MORAVIANS IN MISSION
Moravian Church in Cuba is exploding with activity
I
n Cuba—a country where only 11 percent of the population is Protestant Christian, 60 percent Catholic—which includes the rapidly growing religion of Santeria (a voodoo related African religion with Catholic roots)— the Moravian church is vibrant and growing at a steady pace. The Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (AMRF) recently led eight foundation supporters and three ARMF leaders on a 13-day tour of six of the eight provincial Moravian churches. Traveling over 2,500 Kilometers (1,500 Miles +/-) from Havana to Guantanamo and back, they engaged in fellowship and worship at each of the churches. The group was excited to see how the churches have exploded in the growth of their congregations and the projects taken on to support both themselves and their communities. With a membership that has grown from 300 worshipers to over 1,000 in the past several years, and still growing at a steady pace, the church is alive and well in Cuba. Issue 3 • 2020
Providing food and care For example, farms in San Antonio, Guantanamo, Guantanamo City, Santayana, Camaguey and Jaguey Grande and Matanzas are providing food for their churches and communities as well as generating income toward their goal of self sufficiency. Daycare centers created by Moravians in Guantanamo and Santayana are currently serving more than 100 children. These centers provide all-day care at a low cost to families; the children receive Christian education and are fed by the fresh food grown on the farms. In turn, several jobs are offered to church members while the church receives some financial support. The Comenius Children’s Center in Havana is preparing to open a daycare center in their community as well. In each case, the church is providing a service to its community, while exposing the children and many of their parents to God’s teachings through evening bible studies and neighborhood celebrations. (Continued on next page) 19
