Children’s Bible Ministry in Guanabacoa, Cuba Update May 2024
For 121 years, the Presbyterian Church in this working-class suburb of Havana has given faithful witness to the Good News. Over five years ago, current pastor Rev. Yoelkis Sierra began to explore the surrounding neighborhood, quickly discerning that there were many young children whose families had no connection to the church. He and his leaders began to pray about how this might present the congregation with new opportunities to make Christ known. His dream was to have a safe place for young children to be nurtured and learn about Jesus Monday through Friday while their parent(s) worked to support their families.
They shared this dream with long-time partners at First Presbyterian Church of Thomasville, GA, and, working together, a ministry for outreach to the community was “born” with financial support from Thomasville and a few other partners. Despite a global pandemic that was especially brutal for Cuba, the pastor’s dream became a reality and the ministry was formally launched in January 2022, with 40 students and a waiting list of 20 more. Two years later, Children’s Bible Ministry is still operating at capacity with plans to expand to accommodate 20 additional students.
Expanding the ministry’s capacity is no small feat, and requires some renovations to existing church space while also helping offset administrative costs. The total projected cost of expansion is $30,000 and includes renovations, administrative costs, and minimal furnishings. With a contribution of $10,000 from the Cuban Council of Churches, our goal has already been lowered to $20,000.
We thank God for the faithfulness of the congregation in Guanabacoa for inaugurating the first Christian preschool on the island (and for its vision to see this model replicated), as well as for the partnership with FPC Thomasville who have walked and advocated for them over many years. Will you help churches like FPC Thomasville by becoming advocates and supporters of the global mission of Christ happening in Guanabacoa, Cuba?
THE OPPORTUNITY
For those interested in partnering with the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Guanabacoa, Cuba, please email our team at info@theoutreachfoundation.org. The Outreach Foundation is also seeking gifts to help with the expansion of the Children’s Bible Ministry. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help provide Christian programming for even more children in Cuba. You may make a gift in one of two ways: send a check to The Outreach Foundation or make an online gift at the link below.
