sacrifice is leaving the comforts of home and going where the people are. Few church leaders have a vehicle, so most walk, take public transportation-where available-or ride bikes, horses or donkeys. Ask God to help Cuban believers reach the places they serve.
Christians in Cuba make many sacrifices to share Christ and to disciple believers. One sacrifice is leaving the comforts of home and going where the people are. Few church leaders have a vehicle, so most walk, take public transportation-where available-or ride bikes, horses or donkeys. Ask God to help Cuban believers reach the places they serve.
Day Thirty-two
Wednesday, April 23
Pray that many new churches will be started in rural Cuba. Ask God to call out and provide training for believers to lead these congregations. Pray that Cuban Baptists will realize their goal of starting 100,000 new churches-a church within walking distance of every person in Cuba-during the next three years.
Pray that many new churches will be started in rural Cuba. Ask God to call out and provide training for believers to lead these congregations. Pray that Cuban Baptists will realize their goal of starting 100,000 new churches-a church within walking distance of every person in Cuba-during the next three years.
Day Thirty-one
Tuesday, April 22
Praise God for the changes Cuban believers Rosaida Camacho and Claribel Morales (see week 5 story) have seen in one rural neighborhood where they prayerwalk and witness. Pray that God will allow these women to prayerwalk and share the Gospel in many other parts of Cuba's countryside. Ask Him to provide transportation to places too far to walk.
Praise God for the changes Cuban believers Rosaida Camacho and Claribel Morales (see week 5 story) have seen in one rural neighborhood where they prayerwalk and witness. Pray that God will allow these women to prayerwalk and share the Gospel in many other parts of Cuba's countryside. Ask Him to provide transportation to places too far to walk.
Day Thirty
Monday, April 21
Ask the Lord to show Cuban believers how they can be involved in missions. Pray that God will call out more Cuban workers to reach fellow Cubans who have never before heard the Gospel. Pray these believers will respond in obedience to the Lord's call.
Ask the Lord to show Cuban believers how they can be involved in missions. Pray that God will call out more Cuban workers to reach fellow Cubans who have never before heard the Gospel. Pray these believers will respond in obedience to the Lord's call.
Week Five
Willing to go
"And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news'" (Romans 10: 15, NIV).
When Osvier Acosta Ferrero, 70, and Ricardo Tadeo Soria Perez, 56, navigate dirt roads on their bicycles, they're not out for their daily exercise. Instead, they're praying for rural Cubans who need Jesus Christ. It's not obligation that compels these two men to serve but a clear understanding of the Gospel's transforming power.
That power made a dramatic difference for Ricardo. "I was lost in alcohol, and He rescued me from the deep hole where I was," he says. "This is why I want to help people who are in the same hole-so they can understand the joy and life that Jesus Christ gives us."
The two men sing hymns as they peddle along the dirt roads of Cuba's countryside. Ricardo and Osvier cycle for miles on end to lead Bible studies in rural communities.
With a heart for evangelism, these men are willing and ready to serve wherever the Lord leads. "If God someday sends us to another country, we will go," Osvier says. "We have the joy of evangelization, always asking God for wisdom, a love for people and that every day of our lives we could have the joy of proclaiming the Word of Christ to every soul."
While Ricardo and Osvier bike to their Bible studies, another two-some from their church is walking from house to house to proclaim the Word in rural neighborhoods. Rosaida Camacho and Claribel Morales pray as they go, asking God to prepare hearts and homes before they arrive. "Our greatest desire and prayer is for the salvation of our families, our neighborhoods and all of Cuba," Rosaida says.
She and Claribel are helping people find salvation in Jesus in an area where they prayerwalk and witness regularly. The neighborhood used to be known for domestic problems, problems between neighbors, even murders. But that started changing as people began to accept Christ.
"Now there is peace here," Rosaida says.
_________________
Sunday, April 20 - Day 29
Pray God will give Cuban believers Osvier Acosta Ferrero and Ricardo Tadeo Soria Perez (see week 5 story) many opportunities to share the love of Christ with rural Cubans. Ask the Lord to strengthen their faith and provide physical endurance as they bike to distant villages to spread the good news. Pray that God will call out more Cuban believers to take the Gospel to other rural areas of Cuba.
"And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news'" (Romans 10: 15, NIV).
