Keeping the Light On: Serving Cuba in a Time of Crisis

The Missions Everywhere team recently returned from another trip to Cuba, where we witnessed firsthand the continued hardship facing the Cuban people. While many of these struggles may not make headlines in the United States, the reality on the ground is becoming increasingly difficult for families across the island.

One of the greatest challenges right now is the ongoing power crisis. In many areas, electricity is unavailable for more than 20 hours each day. At times, power may come on briefly between 5:00 and 7:00 in the morning and occasionally for an hour or two in the evening. For the rest of the day, families are left to navigate daily life without electricity.

The impact of these outages reaches every aspect of life. Food prices continue to rise, and without reliable refrigeration, families struggle to preserve what little food they can afford. Preparing meals has become a daily challenge as people contend with shortages of gas, electricity, and even coal for cooking. What many of us take for granted has become a constant concern for Cuban families.

As the rainy season arrives, the hardships only increase. Temperatures regularly climb into the upper 80s and 90s, and without electricity, there are no fans or air conditioning to provide relief. Windows must remain open to allow any breeze to enter, but that also means enduring swarms of mosquitoes throughout the night. Sleep is difficult to find, and exhaustion is evident on the faces of so many people we meet.

During this trip, Missions Everywhere was able to bring the filters and supplies needed to service the generator at the ministry center where we serve. This service was critical, helping provide limited power for ministry activities and essential needs. Even so, the generator can only be operated sparingly because fuel remains scarce and expensive.

We were also blessed to spend time with the team from Selfless Community in Louisville, Kentucky. Their team arrived to help unload a cargo container filled with much-needed medical supplies that will replenish a local clinic whose resources had been nearly exhausted. Seeing organizations come together to serve the Cuban people is a powerful reminder that God continues to move through His people, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Despite the challenges surrounding them, there were also moments of great joy during the trip. Our team had the opportunity to host children's programs where Bible stories were shared, crafts were completed, and each child received a snack at the conclusion of the program. In a time when many families are struggling to meet even the most basic needs, these gatherings provide not only a meal and activities, but also encouragement and hope.

We continue to be amazed by the response to our children's ministry efforts in Cuba. The children are eager to participate, excited to learn about God's love, and receptive to the message of the Gospel. Seeing their smiles and enthusiasm is a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in the next generation, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

The reality is that times are hard. Many people are growing weary, and desperation is becoming more common. Yet in the midst of these difficulties, we continue to witness something remarkable—the steadfast faith of the Cuban people. Even in some of their darkest days, they continue to trust God, encourage one another, and cling to hope.

Sometimes the supplies we bring may seem small compared to the overwhelming needs around us. But to the families who receive them, they represent more than practical help. They are reminders that they have not been forgotten, that they are loved, and that they are not alone.

Thank you for sending us. Thank you for standing with us. And thank you for your love, prayers, and support for the people we serve. Because of your partnership, hope continues to shine in places where darkness seems overwhelming.