Atulado Ministries, Author at Atulado Ministries

You may think of praying or singing as a regular part of worship. But have you thought about dancing as worship? For Ana, God called her to dance at a very young age as a way to worship. And she didn’t just dance. This ignited a passion within her to cultivate a ministry that reaches others and transforms lives through Christ.

Anabel (Ana) Delgado Fernández has attended church since her mother embraced the Lord when she was a small child. She was baptized and began serving God at an early age and working with the pastor on many important church activities. Gradually, Ana learned about leadership, and she first danced as a part of worship at age 10. By age 15, she led the church’s dance ministry to prepare for important events such as anniversaries. Ana then participated on the church’s board and was trusted with the praise ministry. Finally, she became a key leader and proudly celebrates 10 years of ministry. When Ana isn’t working in ministry, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Ariel German Valdes.

From the time Ana first danced, she knew that dance was her passion. She felt that sometimes words didn’t express her gratitude and joy of being in the presence of God. Through dance, she can express everything and worship God with all her heart, soul, and body.

Over the years, she learned and improved her dancing skills. Then, Ana saw pastors use sports ministry, such as soccer, to connect with children, create fellowship, and bring people to know Christ. Also, some young girls preferred to dance instead of playing soccer, baseball, or other sports. That’s when she had a vision to open a dance school, to not only train dancers but also evangelists and leaders in the church.

With God’s inspiration and support from her sister-in-law, Patricia Coca Martinez, Ana launched a dance school at her church two years ago and created a two-year certification program. In the first year, she enrolled 15 students. The second year 20 students enrolled, and five students will graduate in a couple of months. Three teachers and four helpers support the program. The students dance to Christian music, sometimes in costumes or dance skirts.

She uses dance not only to glorify God but also as a tool to reach people in the community and teach them about Christ. Ana and the teachers go to homes and into the streets of her town to find teenagers and young girls interested in dancing. When they have a group, they start teaching them basic dance steps along with the principles of the Bible. Students may be most interested in dance at first, but when they learn about Jesus while learning to dance, many become more curious about Christ. Then, when they see a student attending Bible studies and services, developing a relationship with God, and becoming a disciple, they help the student grow their faith through the church.

Many students have shared that the school has greatly blessed their lives. Before attending, they didn’t know why they danced and didn’t believe that spiritual life was important until they learned about dancing’s connection to worship and heard about Jesus.

The idea to graduate students from the program stemmed from Ana’s love of doing things well for God. Graduation can remind students of their time at the dance school and everything they have learned. Students grow a lot in terms of talent, but more in their spiritual life and as ministers of the Lord. As part of graduation, she wanted to give students a certificate, not one printed at home. Ana wanted it to hold value and represent all of their effort and time invested so that they would value their ministry more. Therefore, Ana worked with Atulado to find a source to professionally print excellent certificates for the graduates, and Graduation Ink became a partner on the project. Now, Ana has beautiful certificates to give students on graduation day to commemorate their milestones.

When students graduate, they’re equipped as instructors to start a dance ministry at other churches and expand the ministry. Ana and her teachers can’t wait to see how their first five students change the world. She dreams of extending the school to Central and Eastern Cuba, but Ana knows if it’s in God’s plan, he will make it happen.

“My favorite Bible verse reminds me we can do anything with God’s grace. I may not do everything perfectly, but God’s strength is with me in moments of weakness. Moments when we’re not strong enough, is when God covers us with his grace and his power to make us stronger.”

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

II Corinthians 12:9

A countryside pastor living in the town of Jesus Rabi, with a horse and buggy, is how Rafael Palacio Rodrigues spends his days serving the Lord. Married for over 29 years, he and his wife Yusmary work side by side to spread the Gospel to those in his small community. They have a son, Samuel, 23, and a daughter, Sarai, who is 19.

Rafael, a trained veterinarian, knows how to care for animals. He also knew that a horse and buggy would allow him to travel and reach as many people as possible through his ministry. This is why he is deeply grateful to the Atulado family for the generous donation of a horse and buggy.

Pastor Rafael uses it to serve his church and community by helping to carry the sick and elderly to and from church and the hospital when needed. He can pick up children for ministry events and activities and take them home. He moves people, food, and resources around easily, which wouldn’t be possible if he didn’t have a horse and buggy. To keep this valuable resource safe, Rafael set up a stall outside his bedroom window to keep his horse, Riqui, close by.