When Osvier Acosta Ferrero, 70, and Ricardo Tadeo Soria Perez, 56, navigate dirt roads on their bicycles, they're not out for their daily exercise. Instead, they're praying for rural Cubans who need Jesus Christ. It's not obligation that compels these two men to serve but a clear understanding of the Gospel's transforming power.
That power made a dramatic difference for Ricardo. "I was lost in alcohol, and He rescued me from the deep hole where I was," he says. "This is why I want to help people who are in the same hole-so they can understand the joy and life that Jesus Christ gives us."
The two men sing hymns as they peddle along the dirt roads of Cuba's countryside. Ricardo and Osvier cycle for miles on end to lead Bible studies in rural communities.
With a heart for evangelism, these men are willing and ready to serve wherever the Lord leads. "If God someday sends us to another country, we will go," Osvier says. "We have the joy of evangelization, always asking God for wisdom, a love for people and that every day of our lives we could have the joy of proclaiming the Word of Christ to every soul."
While Ricardo and Osvier bike to their Bible studies, another two-some from their church is walking from house to house to proclaim the Word in rural neighborhoods. Rosaida Camacho and Claribel Morales pray as they go, asking God to prepare hearts and homes before they arrive. "Our greatest desire and prayer is for the salvation of our families, our neighborhoods and all of Cuba," Rosaida says.
She and Claribel are helping people find salvation in Jesus in an area where they prayerwalk and witness regularly. The neighborhood used to be known for domestic problems, problems between neighbors, even murders. But that started changing as people began to accept Christ.
"Now there is peace here," Rosaida says.
_________________
Sunday, April 20 - Day 29
Pray God will give Cuban believers Osvier Acosta Ferrero and Ricardo Tadeo Soria Perez (see week 5 story) many opportunities to share the love of Christ with rural Cubans. Ask the Lord to strengthen their faith and provide physical endurance as they bike to distant villages to spread the good news. Pray that God will call out more Cuban believers to take the Gospel to other rural areas of Cuba.
Day Twenty-eight
Saturday, April 19
Pray with Cuban Baptist lay missionaries as many of them go out today for evangelistic visitation in homes in their part of Cuba. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give them boldness. Pray that lost people will open their hearts and homes to the Gospel message.
Day Twenty-seven
Friday, April 18
As you pray for the salvation of Cuba, pray also for the generations of Cuban families that have been separated geographically for decades. Ask God to strengthen these families and to provide comfort and peace during family crises such as illness or death of a loved one. Pray that non-Christian family members will come to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Day Twenty-six
Thursday, April 17
Ask God to show elderly Cuban believers new ways He wants to use them. Pray the last years of their lives will be some of the most fulfilling and productive times of service to the Lord. Pray elderly Cubans who don't know Christ will realize how much He loves them. Pray they will accept His free gift of salvation.
Day Twenty-five
Wednesday, April 16
Most elderly Cubans live with their children or grandchildren. Concerned for Cuban seniors who have no one to care for them, Cuban Baptists have built two retirement homes to meet the needs of the elderly. Pray for the workers at these homes. Pray all residents will have a strong relationship with Christ.
Most elderly Cubans live with their children or grandchildren. Concerned for Cuban seniors who have no one to care for them, Cuban Baptists have built two retirement homes to meet the needs of the elderly. Pray for the workers at these homes. Pray all residents will have a strong relationship with Christ.
Day Twenty-four
Tuesday, April 15
Nearly 20 percent of Cuba's people are over age 60. Ask God to open doors for Cuban believers to reach elderly Cubans with the Gospel. Pray that these seniors will realize their need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and will decide to trust Him as their Savior. Pray that a million Cubans of all ages will accept Christ during the next three years.
Nearly 20 percent of Cuba's people are over age 60. Ask God to open doors for Cuban believers to reach elderly Cubans with the Gospel. Pray that these seniors will realize their need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and will decide to trust Him as their Savior. Pray that a million Cubans of all ages will accept Christ during the next three years.
Day Twenty-three
Monday, April 14
Pray for new Christians who are led to Christ by Víctor González Sr. (see week 4 story) and other Cuban believers. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help these new disciples make the changes necessary to walk closely with the Lord. Pray they will quickly get involved in a church and begin studying God's Word regularly. Ask God to help Cuban Baptists start a church within walking distance of every Cuban by the end of 2010.
Pray for new Christians who are led to Christ by Víctor González Sr. (see week 4 story) and other Cuban believers. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help these new disciples make the changes necessary to walk closely with the Lord. Pray they will quickly get involved in a church and begin studying God's Word regularly. Ask God to help Cuban Baptists start a church within walking distance of every Cuban by the end of 2010.
