“When’s God’s people are faithful, He shows up.”
That statement certainly held true when a local church association had the exact funds, down to the penny, to purchase two church buildings in Cuba.
The Yazoo Baptist Association raised $7,000 to purchase a building in Cuba for a church to be established in an otherwise poverty-stricken area. The events that unfolded when a Black Jack Baptist Church team arrived is proof that miracles happen thanks to God’s blessings.
Pastor David White, of Black Jack, embarked on his second journey to Cuba with the association’s funds trusted in his care. When he arrived, the original $7,000 building was no longer available. But another facility listed for $4,000 was available for purchase.
“We purchased that real estate, but then we contacted another church who was raising money for their new church building,” White said. “That church needed $3,000 more to make the purchase, which we ‘surprisingly’ had, so we purchased it as well.”
Down to the exact penny, the team was able to not only purchase one but two buildings for churches to be established.
“I had been to Cuba before and have seen the Lord do some wonderful things,” White said. “He meets needs we didn’t even know existed. It was encouraging to see this affirmation. This was exactly where God wanted me and my church partners to be.”
White said the collected funds are used to purchase the real estate needed for the Cuban churches to begin their ministry. The church family themselves are responsible for furnishing the building. But thanks to God’s blessings and local efforts, those ministries can begin in a stable structure.
Without a building, many Cuban churches are doing what they can to worship and give back to their communities. Many conduct services out of borrowed homes of the church family, inside dilapidated shacks without bathrooms or running water and one group even held services in the garage of a mechanic shop.
“They are making due because that is what they have been forced to do,” White said. “They are waiting on outside help to get buildings for church.”
Within the Baptist faith, White said churches and ministries are growing rapidly in Cuba.
“The Baptist churches are exploding,” he said. “It is a full-scale revival.”
White said those wishing to become pastor in Cuba must first complete seminary training. Before that, they are considered missionaries.
“In Cuba, they have more students than pastors,” White said. “They are extremely active in acquiring buildings to plant their churches. Within two years, I have seen those churches plant other missionaries.”
With the recent miracle that recently occurred in Cuba, White said it is clear that God is working to provide what is needed for His Word.
“God affirms that very clearly,” White said. “That encourages us to do more.”
White said he is also planning to establish a non-profit organization to collect donations and to provide volunteer efforts for future projects.
