This is the part 2 of Peter's reflections on his trip to Cuba. 

During the trip to Cuba we had many opportunities to listen to those whom we were ministering to. As I stated in my last journal, I was humbled and touched by the suffering and sacrifice of the pastors, their congregations, and ministry partners. Many shared from the depths of their hearts which moved me and the team members. Our lives were touched and ministered to just as much as we were told we ministered to them. Again, thank you for praying for the team, myself, Sarah and the kids, and those we ministered to. God’s hand was felt and the Holy Spirit moved in incredible ways. 

 I want to share with you this poem, a pastor we met who is retired recited it to us.

The Good Fight
Valiant soldiers of the divine army
Fight with valor and don’t be dismayed
For the evil day draws near
Requiring men who know how to fight
 
Polish your sword with fasting
Don’t forget your helmet of salvation
Wear sacred boots in your expedition
Always standing in prayer
 
Defend the cause that gives you life
That in the dark night gives you peace
Do not cede territory to vile murder
That presents its false form to all
 
Ours is not a battle against flesh and blood
For this battle is always against evil
Against armies of the cruel phalanx
That fill the air with the stench of death
 
The battle is good if we fight for Him
A blessed triumph we will achieve
For never will hell or human power
Ever prevail against our church

 
We are to fight the good fight and run the race marked out for us.  We cannot forget what we struggle against here and now is not theological issues, sociological issues, or even individuals but we fight against strongholds and principalities that are setup against God.  The Cuban pastors taught me through their humility and faithfulness to the Gospel that we stand firm in our faith through love and introducing people to Christ no matter the cost.

Hebrews 13:20-21 states, “Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”  This is my prayer for you and the church.  Let us in the unity of the spirit of Christ be faithful to the gospel and live according to His grace and mercy and love as we seek to serve our community in which we live living out God’s justice to all.

We appreciate everyone who has joined us in this journey to serve as missionaries in the Dominican Republic and Cuba.  We need your help as we strive toward the goal.  Your support and prayers makes all the difference!  If you are not currently a monthly donor, we need your help! If you can become one of 55 people or churches that can donate $100 a month we will be at our support goal and able to go. When you give an ongoing gift to the ministry God is calling us to you are helping make a difference in the life of pastors and their family in the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Click here to set up an on going monthly donation. Sarah and I have been somewhat discouraged over the last few months not seeing a large increase in church or individual giving like we were hoping for after all our traveling and visiting last year.  However, God has reminded us that it is in his timing we are to go and right now we are still visiting churches and individuals. God also recently encouraged us during a trip Peter took to West Virginia.  God is able and willing to provide all our needs according to his riches.  Thank you for being part of our network that prays and supports us.

We are now beginning to take dates for July, August, and October.  We would be honored to be part of your association meeting, church service, bible study, mission board meeting, annual session, etc.  Each of these encounters have been such a blessing for us and we hope we can be a blessing to you and your church.

The matching gifts campaign has come to an early close, it ended June 1. We have been encouraged by the response to the matching campaign. Approximately $5,000 has come in, when doubled that equals $10,000 given towards our ministry. International Ministries is still inputting matching gifts that have come in so we are praying this numbers increases even more. Thank you to all who generously gave during this matching gifts campaign. We appreciate each and every one of you that reads these updates and prays for us.  You are making an impact in our life and in the lives of the people we are called to serve.

God Bless,
 
Peter and Sarah

International Ministries Global Workers in Dominican Republic & Cuba

COME to Christ
GROW in relationship to God
CHANGE the world through the power of the Holy Spirit