Matanzas Theological Seminary in Cuba Update May 2025

A New Chapter for SET in Cuba: Hope, Growth, and the Gospel Amid Hardship

Since June of last year, something remarkable has been unfolding at Seminario Evangélico de Teología (SET) in Matanzas, Cuba. Through perseverance, prayer, and the faithful support of partners like you, we have embarked on a season of renewal—both in spirit and in infrastructure.

Our campus is being transformed. Vital buildings, including the conference hall, library, and educational and administrative spaces, have been renovated, giving SET a refreshed and inspiring face. Just as importantly, we're upgrading our technological capacity: smart TVs and modern devices now enhance several classrooms, enabling more dynamic and effective theological training. Reliable internet access, still being expanded across campus, is no longer a luxury—it’s essential for academic excellence and for connecting our community to global theological discourse.

But transformation isn’t just happening in classrooms. It's taking root in the soil of our campus garden. With the help of two dedicated agricultural workers, we’ve revitalized our food production, growing a rich variety of organic vegetables and fruits—from yucca and sweet potatoes to guava and bananas—alongside raising livestock. This initiative is more than just sustenance; it’s a step toward food independence, sustainability, and a living lesson in stewardship.

One of the brightest developments is the establishment of a permanent SET presence in Havana. Thanks to the generosity of four U.S. Presbyterian churches, we were able to acquire a property in the capital where leaders and ministry candidates now receive theological formation. It's a vital outpost of hope in a city—and a country—grappling with profound challenges.

This year, we joyfully anticipate the graduation of eight Doctor of Ministry (DMin) students, a program we offer in partnership with the Graduate Theological Foundation in Sarasota, Florida. These graduates are not just receiving degrees—they are being equipped to shepherd the Cuban church through some of its most difficult days.

Indeed, we face extraordinary trials. Cuba’s ongoing socioeconomic crisis—deepened by COVID-19—has brought severe inflation, food and resource shortages, electricity blackouts, and a heartbreaking wave of youth migration. These realities directly affect our student enrollment and our ability to operate. On top of this, U.S. embargo-related banking restrictions and internal Cuban policies continue to hinder the use of donated funds.

Yet, amid adversity, we remain steadfast.

At SET, we believe that theological education is not simply about knowledge—it’s about shaping leaders to serve the Church and bring hope to a nation in pain. That mission is alive, thanks to God’s faithfulness and your partnership.

As we continue this journey, we invite you to walk with us. Your prayers, your advocacy, and your giving empower us to keep moving forward—to keep sowing seeds of renewal, both physically and spiritually, in Cuba.

Thank you for being part of what God is doing here.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Outreach Foundation seeks gifts to support the mission and ministry of Matanzas Theological Seminary in Cuba. All gifts of any size are welcome to help SET continue training up future church leaders in Cuba. You may make a gift by mailing a check to the address below, or you can click the button below to give online.