Week Four
Strength for the journey
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:30-31, NIV).
At his rural home near Matanzas, Cuba, the front porch is a sacred place for retired Baptist pastor Víctor González Sr.
Before his wife died more than four years ago, the two of them prayed together there every morning. They interceded for lost people in Cuba and across the globe.
Víctor misses his wife and prayer partner, of course, but he isn't sitting around feeling sorry for himself. He still starts each day on the porch, reading God's Word and praying for the world. He prays, too, for the people he'll meet that day and for strength to go share the Gospel with them.
Then Víctor, 88, sets out on foot, walking for hours along rugged roads in the mountainous countryside. He stops at homes along the way and tells everyone he meets the good news of Jesus. "I go out to evangelize almost every day," he says.
Víctor has been serving as a "walking evangelist" since he retired as a pastor 16 years ago. At the time, "I said, 'I'm not going to sit around with my hands crossed. I want to keep working!'" he remembers.
God used a familiar Scripture passage to call Víctor to this new chapter of his ministry. "I opened the Bible to Isaiah 40:30-31," he recalls, paraphrasing those verses. "Young people will weaken ... Those who wait on the Lord will have new strength. I said, 'Lord, that's what I need!' I was aware when I retired at 72 that I needed strength. I asked for strength to walk kilometers and kilometers, and the Lord strengthened me."
Relying on God's power, last year Víctor made 2,640 home visits-all on foot-to share the Gospel. That's an average of 220 visits per month, about seven visits per day.
Today, Víctor's still going strong, with no signs of slowing down. "Pray that the Lord will lengthen my life, to be able to keep working in the Lord's service," he says.
"There's a promise in the Bible that one day all the nations of the world will know the Lord," Víctor continues. "We want one day to see one another there gathered in the great family in Heaven, without distinction of race or class. That will be a day of rejoicing."
"Pray that Cuba and the whole world might be won to Christ," he adds.
______________
Sunday, April 13 - Day 22
Ask God to strengthen Víctor González Sr. (see week 4 story) and other retirees in Cuba who continue to serve Christ and share the Gospel. Pray that their "golden years" will be fruitful ones. Pray that God will use these senior adults to introduce many Cubans to saving faith in Christ.
Day Twenty-one
Saturday, April 12
Pray that homes of Cuban church leaders will reflect the love of Christ to non-Christian neighbors. Since many churches meet in homes with windows wide open, neighbors hear the music, prayers and Bible teaching. Pray the Holy Spirit will draw lost neighbors to Christ. Pray these home groups will multiply and permeate every neighborhood in Cuba.
Pray that homes of Cuban church leaders will reflect the love of Christ to non-Christian neighbors. Since many churches meet in homes with windows wide open, neighbors hear the music, prayers and Bible teaching. Pray the Holy Spirit will draw lost neighbors to Christ. Pray these home groups will multiply and permeate every neighborhood in Cuba.
Day Twenty
Friday, April 11
Pray today for Cuban Baptist pastors' wives. Ask the Lord to help them balance the many demands of ministry, marriage and parenting. Pray they will maintain strong prayer lives. Ask God to strengthen and guide them in their roles as wives, mothers, church leaders and mentors to other Christian women.
Pray today for Cuban Baptist pastors' wives. Ask the Lord to help them balance the many demands of ministry, marriage and parenting. Pray they will maintain strong prayer lives. Ask God to strengthen and guide them in their roles as wives, mothers, church leaders and mentors to other Christian women.
Day Nineteen
Thursday, April 10
Because of a need for more church leaders, most Cuban Baptist pastors serve several congregations at the same time. Ask God to give them peace in the midst of a stressful lifestyle. Pray they will prioritize their time well, giving proper attention to their prayer life, marriage and family. Ask God to show them how to train more leaders to help them.
Because of a need for more church leaders, most Cuban Baptist pastors serve several congregations at the same time. Ask God to give them peace in the midst of a stressful lifestyle. Pray they will prioritize their time well, giving proper attention to their prayer life, marriage and family. Ask God to show them how to train more leaders to help them.
Day Eighteen
Wednesday, April 9
Cuban doctors are highly respected, and many people travel to Cuba seeking treatment from them. Pray for Christian physicians as they care for the sick and share the hope of Jesus Christ. Pray that medical professionals who travel outside of Cuba will come in contact with believers in other countries.
