Reformed Presbyterian Children’s Day School Ministry - July 2020 Update
Guanabacoa, Cuba
The Children’s Bible Ministry of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Guanabacoa, Cuba, began as a pastor’s dream shared with a group of visiting Americans from Thomasville, Georgia. Guanabacoa, a suburb of Havana, is a poor but proud and bustling community teeming with young families with children. Pastor Yoelkis Sierra Gonzalez knows this neighborhood well, and he saw firsthand the great need for a safe place for young children while their parents are at work. Pastor Yoelkis imagined the day when his church would welcome those children, feed and care for them, and teach them about Jesus.
Now, two years later, Pastor Yoelkis’ dream is becoming a reality. Soon after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, construction of the building that will house this ministry began early this year with a target completion date of fall 2020.
We are encouraged by the progress that has been made in the construction phase of the Children's Bible Ministry mission. Despite the difficulties of shortages of materials and their increasing costs due to the embargo and petroleum shortages, the Guanabacoa church has been diligent in securing labor and supplies, managing costs, and attempting to keep the project on time.
As of the end of June 2020, the construction status is as follows:
The walls and reinforced concrete roof are done, and the sewage system is complete. The incoming water lines are nearly installed and this will allow work to begin on the restrooms. In turn, doors and windows will be installed.
Despite severe challenges and difficulties, the young pastor and his Session are still hopeful that construction will be at a point where classes may commence this fall. However, the local Synod has urged their churches to stop all children's programs until September and suspend all social programs until further notice. So, the actual launch of the Bible Ministry will be contingent upon the COVID-related health advisories.
To date, seven church partners are contributing to this mission, and they come from the PCUSA, EPC, and ECO Presbyterian denominations. We hope to enlist additional churches and Sunday School classes in the support of this ministry.
God has blessed this ministry in many ways – from the excellent leadership in the Guanabacoa church to the faithful stewardship of their brothers and sisters in the U.S.
Joyfully,
David Crane, First Presbyterian Church, Thomasville, GA
THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts totaling $10,000 for the Reformed Presbyterian Children’s Day School Ministry in Guanabacoa, Cuba. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.