As a kid, Rafael liked to play sports, especially soccer. His now thriving sports ministry touches the lives of about 30-50 kids and teens weekly on Sunday afternoons. They meet to play games, hold soccer tournaments in the stadium, pray, and hear the Word of God. Events and summer programming also gather everyone together at special times to worship and have fun. As the ministry grows, managing big events can be more difficult because of the large number of people gathering in one place, but that hasn’t stopped Rafael.

Growing up, Rafael attended church and read the Bible as a young man. But it wasn’t until he was studying to become a veterinarian at the university that he became a Christian. A fellow student invited him to a worship service, and Rafael gave his life to Christ and accepted the call to serve. As a new Christian, he received discipleship from a pastor in his town. Later, Rafael assisted the pastor by sharing the Gospel with people nearby and leading a group of young people at the church. During his leadership, he felt God’s presence and guidance. That experience sparked his passion for serving others and guiding people to Jesus Christ as a missionary. After serving as a missionary, he later returned to the area where he became a pastor.

Since then, Rafael has served the Lord as a pastor for over 20 years. He disciples and cares for over 60 congregation members through worship services, events, a sports ministry, and a marriage ministry. Rafael and his wife are facilitators of the Two Becoming One marriage ministry, part of Christian Family Life in the US. Church services are held on Sundays. Then during the week, his wife and other leaders join him to visit congregation members and share God’s love through evangelism on the street.

Rafael and church leaders seek people who need visiting or sometimes just someone to listen and talk to them. Showing love and care for others makes a difference in people’s lives. They help people with things like cleaning the garden, backyard, or inside the home. Also, they look for needs and often share what they have, like food or resources. Vegetables, sweet potatoes, yams, and yucca are grown and more available living in the country. However, paying for things such as medicine, meat, clothing, and shoes is expensive. Rafael raises pigs for additional income for his family. He helps his church community with food — helping people as a church and meeting people where they’re at impacts the whole community.

In addition to visiting people nearby, Rafael travels to two other areas of Cuba to share God’s Word. One area is almost five miles away, and the other is more than six miles away. While that doesn’t sound far, it feels like traveling to another country when you don’t have good transportation, and the journey is through gravel and dirt roads, if there are roads at all. Sometimes they will also travel by bicycle.

From the early beginnings of Rafael’s ministry, Osmani Sosa has been a significant influence and mentor in his life, marriage, relationship with his family, and a spiritual leader guiding him on his pastoral duties. Osmani’s charisma, love for others, and ever-present spirit provide Rafael and his family the much-needed support to do God’s work.

What’s next for Rafael’s ministry? There aren’t many Christian churches near where he lives. So, he dreams of expanding his church to places where no church exists and plant a new ministry. More churches allow people to become closer to God, know about Him, and accept Him.

No matter where God takes him next, Yusmary is his biggest supporter throughout the ministry and as a partner in life. She is foundational to the ministry as she supports him in the church through visitations, service, praise, preaching, children’s ministry, marriage ministry, and more. They work together to make a difference for all of God’s people and each other.

“My favorite Bible verse reminds me that God is with me through times of affliction to provide strength and encouragement as a safe anchor.”

“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.”

Psalm 119:92

Ivetty (everyone calls her Betty) Diaz Clavero felt God’s calling to serve through language translation as a young girl. Her father is a pastor, and in high school, she learned English and began helping her father translate conversations with visitors in their church. Betty wanted to be an English teacher, so she studied at the university and graduated in 2019. After graduation, she was asked to work as an English teacher at the school, and at the same time, the church called her to work full-time. So, she prayed and decided to serve full-time at the church, only using her English occasionally.

When COVID hit, the island closed, and Betty couldn’t practice English for two years. Then, our paths crossed on a mission trip when we were with Osmani. Wayne was a surprise guest speaker at an event, and she translated for an audience of more than 100 youths and for several conversations that weekend.

Since then, she’s become essential to Atulado’s ministry in bridging communication and cultural barriers. She joins our pastor interviews over WhatsApp to translate the conversation. Along with traditional translation, Betty modifies an expression or its intentionality for both parties to navigate through something that may not be proper to say, could unintentionally cause hurt feelings, or make a mistake occur. In certain situations, she helps interpret the circumstances, and Betty answers any questions to ensure everyone engaging in the conversation understands each other. We have great discussions about many practical things to help us understand the true needs and how things really work. She also teaches us how to purchase items at a store or on the side of the road. Betty checks prices and the quality of what we want to buy.

