Apostolic Christians in Cuba
Voltaire observed, “Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do.” God’s word agrees: “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17).
Accordingly, I believe every Christian needs a personal Acts 1:8 strategy, a way to impact their culture where they live and the larger world as well. But note: when Jesus told us we would be his “witnesses” in our Jerusalem and “to the end of the earth,” he meant that we would minister as holistically as he did.
From preaching the gospel at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–41) to meeting financial (Acts 2:45) and physical needs (cf. Acts 3) soon thereafter, apostolic Christians focused both on this world and the next. I have seen such inclusive ministry in our day and can testify that it works just as well as when it was first embraced.
I have often mentioned my many trips to Cuba. There I have seen believers serving Jesus faithfully under the most difficult circumstances. They preach and witness when they are commanded to be silent; they distribute God’s word across the island despite governmental censorship and oppression.
But they also meet felt needs to meet spiritual needs. Christians share their food with their neighbors and sponsor sports camps for their communities. When one church rebuilt its sanctuary, it kept every nail and board from the previous structure and then distributed them throughout their village according to need. In the face of continued crises, I have seen believers pleading with God for their fellow Cubans of any faith and no faith.
“Make me an instrument of thy peace”
It is no surprise to me that God is doing a “Book of Acts” work in Cuba through the holistic faithfulness of his people. What works on this Communist island will work where you and I live as well. Accordingly, I invite you to pray with me these familiar words attributed to St. Francis, slowly from your heart:
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Now, how will you be an instrument of God’s peace today? |
The hand made cross, pictured twice, is created by my very dear friend Dwight Kastendieck. Dwight keeps FGGAM in good supply of crosses as we carry out The Great Commission, building bridges of love and trust with folks. Amy, pictured above is from Castle Rock, Colorado! She loves JESUS! We now have ministered to Amy and her family on two trips to Castle Rock. They are doing great!
