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.
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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.