As we worked together in ministry, we also learned about Betty’s own ministry serving others in Cuba. About six years ago, while Betty studied at the university, she started a children’s ministry program in her father’s church. Children were only cared for at church while parents attended the worship service. Children being children, were sometimes loud and disturbed the service. Also, they combined all age groups and held no worship service or Bible study lesson. That’s when she envisioned a church created just for children that’s mindful of their ages and needs and helps them come to know Jesus.

So, Betty opened the doors to her ministry, and about ten of the congregation members’ children attended the first services. The children worshiped, prayed, read Bible stories and messages, and gave an offering. She soon recruited a couple of teachers to minister to the children and help prepare lessons.

With the support of a team, Betty expanded her ministry to touch the lives of those who didn’t know or believe in God. Many had very few resources at home, and their parents didn’t attend church. Betty felt inspired to share the love of God with them so that they, too, could grow to know and love Jesus. They started picking kids up for church, meeting parents at a place for pick-up, and visiting people door-to-door.

Her ministry flourished, and today about 35 children ages 4 – 12 attend services ministered by a team of three teachers and Betty. Many children come with spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. Some have no parents and see Betty as a mother figure or big sister since she’s an ever-present figure greeting them with hugs, kisses, and love. Often due to a lack of resources, children don’t eat breakfast before coming to church, so they’re given a snack or drink. Birthdays and special occasions get celebrated; for some, it’s their first birthday party.

For a girl turning fifteen in Cuba, it is a special occasion called quinceañera. This is similar to turning sixteen in the US, but much more of an event. Any girl who doesn’t celebrate will feel disappointed not to celebrate the momentous occasion. Two years ago, the church celebrated a girl’s quinceañera whose family didn’t have the resources to honor her, and the church stepped in to help celebrate her special day as they shared the Gospel with the family. The big event made a difference for everyone in attendance.

Betty pictures the ministry’s future as a place that nurtures Christian disciples and where small kids become grown adults who love, follow, and serve Jesus Christ. That vision is starting to come true as some of the children that started attending church at a young age now spread the word of God to others. For example, a sixteen-year-old boy she taught when he was just a child joined her team to share Bible stories with others door-to-door and visit those who are elderly or physically incapable of coming to church.

As for Betty, she’s studying theology to be more knowledgeable of the Bible to prepare Bible messages and lessons. She also wants to continue serving God with her talents in the English language. She plans to continue learning and preparing to let God equip her for His mission.

“I like to communicate with people, and translation is an opportunity to reach more people. It’s like being an instrument in a person’s life, and it serves as a blessing and encouragement for them. I am always meeting new people in my travels with Atulado, and our visits are a huge blessing for me to see what God is doing in their lives, meet new people, hear their stories, and get to know them.”

Even when she’s not working, Betty mixes ministry with fun as she often heads to the beach on a sunny day with the young people at church or neighbors. She also enjoys a game of dominoes, a good movie, or spending time with family. Betty has big dreams for herself and her ministry, and like many others in Cuba, the lack of resources in the country is the biggest challenge in making her dreams a reality.

To equip Betty in her mission, the Atulado family generously provided an electric bicycle to help her get to more places faster. We also equipped the ministry with some children’s ministry supplies, completed the construction of bathrooms and a front door at the church, and provided a refurbished laptop. Betty supports our important mission work with her talents and embodies what it truly means to live our purpose.

“Since Ivetty was a child, her dedication to the Lord has been total and complete. She has always worked passionately for God’s calling, always putting the Lord first in her life. She is a leader in our church and to the young people in the community.”
Rafael – Betty’s father

“Jesus continued to grow in wisdom and stature, and increasingly enjoyed the favor of God and the people.”

Luke 2:52

If you’re in the U.S. and need to stay in the hospital, while you may not look forward to staying, at least you know it’s a safe place to heal and recover. That experience is much different in Cuba. Many non-medical caregiving tasks fall on a family member, such as changing bedpans or bathing, whereas nurses and hospital staff perform these duties in the states. Also, there’s no cafeteria, so no food is offered onsite like in the U.S. In Cuba, families must prepare and bring in meals to nourish their loved ones.