Cuban doctors are highly respected, and many people travel to Cuba seeking treatment from them. Pray for Christian physicians as they care for the sick and share the hope of Jesus Christ. Pray that medical professionals who travel outside of Cuba will come in contact with believers in other countries.
Day Seventeen
Tuesday, April 8
Pray for the sick in Cuba who need a touch from God. Many of those who are sick come to the churches seeking prayer or even medicine. They have seen churches rally around those who have needs. Pray that they will find the hope of Jesus Christ.
Pray for the sick in Cuba who need a touch from God. Many of those who are sick come to the churches seeking prayer or even medicine. They have seen churches rally around those who have needs. Pray that they will find the hope of Jesus Christ.
Day Sixteen
Monday, April 7
On the first Monday of every month Cuban Baptists observe a day of prayer and fasting for God to bless their nation. Join them during this time of concentrated prayer, asking God to help them reach a million Cubans by the end of 2010. Pray that 100,000 churches will be started during the next three years.
On the first Monday of every month Cuban Baptists observe a day of prayer and fasting for God to bless their nation. Join them during this time of concentrated prayer, asking God to help them reach a million Cubans by the end of 2010. Pray that 100,000 churches will be started during the next three years.
Week Three
The Power of Prayer
"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3, NASB).
Estrella Sánchez, a pastor's wife in Cuba, remembers the day she found out she had a brain tumor. "I'm a Christian. I'm not afraid," she told her physician, a non-believer. "God can take away this tumor if He wants to. He made everything."
Her doctor laughed. But he gave this advice while Estrella waited for her surgery: "Call on God to see if He will help you."
"I'll call on God," she replied, "but not so much that He might heal me, but that you would be converted."
That day "God flooded me with a great peace," recalls Estrella, a young wife and mother. "I was resting in Him."
But her husband, Rasiel, was distraught at first. "I locked myself in the bathroom and cried," he says.
When he came out, he hugged Estrella. Together they knelt in prayer at their bedside. "I put my hand onher head and prayed, 'Lord, heal my wife.' We knew God was helping us. We prayed He would give us strength," he says.
It's been more than two years since that day, and Estrella is still battling a brain tumor. "I'm recovering for the glory of God, but recovery is very slow," she says. "I'm learning to trust in God and His promises."
In the process, she relies on prayer. "God says to me, 'Estrella, be strong. Strengthen those weak knees.'"
The prayers of others, at home and abroad, have been a big part of that strengthening. "Prayer is powerful," she says.
One day a Christian worker from the States told Estrella that a prayer network of more than 3,000 believers was praying for her. "That gave me great joy!" Estrella says. "To think that my name was before God with so many people praying for me. What a great blessing!"
Two months after that prayer chain began, Estrella's tumor began to shrink. She's still in the healing process, but "I am waiting on God," she says. "This is God's time, not mine."
"His presence is sufficient," Rasiel adds. "His power is enough."
Sunday, April 6 - Day 15
Thank God for the ways He has answered prayer for Estrella Sánchez (see above) as she recovers from a brain tumor. Pray for her continued healing. Pray God will be glorified through her and her family. Pray many Cubans, including her doctors, will come to saving faith in Jesus Christ through her testimony.
"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3, NASB).
Estrella Sánchez, a pastor's wife in Cuba, remembers the day she found out she had a brain tumor. "I'm a Christian. I'm not afraid," she told her physician, a non-believer. "God can take away this tumor if He wants to. He made everything."
Her doctor laughed. But he gave this advice while Estrella waited for her surgery: "Call on God to see if He will help you."
"I'll call on God," she replied, "but not so much that He might heal me, but that you would be converted."
That day "God flooded me with a great peace," recalls Estrella, a young wife and mother. "I was resting in Him."
But her husband, Rasiel, was distraught at first. "I locked myself in the bathroom and cried," he says.
When he came out, he hugged Estrella. Together they knelt in prayer at their bedside. "I put my hand onher head and prayed, 'Lord, heal my wife.' We knew God was helping us. We prayed He would give us strength," he says.
It's been more than two years since that day, and Estrella is still battling a brain tumor. "I'm recovering for the glory of God, but recovery is very slow," she says. "I'm learning to trust in God and His promises."
In the process, she relies on prayer. "God says to me, 'Estrella, be strong. Strengthen those weak knees.'"
The prayers of others, at home and abroad, have been a big part of that strengthening. "Prayer is powerful," she says.
