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Ministry News -
IBMP Begins Ministry in Cuba
We have recently returned from a ministry trip to Cuba and are overjoyed to report that the gospel is being preached, souls are being saved, and churches are being established. Our trip to Cuba was for the purpose of inspiring and training Cuban evangelical leaders in establishing a church planting movement in this country. Currently, there are 5,000 evangelical churches in Cuba but the evangelical leaders believe God has led them to set a goal of one million professions of faith and to establish 100,000 new house churches in the next three years. One national leader commented, "Your visit not only encouraged us; it verified what we sensed the Holy Spirit had been saying to us."
Many are surprised that there are evangelical churches in this socialist country. Certainly, the concept of religious freedom is vastly different from the normal western view, with churches being highly regulated. Still, the gospel may be preached and churches may be planted. New congregations gather in various locations, most being house-churches. These restrictions have actually served to advance the gospel, since believers are free from concerns for buildings and other distractions. They understand that they exist to manifest the presence of Christ in society and their focus is in proclaiming the gospel. We are reminded of an occasion in the growing ministry of Jesus where it is written, " . . . he could not be hid" (Mark 7:24). Such is certainly true in Cuba, and no barrier can be erected that can hinder the advance of the gospel.
The cause of Christ in Cuba invites, even compels, our participation. Will you join with us in praying for the protection of the believers and for the planting of these new churches? And there is a pressing need for Bibles and discipleship materials in the Spanish language. The president of an evanglical league in Cuba says they are praying for 100,000 Bibles to be given through a Bible society legally authorized to receive and distribute them. There are not enough Bibles in the country even for the current believers, much less the new ones. We are convinced the Lord has given to the IBMP this opportunity, and your financial contributions will enable this to happen. Your gift of only $4.00 will enable us to put a Bible in the hands of one of the people who need it so much. A gift of $100 will provide 25 Bibles. Will you please help? Nothing is more powerful than the word of God, and we trust that by your faithfulness we will be able to soon report that this goal is accomplished.
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