Often, hospitals lack the medication or equipment to treat patients properly. Continued shortages of syringes, IV kits, and other necessary medical supplies make it difficult to receive treatment. You can also become exposed to other illnesses due to the unsanitary conditions at the hospital. If you’re from another country and need to go to the hospital, you would seek treatment and care at a special hospital. However, Cubans receive medical attention at another hospital.

Visiting someone in the hospital or receiving a visitor is challenging because hospitals restrict visitors, leaving many incredibly lonely. Those that can visit bravely face the unsanitary conditions to see a loved one. So anytime a visitor comes, it’s an honor. With so many people in need, several amazing ministries provide pastoral care to those in the hospital.

First, meet pastor Juan Ramon de la Rosa. One day, Juan was invited to pray for patients and their families at the children’s hospital. That one visit turned into a team of six people who visit and pray with ten to fifteen children and their families twice a week at the hospital. Of course, that’s when they can get access. Juan’s wife is a nurse and helps them, but occasionally the hospital won’t allow them to visit. So, they dress up as staff and visit at night to pray with families.

During hospital visits, sometimes, they wear clown costumes to bring smiles and joy to the children they see. As another piece of the ministry, Juan created a WhatsApp group to support mothers of children in the hospital. It allows them to stay connected and pray for one another. Also, the ministry team and church members donate blood when they can, but donations can only be given when a supply of needles, bags, and tubes is available to draw blood.

Now, meet Yanaisy, a pastor’s wife. She makes hospital visits to bring the healing power of Christ to those who are sick, and their church helps provide meals and personal hygiene products. When Yanaisy’s son Caleb was ill, the support and prayer she received helped her find peace and comfort, and the food and resources allowed them to stay at the hospital to care for Caleb. Now, it’s important for Yanaisy to offer that same support to others.

On visits, she shares the love of God and offers encouragement, letting them know they are not alone. Yanaisy is incredibly humbled to see the gratitude reflected on their faces and to make a difference. For example, at a visit, she assisted a woman with giving birth and encouraged her along the way. The support strengthened the woman’s marriage and her commitment to God.

Finally, meet pastor Ariel and his wife, Ana. They often travel to visit those in the hospital to pray with patients and families, encourage them, and provide Bibles. For example, Ariel and Ana lost a young nephew recently. They prayed with the family and encouraged them with the Gospel and continued praying outside the hospital when they could not get in. Ariel and Ana consider hospital visits one of their most important missions, and sometimes they impact more than just the family. During a recent hospital visit, they met a mother and her five-year-old son. He’s connected to a ventilator and has never left the hospital. They prayed with them and gave encouragement to the family. Many doctors and nurses heard their prayers and the Word of God that day.

On previous mission trips, we have brought BP cuffs, over-the-counter medications, pulse oximeters, thermometers, and other items. For our next trip, Atulado is gathering more medical supplies. We plan to take items like syringes, IV kits, and sutures to support these ministries and others. That way, we can be by the side of those who bring hope and share the Word of God with people during a difficult time.

Who will be the future leaders of the Church in Cuba? It’s evident if you attend a ministry event or worship gathering – the church’s youth and often the leaders’ children. Their natural curiosity draws them to the pulpit during a service, they’re cradled to sleep by the beautiful melody of worship music, and when they’re old enough, they’re eager to pitch in and help.

That’s how Daniela’s story began. While you may know Pastor Osmani, you may not know his oldest daughter, Daniela. A few months before she was born, Osmani and Geidy, her mother, followed the Lord’s direction by starting a sports ministry to share the Gospel. So, when Daniela was born, her family was already committed to serving the Lord. She has been involved in the church, such as in plays, choirs, and dance ministry. When Daniela was eleven, her parents felt the call to establish a church in their community. At first, services were held in the living room of their home with a small group that grew gradually. Starting the church from scratch also allowed Daniela to begin her ministry from scratch by leading her age group in worship and discipleship. In addition to working with the youth in the church, Daniela has led a group performing evangelism on the street.

As an adolescent, she chose a new circle of friends that were not close to God, causing her to become distant from God. Then, one day at a youth camp, she heard the Word of God and felt the Holy Spirit embrace her. From that day forward, Daniela has held a very deep love for the Lord Jesus and a commitment to the teachings of the Bible. She’s passionate about sharing her faith journey to help young people with similar experiences so they can know God in a way that grants them eternal salvation alongside a daily walk with Jesus.