One day a Christian worker from the States told Estrella that a prayer network of more than 3,000 believers was praying for her. "That gave me great joy!" Estrella says. "To think that my name was before God with so many people praying for me. What a great blessing!"
Two months after that prayer chain began, Estrella's tumor began to shrink. She's still in the healing process, but "I am waiting on God," she says. "This is God's time, not mine."
"His presence is sufficient," Rasiel adds. "His power is enough."
Sunday, April 6 - Day 15
Thank God for the ways He has answered prayer for Estrella Sánchez (see above) as she recovers from a brain tumor. Pray for her continued healing. Pray God will be glorified through her and her family. Pray many Cubans, including her doctors, will come to saving faith in Jesus Christ through her testimony.
Day Fourteen
Saturday, April 5
As Cuban Baptists move toward their goals of reaching a million Cubans and starting 100,000 churches by the end of 2010, they will need many more church leaders for the future. Pray God will call out Cuban Christians to serve in church leadership roles. Ask the Lord to give church leaders a vision for developing lay leaders to guide these new congregations.
As Cuban Baptists move toward their goals of reaching a million Cubans and starting 100,000 churches by the end of 2010, they will need many more church leaders for the future. Pray God will call out Cuban Christians to serve in church leadership roles. Ask the Lord to give church leaders a vision for developing lay leaders to guide these new congregations.
Day Thirteen
Friday, April 4
Many Christians in Cuba worship in home Bible studies. As these groups grow, host families have to make adjustments to fit everyone inside. Some move all their furniture to one room. Some even knock down walls to create more space. Ask God to bless these believers for opening their homes. Pray many people will come to Christ through these groups.
Many Christians in Cuba worship in home Bible studies. As these groups grow, host families have to make adjustments to fit everyone inside. Some move all their furniture to one room. Some even knock down walls to create more space. Ask God to bless these believers for opening their homes. Pray many people will come to Christ through these groups.
Day Twelve
Thursday, April 3
A team of Christian workers travels across Cuba teaching believers how to share their faith and start churches through Christian music. Ask the Lord to give this team creativity, endurance and travel safety as they train future worship leaders in Cuba. Pray that Christian music will touch the hearts of Cubans who have yet to hear the Gospel.
A team of Christian workers travels across Cuba teaching believers how to share their faith and start churches through Christian music. Ask the Lord to give this team creativity, endurance and travel safety as they train future worship leaders in Cuba. Pray that Christian music will touch the hearts of Cubans who have yet to hear the Gospel.
Day Eleven
Wednesday, April 2
Last summer Ivette, a Christian violinist for a Havana symphony orchestra, and some other Cuban Christian musicians used music to share the Gospel with rural Cubans. In one week, 450 people accepted Christ. Ivette returned burdened to win fellow musicians to Christ. Pray for her and another orchestra member as they share their faith with their peers.
Last summer Ivette, a Christian violinist for a Havana symphony orchestra, and some other Cuban Christian musicians used music to share the Gospel with rural Cubans. In one week, 450 people accepted Christ. Ivette returned burdened to win fellow musicians to Christ. Pray for her and another orchestra member as they share their faith with their peers.
Day Ten
Tuesday, April 1
Musicians are accustomed to performing and attracting people to the beautiful sounds of their instruments or voices. But some Christian musicians in Cuba are using their skills not to entertain others but to plant churches. Pray for these Christians as they share the Gospel through music. Pray that hearts will be receptive and churches will be started.
Musicians are accustomed to performing and attracting people to the beautiful sounds of their instruments or voices. But some Christian musicians in Cuba are using their skills not to entertain others but to plant churches. Pray for these Christians as they share the Gospel through music. Pray that hearts will be receptive and churches will be started.
Day Nine
Monday, March 31
In the island nation of Cuba, one out of every five Cubans is a professional musician. Ask the Holy Spirit to create in these musicians a deep longing for a personal relationship with their Creator. Pray that many professional musicians will accept Christ as their Savior and begin making music for His glory, not for personal fame.
In the island nation of Cuba, one out of every five Cubans is a professional musician. Ask the Holy Spirit to create in these musicians a deep longing for a personal relationship with their Creator. Pray that many professional musicians will accept Christ as their Savior and begin making music for His glory, not for personal fame.
Week Two
Week 2 - The presence of God
"Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord" (Psalm 89:15, NLT).
