NEWSLETTER: 2024 END OF YEAR

Sep 8, Reports Tom D

Reporting about the end on 2024

The CCPT Celebration Event in October held at the Port Colborne BIC Church on Hwy#3, was an exciting time with all of the people that came out to meet and hear the special guest speaker from Cuba Pastor Modesto Lores. He reviewed the work in Cuba regarding a number of CCPT projects and also updated us on the daily struggles of having only 4 to 6 hours of electricity a day. Finding food was also highlighted as to the shortage and the high price of feeding families in Cuba.

After the meal and reports the evening ended with a lively auction of generously donated items. Many people found new to them treasures to take home. The proceeds of the auction helps to fund our CCPT projects in Cuba, and we sincerely want to thank the family of Dwight Hennessy for running this successful event again this year. CCPT also wants to thank the many persons who made a generous donation that evening towards our mission work in Cuba of assisting Pastors to build and renovate their house churches, so the good news gospel message can be shared with many more who have not heard about their friend Jesus. Lives are being changed weekly and with a little support from Canadian neighbors the churches in Cuba are growing with believers. These congregations in Cuba are always giving to the communities that they are in. They identify those in great need and find ways to support these neighbors. Each week the people of the church prepare hot meals and deliver them to those who can’t come to the church for meals. Seniors get special attention always with personal visits and nourishment, they are helped with laundry, hygiene and housekeeping. The Cuban churches encourage a strong volunteer ministry.

In Nov. of 2024 a ministry/work team went to the Eastern part of Cuba to review a couple of Bayamo projects that are being funded and to start a new project in the city of Santiago de Cuba.

– Emanuel Church building the second floor rooms for the Pastoral training centre

The team was able to visit the Los Olivis Church in Bayamo to see the fantastic work this congregation has been able to achieve with Canadian funding. They now have a cistern under the church and also completed the roof over the meeting area. The cistern will help all of the community when water is in short supply, and the new roof will keep them dry during meetings of praise, worship and prayer.

– Team under the new roof, outside being prepared for new stairway to the second floor

During our trip in Nov. we were able to visit a number of eastern churches needing assistance. The team came across one little church in the country that had only a porch to meet on. A love offering was given to this church to build an additional room to meet in and also a washroom. The team left soccer balls for the development of the youth ministry

It is so exciting to visit churches and talk to wonderful pastoral couples and to hear about their vision of building the church to reach many more people for the Lord. There is much work still to be done in Cuba. Will you help?

The church in Cuba is very different than what we are use to in North America – Denominations or groups are not allowed to own church buildings. Each church is owned by the Pastoral couple and it is also their home. They apply to the local government office to have a house church in which to gather and worship. The pastoral couple have one room in most cases that is their private space and the rest of the house is open to the congregation every day. Giving and sharing everything is part of their ministry and way of life. The pastoral couple always need your prayers.

Children’s ministry material is always in need. In my recent communications with the churches one new church asked for crayons, pencils, coloring pages and other Bible story sheets. They have almost nothing to use to share the Bible stories with the children. This same church has seen in the past months a growth of children attending from 8 to 34. They are very excited but need assistance with material.

In the picture you can see the 53 children in their meeting time in the garage of the church, the only space large enough for them. (The teacher did not even have chalk to write on the board for illustrations)

THE CCPT NEW PROJECT IN THE EASTERN REGION

This year we are funding a new approved project in the City of Santiago de Cuba. This project will build a kitchen area to allow the church to produce meals for the needy in the community. The second phase will compete a washroom area and sleeping accommodations for people coming into the city for medical appointments at the hospital and having to stay a day or two for treatment.

OTHER NEWS

The Cuban administrative assistant to the CCPT Director of Projects (Tom Davies) was married in Bayamo by Pastor Jesus Dec. 27/2024. Pastor Yanet Gomzalez Pastor Yandy Maricelita will be living in the town of Palmira where they have a new house church of over 55 adults and children attending each Sunday

If you are interested in joining a Ministry/Work Team our next visit to Cuba will be going Nov. 15 to Nov. 22, 2025. Get in touch with Director of Projects Tom Davies soon if you are thinking of going on a Missions trip

Thank you for the many ways you support the work of the Canadian Cuban Projects Team helping to equip the church in Cuba so the gospel message can be shared with everyone.

Please consider donating a small amount each month through the Canada Helps agency by clicking their button on our website page. Your gift each month supports the CCPT ministry of building and equipping Churches in Cuba to spread this Good News message with many communities and people.

Submitted by Director of Projects – Tom Davies

NEWSLETTER: 2024 END OF YEAR

NEWSLETTER: 2024 END OF YEAR

ByTom D