Daniela is 23 years old, has been married to Elias for over a year, has her bachelor’s degree in biblical studies, and has started her master’s of theology degree. She leads the youth and teenager ministry and works as a children’s Sunday school teacher at church. She helps in many other areas, such as working with the worship team and coordinating events and activities for the youth. Thirty-five young people are a part of her youth ministry. Since Daniela and her husband live in a 350-square-foot apartment above the church, you can find her and Elias cleaning, preparing, repairing, and serving almost daily.

As everything Daniela does starts with sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Daniela’s goal in ministry is to make a difference in the lives of others through Jesus, get people involved with the same passion that she serves God, and for them to see Christ through her. She’s always looking for where God can use her. For example, recently, a young woman came to church with a lot of stress and anxiety about the challenges she was facing. Daniela started working with her and became her friend. She shared her own experiences and taught her how in God’s hands, He gives strength and peace. As a result, the young woman has peace in her heart, shares the Gospel and her experience with others, and now serves on the worship team.

Daniela is one of the most humble, strongest women you’ll ever meet, with a sweet side and friendly nature. She lives in an area in Havana known for high crime, and most women would be afraid to be out after dark because there are no street lights, but not Daniela. She often gets home late from visiting someone in the ministry. Her strength extends not only to her emotional and spiritual presence but her leadership too. Having graduated from EGIL training, she is a facilitator for the program. This is a week-long physical, emotional, and spiritual training for pastors and ministry leaders. In this boot-camp style program, she leads seasoned pastors and leaders, both young and old, who are all hand-picked for the program. As a young woman, being a facilitator over these leaders shows the respect people have for her in a culture where a young woman typically would not be given this responsibility or hold this leadership position.

Over the last eleven years, Wayne has seen an amazing transformation in her life as she has grown in the Lord. Daniela works closely with Atulado coordinating a lot for the ministry on the ground. She’s there with us on mission trips helping with transportation and managing resources when they come in. Daniela is one of the key people as we look for ways to equip children’s ministry leaders across the island.

Her parents and their testimony have impacted many people, especially Daniela. Despite the great struggles they experienced in ministry, they can handle anything with God’s help. Being in a country with so many limitations, watching her father preach across the entire island nation, and seeing where God has taken him encourages Daniela to continue her obedience to the Lord. Their testimony also impacted Daniela’s younger sister, Jennifer, who wants to be a missionary and share the Gospel worldwide.

This year, Daniela wants the youth ministry to train leaders, improve camps to increase participation, and create workshops for young married couples in the church. In addition, she knows it’s important to continue evangelism and discipleship to reach the youth for Christ. Daniela has a bright future ahead of her and will impact many. We can’t wait to see what she does next and where the Lord will lead her.

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:4

After Hurricane Ian struck Cuba, Pastor Carlos Melia helped throughout the recovery and was truly the hands and feet on the ground coordinating relief efforts for his area. At first, Carlos couldn’t envision implementing such a task, but God knew he was ready.

A long-time friend of Atulado’s, we met Carlos in 2011. In addition to being a pastor with his own church, Carlos has responsibilities for 16 churches and leaders in the western part of Cuba where he lives and the hurricane hit. Carlos’ first hurricane experience was in 2008. The experience of a previous hurricane means you know what lies ahead, and the situation is worse with fewer resources. The storm brings more damage not just to material things but to the hearts of the people who suffer more loss. Also, the country is different than in 2008. Food and gas shortages, blackouts, and an economic crisis complicate things.

During the hurricane, Carlos constantly kept in touch with church leaders by phone, learning about the events in their towns. However, he had to wait until after the storm had passed to assess the damage and visit the entire region. Also, the entire country was without electricity after the storm, even though the area impacted represents about 8% of the island. The country’s already strained power grid just collapsed. The hurricane hit on a Monday, and it was Thursday before the roads were open enough for him to travel to churches in his region. Travel was still dangerous, with electricity poles and trees lying on the ground, but it was enough for him to visit the churches in his region.

