For The Sake Of

THE GOSPEL

Wednesday February 20, 2013

I am on a flight returning from a week of ministry in the Communist country of Cuba.  This country of 11.5 million people is one of the most unique places in the world.  There are for sure other poor countries in the world, some even poorer then Cuba.   What makes Cuba unique in that there is the combination of poverty and oppression because of the very tightly controlled political and economic system. 

For about 11 years I have been travelling to Cuba and assisting churches and Pastors in the work of evangelism and discipleship through a missions organization I founded in 1980 called the "Calvary Road Gospel Association".   More lately we've been referring to it as "Calvary Road Ministries."   Our special passion has been ministering to and resourcing Pastors and churches in what we call the "forgotten places."   

Large churches and those along the main roads often receive visitors from abroad and thus some kind of financial help and encouragement.   We praise God for those ministries that provide such help but the passion of Calvary Road is the little places off the beaten track where there are small, and sometimes large churches and mission stations that receive few if any visitors or help from the outside and are often very desperate.    It has been my privilege to have been in places where no foreigner has been before.

Let me tell  you a little about life in the "real Cuba"  away from the resorts?    Today, let's just focus on the food situation.    The average Pastor or church planter in Cuba makes about $ 12-20 per month.    This is the standard wage and in fact I know a surgeon and a University law professor who make $ 30 a month.     Food is rationed and rations, which are sold very cheap, last about 7-10 days.  After that, life is very difficult for the average Cuban.     There are no shops and stores that we North America's  would identify with.     Families are given ration cards which must be shown at the government shops whenever you make a purchase.

Now in North America and most other parts of the world,  when you want  to buy something you just go to the store and buy it if you have the money.    Not so in Cuba.    Food is in short supply even if you have the money.     Everything is rationed.     Let me give you an idea of your typical rationed shopping list as a Cuban.

For each member of your family every month you can buy (remember this is each month not each week);  4 ounces of coffee, 4 ounces of beans, 4 ounces of chicken, 4 ounces of sugar, 4 ounces of pork (it is generally illegal to have beef but I won't get into the exceptions), 1/2 liter of cooking oil, 8 eggs etc.     With some of the recent changes you may buy some vegetables at private stands if you have the money though for many Cubans vegetables would be a luxury.      Children up to the age of 7 can have two glasses of milk a day and after age 7 only if it is available and you have the money and usually bought on the Black Market or farmer if you know one. 

Many things are only available on the Black Market, including food items, but at high prices.    I estimate that perhaps as much as 70 %  (my guess) of Cuba's economy is the Black Market and without it people would not be able to survive.    This presents a dilemma for the followers of Jesus who want to be good and honest citizens.     My experience and observation is that Christians try their best to live within the law but it is (because of economic conditions, contradictory laws and government obstruction and harassment), virtually impossible to live one single day without breaking some law no matter how hard you try.

Just so you have an idea, let me share with you a typical days menu.     For breakfast every Cuban is rationed a piece of bread the size of an English muffin.    You would have that and a little coffee for breakfast.     Off to school or work you go.       At lunch time you'd be looking forward to perhaps a little bean soup.      Water or coffee if you have it (Remember, you've only got 4 ounces for  the month and it ain't Starbucks.     As a matter of fact, the coffee sold to Cubans as part of their ration is mixed with some kind of bean).      You've had your lunch so it's back to work or school (School often does provide a typical Cuban lunch).       Soon you'll be looking forward to supper of either more bean soup (perhaps over some rice) or the staple, Rice and Beans.        If you know someone with a farm or have been sent money from family in America, you might have some cucumber or tomatoes.     Yucca is another staple and Cubans have, earned a thousand ways to cook it.   Personally, I don't care for Yucca but I do Ike it fried in little balls.      That's pretty much all you are getting to eat today.      Of course some have more than others because they have relatives in America or are involved in the  Black Market, government, illegal activity such as drugs or prostitution.     Fortunately the government has opened 86 areas of private enterprise but this is only a recent development and has not yet made a significant difference for a lot of people.

Though the ministry of Calvary Road is focused on evangelism and discipleship, we cannot ignore the tremendous need for more and better food.      Our ministry is partnering with churches to establish farms (these must not be owned by churches but by individuals) to help feed thousands of hungry people.      On this trip we evaluated and then provided all the resources for another farm. 

Typically the farm provides free food to Cuban missionaries and church planters who  often do their work with no promise of wages or provision.     They are passionate about seeing people come to Christ and live by faith that God would provide their needs.       We also provide free food to seniors who, if they've worked for the government, receive a  $5 a month pension.     Yes, you read that right. (A pound of chicken leg would cost about $1.50 -  1.75, so you know how far that would go).

We have one farm near the Baptist Seminary and so from time to time food is provided for the students.      Food is sold to people in the churches and surrounding neighborhoods  for about 50% of the cost elsewhere.    In  another blog, I will share a bit more of life in Cuba and tell you about the struggle that continues after Hurricane Sandy (October 2013),  now long forgotten by the outside world.

Still, in spite of all these difficulties, I am overwhelmed by the passion of Christian Cubans to reach their countrymen for Christ.       They are absolutely passionate and committed to reaching their country with the gospel.      How is it my friends with you and me as we live in relative ease?     Are we willing to lay it all on the line,  to sacrifice our comfort and ease for the sake of the gospel, to pour everything into the Kingdom.     I have received so much more from them when it comes to eternal values than I could ever give.

 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,  always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,   because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.       (Philippians 1:3-5)

For more information or to donate to Calvary Road contact us at calvaryroad@rogers.com.  You can view the Calvary Road page by clicking on the link at the top of this page  (The Calvary Road page will be greatly updated in the next couple of days so keep checking back).  You can also donate on line at www.canadahelps.ca and search for "Calvary Road Association."