One of the challenges in working with Cuba as a missionary and visiting churches here in the US is that there is very little in-depth information available in the US about Cuba. Each generation has our own perception of Cuba, which varies greatly depending on which piece of Cuban history we lived through. I find that a vast majority of individuals from my own generation know little if nothing. 

A little over a month ago I was privileged to attend a meeting in New York City about US political relations with Cuba. Political relations continue to be complex and are dictated by a small handful of individuals who hold quite a bit of power or financial clout within the US government. Like in so many places around the world, politicians in both countries make decisions, but the Cuban people are suffering the consequences- primarily extreme poverty and hunger. In my work as a missionary, I usually focus on issues of the church- issues like local leadership, church growth, holistic ministries as they relate to felt needs, etc. Today, I’d like to take the opportunity to share some of what is happening right here in the US which relates directly to Cuba.

In October 2013, members of 19 faith groups including American Baptist Churches USA came together under the leadership of Church World Service to write a letter to President Obama urging:

• direct, high-level dialogue with the Cuban government.

• removal of Cuba from the United States’ list of state sponsors of terrorism.

• lifting of all restrictions on purposeful people-to-people travel between the United States and Cuba. 

I encourage you to become more informed by reading the letter sent to Mr. Obama by clicking here.

If would like more information from the faith community’s perspective, you might consider reading the article by Church World Service, “Faith Leaders Call for High-Level U.S.-Cuba Talks” (click on the title to view article).

Finally, I ask each of you to pray for Cuba and for our brothers and sisters there. Pray that we might choose grace and forgiveness and live in solidarity with the Cuban faith community when given the opportunity to change the relations between our countries.

With you on the journey,

Kim