“I went to see people as soon as I could. My priority was encouraging people, being there for them, and seeing how they faced the issues. It’s traumatic for many emotionally and spiritually, and that’s why it was my priority. Then, I checked on their material losses to see how I could help. Finally, I showed them I’m there for them and brought a little help and hope.” – Carlos

The hurricane spurred several tornadoes, knocking trees over and destroying homes, buildings, and structures. Doors and windows ruptured, and water tanks on the tops of buildings were gone. When you lose your water tank, you don’t have clean water, and they’re not easy to restore. Heavy rains destroyed most of the contents inside the homes. Thankfully, his community didn’t suffer much destruction, but the surrounding area did. Of his 16 churches, 14 of those towns suffered damage.

Many people stayed too long in places they shouldn’t be to keep their belongings safe. He heard some congregation members say it sounded like bullets piercing the roof – very dangerous. And some people were injured, enduring the storm’s wrath to save as much as possible. Giant trees and electricity poles fell close to homes and buildings, but miraculously the people inside were safe.

Once the storm was over, the slow process of an organized recovery began. Recovery officials must assess your home and then return days or weeks later with the needed materials, which you must purchase from them. Local churches provided some clothes and food for people. Atulado came by the side of the Church of Cuba and equipped the Church to respond. Food was one of the first things people needed. Nine pastors were equipped with resources for food to feed each congregation member temporarily, and they created a plan to buy and distribute the food. This helped feed 1,800 to 2,000 people.

Small opportunities to encourage churches and their members resulted in pizza provided by a local church member and pizza delivery to the community. Over 1,200 pizzas were delivered to a community in the Pinar Del Rio area with the funds Atulado provided. Another church provided food for their congregation from the funds received and encouraged the children with a fun ice cream party. Churches and members are amazingly creative in helping others in hard times.

Getting cement, sand, and other materials is difficult because of regulations that control all purchases. Despite the challenges, Carlos worked diligently through the process to help people get the supplies they needed. Atulado made sure funds were available to ensure the most vulnerable of the community could get the materials. Once supplies arrived, Carlos gathered people from the church to make the much-needed repairs.

People had pulled apart wet mattresses to dry the stuffing in the sun. Then, they would be re-sewn and used. So, mattress needs were assessed, and a plan was created to provide mattresses. Also, water filters were critical to give clean water for people to drink and cook with.

Cell phones in Cuba are all pre-paid, and it is difficult to get minutes added to your phone, which was further complicated by the hurricane and power outages. To keep the lines of communication open, Atulado put minutes and data on the phones of key pastors so communication with extended family members was possible. Hearing the voice of a loved one made a difference for people. This was also key for Carlos. It helped him reach his leadership team throughout the area, pray with people, and offer support.

“I am very grateful to God and everyone who’s a part of Atulado for their support, encouragement, and prayers. It represents the Kingdom of God, and He has been so faithful. He allowed us to be a blessing for Christians and to show the love of Christ to people who don’t know Jesus.”

– Carlos Melia

Sometimes God opens a door to when and where you need to serve. That’s how our paths connected with Teresa Agüero and the elderly ministry. During one mission trip to Cuba, I gave a testimony about my elderly father and grandparents, who recently passed away. Afterward, Teresa shared that she was moved by my passion for encouraging those at the end of their lives. That’s when we learned about her amazing ministry to encourage those in her town.

The vision to launch the ministry came when Teresa was walking to work one day. She noticed many elderly people on the streets in her town in Florida, Cuba. As she spoke with them, she learned some never had children or didn’t have a family, and others had a family that struggled with day-to-day life, such as having the resources or time to care for them. Teresa saw a need in her community, and God put it on her heart to make a difference.

The ministry started in 2014 by initially providing breakfast, including bread and milk. Then, when more volunteers joined the ministry, they began providing lunch. They also offer a bag with items according to that person’s needs, such as rice, beans, and soap. They operate similarly to a social worker here in the US and evaluate each person’s needs to best connect their resources to those who need them. Finally, the volunteers deliver all meals and supplies.

Today, the ministry has grown into a team of five women. Besides Teresa, the team includes Paula Fernández, Mayra Olazábal, Iliana Olazábal, and Rosa Lezcano. Additionally, one volunteer is a nurse and cares for someone when a health issue arises. They work weekly, dividing the community into two parts, visiting 66 people in total and about six to eight per week. But this ministry extends beyond taking meals and providing care and resources for this incredible team of women. They attend church with the elderly when they can, listen, spend time, and love everyone in their care. And, in turn, they are loved back.