When Coco Freeman began his career as a professional musician in Cuba in 1990, his main objectives were wealth and fame. But 11 years later, Coco reconsidered what life is all about.
"My goal was to make a career as an artist, but it did not happen that way," he says. "Now I realize fame is a very weak foundation."
After years of performing with nationally and internationally-acclaimed bands, Coco saw his personal life hit rock-bottom in 2001. He found himself in the midst of a divorce while also suffering from hepatitis and dengue fever.
"It was a difficult moment because I was not only suffering from my body, but also from my spirit," Coco says.
While lying in bed stricken with fever, Coco remembered the God he had heard about when he attended a Cuban Baptist church as a teenager. Overwhelmed by fear and loneliness, Coco cried out to the Lord for salvation.
"At that moment, something happened," Coco says. "I felt a presence that took my fear away."
The same Presence that removed Coco's fear and saved his soul also led him to use his musical talent to share his faith with fellow Cubans. Today, Coco composes and performs Christian music to communicate the Gospel.
"With these songs, I minister to people," Coco says. "When people hear the songs, they are touched and brokenhearted. They cry, and they experience God's presence."
Sunday, March 30 - Day 8
Thank God for the salvation of musician Coco Freeman. Pray that many fellow Cubans will accept Christ as their Savior through his public testimony of song. Pray that his focus will remain on the One who gave him the gift of music.
"Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord" (Psalm 89:15, NLT).
When Coco Freeman began his career as a professional musician in Cuba in 1990, his main objectives were wealth and fame. But 11 years later, Coco reconsidered what life is all about.
"My goal was to make a career as an artist, but it did not happen that way," he says. "Now I realize fame is a very weak foundation."
After years of performing with nationally and internationally-acclaimed bands, Coco saw his personal life hit rock-bottom in 2001. He found himself in the midst of a divorce while also suffering from hepatitis and dengue fever.
"It was a difficult moment because I was not only suffering from my body, but also from my spirit," Coco says.
While lying in bed stricken with fever, Coco remembered the God he had heard about when he attended a Cuban Baptist church as a teenager. Overwhelmed by fear and loneliness, Coco cried out to the Lord for salvation.
"At that moment, something happened," Coco says. "I felt a presence that took my fear away."
The same Presence that removed Coco's fear and saved his soul also led him to use his musical talent to share his faith with fellow Cubans. Today, Coco composes and performs Christian music to communicate the Gospel.
"With these songs, I minister to people," Coco says. "When people hear the songs, they are touched and brokenhearted. They cry, and they experience God's presence."
Sunday, March 30 - Day 8
Thank God for the salvation of musician Coco Freeman. Pray that many fellow Cubans will accept Christ as their Savior through his public testimony of song. Pray that his focus will remain on the One who gave him the gift of music.
Day Seven
Saturday, March 29 - Day 7
Cuban Baptists have many plans for reaching Cuba for Christ. They're all based on prayer. "Prayer is fundamental. It's the beginning, the middle and the end," says Cuban Baptist leader Daniel González Garcia. Pray that Cuban Baptists will bathe all their goals in prayer. Ask God to help them to reach a million Cubans in the next three years.
Cuban Baptists have many plans for reaching Cuba for Christ. They're all based on prayer. "Prayer is fundamental. It's the beginning, the middle and the end," says Cuban Baptist leader Daniel González Garcia. Pray that Cuban Baptists will bathe all their goals in prayer. Ask God to help them to reach a million Cubans in the next three years.
Day Six
Friday, March 28 - Day 6
A pastor in Cuba believes that "discipleship chains" are the key to reaching his city. In his church, each new believer wins and disciples another as soon as possible. In just two years, some of this church's "discipleship chains" have already grown four-fold. Pray all churches in Cuba will follow this biblical model.
A pastor in Cuba believes that "discipleship chains" are the key to reaching his city. In his church, each new believer wins and disciples another as soon as possible. In just two years, some of this church's "discipleship chains" have already grown four-fold. Pray all churches in Cuba will follow this biblical model.
Day Five
Thursday, March 27 - Day 5
Cuban Baptists hope to start a church within walking distance of every person in Cuba in the next three years. Pray these believers will realize that goal by boldly sharing the Gospel with their family, friends and neighbors.
Cuban Baptists hope to start a church within walking distance of every person in Cuba in the next three years. Pray these believers will realize that goal by boldly sharing the Gospel with their family, friends and neighbors.
