One Family. One Calling.
From the very beginning, Pedro Enrique Cuevas Candoìcia and his wife, Danelis Leyva Cruz, have served God as one. They knew early on that ministry would be stronger together and more fruitful if they worked side by side, complementing each other’s gifts. Pedro drives the vision, while Danelis handles the details behind the scenes that make ministry possible. Together, their unity of purpose and passion have deeply impacted their community, fellow pastors, and countless lives for God’s Kingdom.
Pedro grew up in the church, but like many teenagers, he wandered away from the Lord and started hanging out with the wrong crowd. Then, while in high school, God brought Danelis into his life, and the two became friends.
Raised with a strong Christian background, Danielis invited him to church. Her parents set a clear boundary: they could date if Pedro attended church and walked with the Lord. He agreed, and the couple started attending regularly together. Through their courtship, Pedro came to know and love the Lord again.
The two married, and after about seven months of active involvement at church, they felt God calling them to pastoral ministry—at only 17 years old. Leaving behind the city where they grew up, they moved to the countryside to serve as missionaries, leading a small group of about 20 people.
While there, they received a call to serve as a pastor of a church with a congregation of about 40 members. Though the church itself was more than 20 years old, older than the couple themselves, they faithfully served the church for five years. Then, God led them to Candelaria, Cuba, where they pastored for five and a half years. During that time, they built a church building and grew the congregation to nearly 200 people.
Once again, God called them to relocate—this time to the city of Bayamo in the province of Granma, where they currently reside. This time, when they arrived, there was no congregation waiting and no established church. Starting from scratch, they began evangelizing in the streets, sharing the Word of God one prayer at a time with people they met.
Today, that work has grown into a thriving church of more than 250 people and 50 children. Meals are prepared and delivered to those in need, such as the elderly. Youth ministry is a central focus, and Pedro invests intentionally in developing future church leaders through Biblical and theological training. Beyond their local church, Pedro and Danelis oversee a network of an additional 16 churches within their denomination. Also, they oversee 100 churches with Honoring the Father (HTF) ministry, supporting leaders across eastern Cuba. Pedro regularly trains and counsels these leaders, strengthening their personal and spiritual well-being, enabling their church to thrive.
Each month, Pedro and Danelis typically carve out two days to visit the network of churches. Visits include meeting with pastors, sharing updates, praying together, and occasionally preaching—always guided by the specific needs of each church and pastor. Travel has become increasingly challenging due to fuel shortages and their aging vehicle, sometimes delaying even the delivery of basic resources. Still, they remain committed to being present with each leader.
Danelis plays a vital role in every aspect of ministry. She organizes events, oversees women’s and youth ministries, and leads the creative process—from design to décor for events and gatherings. She also ministers regularly to female pastors in the region and occasionally preaches. Pedro describes her as indispensable to everything they do.
After 20 years of marriage and 21 years of ministry together, their partnership remains strong. They support one another in every project, pray together, and travel everywhere side by side. Currently, they are overseeing an expansion of their local church. The current building has simply become too small for the growing congregation. They see this not as a challenge, but as a blessing from God.
Along their journey, Osmani Sosa has been a key source of encouragement and guidance. Pedro first met Osmani about 19 years ago while visiting his father-in-law. As a former basketball player in school, Pedro quickly connected with Osmani, a former baseball player, through their shared love of sports and faith. Being so young in ministry, Osmani helped open doors by introducing them to church leaders, providing mentorship, and even educational opportunities. Both Pedro and Danelis earned their master’s degrees in theology through HTF University. And, Osmani has remained a close family friend and been someone who has walked alongside them from the very beginning.
Among all the fruits of their ministry, Pedro and Danelis say their greatest are their two children, who lead with a servant heart for the Lord. Their son, Jonathan Daniel Cuevas Leyva, age 17, is deeply involved in the church and is becoming a leader. He leads the youth department with his girlfriend, facilitates a small group, serves on the worship team playing congas, and supports Pedro in pastoral care when they travel to visit other pastors. His dream is to one day have and play a full drum set.
Their daughter, Jenifer Danay Cuevas Leyva, aged 15, is equally eager to serve and always inquiring about how she can help others. She sings on the worship team, participates in the church’s dance ministry, assists with audiovisual creation, and helps to visit and support pastors throughout the region.
Pedro often reflects on the words of Joshua: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” That commitment defines their family.
Their favorite Bible verse, 2 Timothy 1:7, reflects the courage and faith that have marked their journey. Throughout their ministry, Pedro and Danelis continue to trust God—loving people, blessing communities, and walking humbly with Him as they serve.
