Children's Bible Ministry in Guanabacoa, Cuba Update June 2025

A Light in the Darkness: How One Mother Brought the “Little Church School” to Her Community

Javier first came to the Children’s Bible Ministry program, Learning with Jesus, at the Guanabacoa Presbyterian Church in January 2022. From the start, his parents—Yuraimis and Javier—were deeply engaged. They regularly attended Parent School sessions, listened closely to teachers' feedback, and eagerly welcomed support in caring for their son's education and well-being.

In July 2024, Javier graduated from our program and began attending a state-run preschool. Because their home is far from the church, we rarely see them now. Though his parents long to bring him to Sunday School, the distance and family demands have made that difficult.

Then, in October 2024, Cuba’s entire energy grid failed. For days, the country was plunged into darkness—no power, no communication, spoiled food, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. We had never experienced anything like it. The uncertainty felt unbearable.

One particularly hard day, I left my home just to breathe. As I stepped outside, I ran into Yuraimis. To my surprise, she was smiling. She had something she couldn’t wait to share.

“I’ve thought of you so much since Javier started his new school,” she began. “At first, I hated it—the teacher wasn’t what I hoped for, and the other parents barely acknowledged each other. I missed what we had here. But then I remembered what you always told us: build a team. So I did. I started helping the teacher, brought lights for the classroom, and invited other parents to help beautify the school. I reached out, encouraged friendships, and slowly, everything began to change. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s working. I stopped mourning the end of our time at the Little Church School—and instead, I brought the Little Church School with me.”

In the midst of Cuba’s darkness, her words shone like a beacon. That moment, her testimony, shifted something in me. I felt the Lord’s presence and reassurance: this is part of His greater plan.

I’ve always believed in the purpose behind starting this ministry at our church. But now, I see it even more clearly. Learning with Jesus doesn’t just change the lives of children and families—it radiates outward, transforming schools, communities, and, I believe, Cuba itself.

Thank you for making stories like this possible.

-Odi Sierra

Children’s Bible Ministry Co-Founder 

THE OPPORTUNITY 

The Outreach Foundation is 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 can make a gift by sending a check to the address below or you may give online via the giving button below.