Day Four
Wednesday, March 26 - Day 4
Christians in Cuba are seeing one of the most rapid rates of church growth in the world. But they don't want to stop with that. They're praying for a deeper spiritual awakening in Cuba and an opportunity for everyone in Cuba to respond to the Gospel. Join them in that prayer.
Christians in Cuba are seeing one of the most rapid rates of church growth in the world. But they don't want to stop with that. They're praying for a deeper spiritual awakening in Cuba and an opportunity for everyone in Cuba to respond to the Gospel. Join them in that prayer.
Day Three
Tuesday, March 25 - Day 3
When you ask for prayer, do you await answers with expectation? Christians in Cuba expect to hear from God and to see Him move. They are fasting and praying, burdened for the lost in their land. Pray Cuban Christians will not be distracted by concerns of this world but will keep their hearts attuned to the Lord.
When you ask for prayer, do you await answers with expectation? Christians in Cuba expect to hear from God and to see Him move. They are fasting and praying, burdened for the lost in their land. Pray Cuban Christians will not be distracted by concerns of this world but will keep their hearts attuned to the Lord.
Passionate prayer
Monday, March 24 - Day 2
Christians in Cuba are known for their heartfelt worship, deep knowledge of Scripture and zeal for evangelism. Most of all, they're known as "a people on their knees." They're passionate about prayer. During these next 50 days, pray with passion for an even greater outpouring of God's Spirit across Cuba.
Week 1 - A call to pray
A call to pray
"Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done" (Philippians 4:6, NLT).
For Christians in Cuba, Paul's words to the Philippians are more than a call to faithful prayer. They're a way of life. During the last 15 years in Cuba, God has answered the fervent prayers of Cuban Christians. He has poured out His Spirit across their island nation until there are no longer enough churches to hold all the believers.
In fact, Cuba is seeing one of the most rapid rates of church growth in the world, third behind China and India.
In the midst of that growth, Cuban Baptists have sensed an urgency to pray more fervently than ever before. They're asking God to help them lead a million fellow Cubans to Christ in the next three years, by the end of 2010.
Looking toward that goal, Cuban Baptist leader Daniel González Garcia believes a spiritual awakening is essential in Cuba, beginning with Christians themselves. The Christian church needs to "contextualize itself" and "permeate communities like salt," says Daniel.
"We want to spread that salt, to give flavor and light to our nation. So these next three years will require mad, feverish, crazy, relentless prayer. We're going to need intercession of all kinds and colors, constant and overwhelming. We need to pray until we can pray no more."
Sunday, March 23 - Day 1
Cuban Baptists have invited us to join them in 50 Days of Prayer for Cuba. It's a privilege and a responsibility to intercede with them. Pray that you, your church and believers around the world will be faithful to pray for Cuba. Pray God will show you more of Himself in that process. Pray that same prayer for Cuban Baptists, too.
A Word of Welcome
50 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR CUBA
A seven-week prayer guide
Dear Prayer Partners,
Thank you for joining us during 50 Days of Prayer for Cuba. We feel very moved to know there are many brothers and sisters in Christ around the world united with us in prayer. It encourages us to be steadfast in our resolve to pray. It is satisfying to see the Holy Spirit confirming in the lives of others that this is God's desire for Cuba.
Here in Cuba the Holy Spirit simultaneously led leaders in both of our Baptist conventions to organize this special period of prayer for our country. We feel an urgency to pray that a million Cubans will come to personal faith in Christ over the next three years. We are also praying earnestly they will congregate in 100,000 new churches that will be started – a church within walking distance of every one of Cuba's 11 million residents.
Baptist churches in Cuba are seeking God's direction to face this giant. Without God we can do nothing. So we want to get in line with God to accomplish this tremendous goal. The 50 Days of Prayer will be the spiritual preparation for our task. We chose "50 Days" because this was the amount of time between Jesus' resurrection and the coming of His Spirit. The disciples were involved in intense prayer during those seven weeks as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit. During the 50 Days of Prayer for Cuba, we plan to disconnect from all our normal activities, seeking the Lord the way the believers did in the upper room-in unity and in prayer.
We need to wait on the Lord's empowering to reach and disciple a million Cubans for Christ.
Thank you for joining us as we seek the Lord together during these 50 Days of Prayer.
Your brother in Christ,
José Enrique Pérez
Cuban Baptist prayer and missions leader
"Prayer is fundamental. It's the beginning, the middle and the end." - Cuban Baptist leader
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