“I can see it in the smiles on their faces when they see us. For someone to spend time with them, listening and talking to them is what they need most. They need love more than resources. We are thankful for the love we share with them at every visit. And they miss us when we haven’t visited in a few days. This ministry has changed their lives and given them hope. They feel important knowing someone is interested in them and their needs.” – Teresa

Teresa has a job (paying about $42 a month) where she uses part of her own money to support the ministry. She manages and executes the ministry in her free time when she’s not working. The other volunteers don’t have paying jobs but love their work with the ministry. Teresa has the humblest spirit you’ll ever meet. She doesn’t ask for donations and rarely accepts support for the ministry.

After our first meeting, she invited us to visit the elderly in her care to see the team in action, encouraging people, providing care, and supporting those she calls “her children.” After that trip, our relationship grew, and we’ve been by Teresa’s side, supporting and encouraging her. We’ve equipped the ministry with a buggy to help make deliveries and some ongoing supplies.

Teresa is thankful God placed a passion in her heart for the ministry and those she cares for, allowing her to provide care. But her real message transcends beyond the island of Cuba because this story could take place anywhere, even in your community. Caring for the elderly is an important, beautiful job that is needed everywhere.

“You have something to give if you feel a passion for the elderly. But know your love is the most important thing you can share, more than food, clothes, or other necessities. So, give your heart with the love of God because they need to feel love and kindness. And you’ll see beauty and warmth shine in their faces. It’s a love job. We do it for love, the love of God he has put into our hearts.” – Teresa

One of Teresa’s favorite bible verses that reflects her ministry is Psalms 71:9.

“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.”

– Renee Snyder

When we decided to join a mission trip, we knew serving and helping others would be a big part of the experience. But we never knew how much we would get in return.

Wayne and I worked together for years, and I’d hear stories about his mission trips. Then, I started giving monthly to support the mission and received the newsletters. The newsletters helped me understand what happened on a mission trip and how he supported pastors and leaders in Cuba. So, when the e-mail arrived one day about a summer trip, I knew Cam, my 15-year-old son, and I needed to experience this together.

We live a typical sheltered suburban life, and I wanted Cam to experience how everyone may not live like us and how we can help others. Of course, I was nervous about visiting a communist country with my child, but I trusted Wayne and knew God would be with us. I felt this would be an opportunity to reconnect us spiritually because we had lost a family member the prior year and remove the many daily distractions. After talking to Wayne about the trip, it was confirmed. We were going, and I was thankful for my husband’s support every step of the way.

After joining a mission trip, I discovered that reading about the Cuban people, spirituality, love, and giving is different on paper or screen. It’s life-changing experienced first-hand. This was a journey with my son, my spirituality, and the people we met and traveled with. As a result, I could reconnect with God, find new and different ways to connect through God, let go, and give things over to God.

Sharing experiences with the Cuban people and their deep faith will have a lasting impact on me. One woman radiated with the Holy Spirit and had more riches than anyone I know with her faith in and love of God. I was reminded of the power of prayer and was deeply moved by the intensity of group prayers. You could feel God with us and move through the people praying and through the people that we were praying for.

I left the US with a typical teenager who transformed into a caring, giving, and loving young man. One night Wayne went to see a pastor, and the power went out. Cam shifted into protector mode and insisted that we check on Renee, Wayne’s wife. I also noticed that he kept an eye on Betty, who was in the house with us. It touched my heart when Cam wanted to say a prayer at a women’s prayer group. Also, he introduced us in Spanish everywhere we went, even in front of a large congregation at church. Cam has gone from studying Spanish to wanting to learn Spanish as a second language.

The relationships that Cam built and seeing God through those relationships influenced his life. He admired Wayne for his dedication to service and appreciated the time spent talking and explaining Cuba to him. Raphael, who we met on the trip, challenged Cam to continue the missionary work and service that started in Cuba. Betty, who we also met, instantly became a friend and encouraged him with his Spanish. He was impressed and inspired by her accomplishments with English and her mission with children at such a young age. They also enjoyed discussing roller coasters, sharing English and Spanish words, and jumping in the waterfall.

