Bibles for Cuba

Bibles for Cuba is one of the many programs the Southwest Mission Program, Inc. supports. We have purchased more than 6,000 Bibles that have been distributed to more than seven districts in Cuba.  Last April at the largest Baptism in Cuba history, every person in the Holguin Norte District that was baptized was given a new Bible.  The enthusiasm and joy could be seen on every face that received a new Bible.  This is the same expression we receive every time new Bibles are given out.  Bibles in Cuba are a rare commodity and many people do not have a Bible or can afford to purchase one, so I thank everyone that has supported this program and continues to support the effort.

But what about the people with poor eye sight or who are blind?  What about the remote area’s that do not have access to a Bible? What about the people that cannot read?  What about people with special meads?  Are they not entitled to a Bible also? But you say, “How can we help them?”

For the pass six years, I have taking Galcom Recorded Bibles into Cuba. They are solar powered, no batteries involved.  I have distributed them throughout Cuba, and their performance and lasting power has been outstanding.  Because of that, their popularity has grown immensely. During my recent trip, I delivered six more units.  To fill the larger number of requests for the recorded Bibles I want to take 100 on my trip this coming October.  My intentions are to give two or three to every sister church pastor in the Holguin Norte, Sancti Spiritus and Guantanamo Districts.

I need your assistance to accomplish this mission.  I would like each sister church in the Southwest District to purchase two or three units for their sister church in Cuba.  They are $35 per unit.

If you think of the minimal investment involved and the impact this has on the lives it affects it’s a small amount.   Please see below a picture of the Galcom Recorded Bible, it is the size of a small cell phone.  For more information go to galcom.org.

Contact me to place your order for the recorded Bible.

Dan Christopherson
941-468-7209
christforcuba@gmail.com

recorded bibles

Reflections on Pastor Isel and Lisy’s trip to the United States

As I reflect back on Pastor Isel and Lisy’s trip, it seemed like we were on the go everyday.  It was hectic and a blessing everywhere we went.  This was Lisy’s first trip to the United States.

We visited and Pastor Isel and Lisy spoke at eleven different churches in the Southwest District and two outside of our district.  We visited with Allen Spears, Agape Flights, in Venice, FL, the transportation for the water purification systems. We met with Kenn Visser of Water One Company in Fort Myers, FL, and maker of the water purification systems now in Cuba.

Of course, we had side trips to Walmart, Publix, Goodwill and many other shopping locations.  Lisy said, “I have never seen so much food and so many choices.”  Our abundance in this county is hard for the people of poor countries to even begin to imagine.

One side bar trip that was totally amazing for Lisy was going through the car wash! Her head was on a swivel as we moved through, splashing water, swinging brushes and blowing the car dry.  “Not in my wildest imagination did I think that was possible,” said Lisy. 

The visit to the Englewood United Methodist Foundation Preschool left a lasting impression with Pastor Isel and Lisy.  Preschools are not available in Cuba. 

Comments I heard days after the visit to the preschool included:

  • “We have space, we could do this.”
  • “We have mothers that would love to help.
  • “We have young mothers leaving their children at different locations.
  • "It is possible in Cuba for us to offer this type of service."
  • “Why not our church?”
  • “We need baby cradles, toys, Bibles for children and Christian material.”

I believe a seed was planted. Let’s nourish this project and see where God is going to take it.

At every location, Lisy would say, “Everyone is so friendly and warm I did not know what to expect when I arrived, but I did not expect the openness. This is totally different than what I was told about the United States. It took me 33 years to learn differently.”

I thank everyone for your hospitality during their month visit in the United States.

Dan Christopherson
Southwest District President

 

The Southwest District Mission Program, Inc. is a 501c(3) organization formed to assist and promote
the many challenges within the country of Cuba.