If you’re considering joining a mission trip, it’s important to have flexibility and patience. From a small double bed and a disco ball on the first night to the expected but random power outages, we just rolled with anything that came along. If you want to take a picture or video of something, just do it. Keep a journal with you. Write down a sentence from each pastor and church to help remember later. Drop a pin on your phone to remember where you visited. Download a Spanish translator on your phone that doesn’t need the internet. Most importantly, allow yourself to take time to appreciate the true beauty and love of God that you experience without the distraction of work, electronics, family, or other problems. You must be flexible and open to new experiences. Have an open heart and be ready to give and receive from a deeper place.

Cam and I plan to join a future mission trip. We loved the people we met. We loved helping and giving to others, but we know we took way more than we gave. I did not feel I was volunteering since I got back so much more than I gave. The love, prayers, and continued friendships will last for years.

– Caroline F.

Have you ever met someone who can paint a striking resemblance of a photo on canvas? That’s Daniel. I met Daniel about nine years ago. Back then, I’d walk through small towns in Cuba, take a Polaroid picture of a family, and give them the photo on the spot. It was a hit because many people didn’t have a way to take family pictures. My Polaroid also kept a digital image, so I had a copy

One day, I took a photo of a mother that touched my heart. I wanted to do something special for the mother, so I asked a pastor if there was an artist in town. He introduced me to Daniel. He started painting as a child, inspired by his father, who worked as an artist. As most kids do, Daniel painted when and what he wanted. As a young teenager, his family supported him in taking drawing classes. Then, Daniel’s father took him to Tiburcio Lorenzo Professional Academy of Plastic Arts in Pinar del Río to study with another student at the academy. At 14 years old, he took the entrance exam to the academy. In Cuba, you can’t just decide what career you want to pursue. You must pass an exam and be granted your desired vocation.

Shortly after taking the test, God revealed to his mother that Daniel would enter the academy even though receiving the results took a long time. So, when the judges provided their decision on the exam, it wasn’t a surprise to the family that he was accepted. God was already there, working in their lives from the very beginning.

Because Daniel was a gifted artist, he was allowed to study at the academy until he finished high school. Then, he was accepted into the National Academy of Fine Arts San Alejandro in Havana. We met after he had completed his studies. Daniel painted a portrait of the mother with her daughter and delivered it to her home as a surprise. Can you imagine her face when she saw the portrait for the first time? It makes me smile just thinking about it.

Daniel exhibits his art in galleries in Cuba and participates in exhibitions, but many are usually in his workshop at his home. In addition, he teaches plastic arts at a school for children with disabilities. He wants to encourage and support children with and without artistic talent through a Christian art education program, thus providing Christian values to children and young people.

Daniel’s talents are undeniable because he captures people beautifully. He doesn’t even need a photo and can create a portrait without one. Unfortunately, getting art supplies is probably the most challenging part of being an artist in Cuba. To help, Atulado brings him paint, brushes, and even canvases so he can continue sharing his talents with the world.

– Wayne S.

I used to carry an old digital Polaroid camera on my early trips to Cuba. The photos I took meant the world to people because many had never seen their picture before. One family I met while I had that Polaroid camera is Ernestina, Pepito, and their daughter, Yaima. Pepito works in the yucca fields daily, and Yaima works with special needs children. Yaima’s husband, Efran, works in a restaurant in another town about 45 minutes away. They have two daughters, Adriana and Angelica, who helped me develop a relationship with the family that will last for years.

On one trip, I noticed the two small girls at the house sitting on their front porch one afternoon. The family lives together in one home. So naturally, I approached them and started a conversation. I asked if I could take their picture. The girls had not seen a Polaroid camera and were giddy with excitement to see photos of themselves. It warmed everyone’s heart to watch their faces light up with big grins and eyes dance as they gazed at the pictures.

Kids love to play hide and seek. So, on a later mission trip, I visited the house and hid small things around the porch, like Barbie dolls. For the girls, finding these hidden gifts around the porch the next day became a game and was exciting.

After a few visits, we were invited inside for coffee. Then, we were invited for dinner. Now, we’ve been to dinner at their house three times. Flan is my favorite dessert, and Ernestina made a delicious flan in a pressure cooker on one visit. They don’t have ovens in Cuba, so making food in pressure cookers is typical.

We have visited the family for at least five years and have continued our fun game of hide and seek at every visit. We keep in touch with them often. Their friendship helped us see how warm and friendly people are, even in hard times. They always have a smile, welcome us into their home, and offer coffee and anything else to make our visit comfortable. We look forward to developing our friendship over the years.

Dancing with a Purpose: Transforming Lives Through Christ

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