Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Feb/89

Contributor - Marti Van Hoeve

Title - Cuban Holiday With A Mission

Topic - Missions

"The Christian Life is an upward climb of faith and perseverance ... a unique challenge for modern living." (Romans 15:30) I read this text on a Cuban Church banner on my recent visit there.

Five years ago, I visited Cuba and promised myself that I would call on the churches of Cuba should I ever return. The Lord provided this opportunity last November. A friend from the Flamborough Christian Reformed Church and I went on a two week "holiday". This "holiday" was a mission. We had eighty Spanish Bibles, with us as well as Christian Education and Sunday School materials. We also packed extra clothes, toothbrushes, pencils, gum and balloons to give away.

Before we left we were thoroughly instructed as to what to expect and how to act. Although many Cuban Christians are imprisoned, to date no tourists have b I een imprisoned for trying to pass,-'unacceptable" reading material.

After arriving in Cuba we breezed through Customs - we thought however between Toronto and Havanna, two suitcases had gone astray. Two days after we arrived, the luggage reappeared. Before we could claim them however, Customs officials examined one of the bags. Needless to say, the Bibles and Christian Literature to were confiscated. We were allowed keep one Bible for our own personal use. Officials were particularly suspicious about the English literature and periodicals, Pioneer Christian Monthly being one of them. Very little English is spoken among customs and tourist personnel.

Nelly Feddes, my travelling companion, who had resided in Argentina for seventeen years prior to coming to Canada, spoke fluent Spanish. In the taxi on the way to our Hotel, she heard an announcement over the radio claiming "two Canadian tourists tried to smuggle in Bibles". Cuba is known to have one of the best Secret Police systems in the world. We felt very uncomfortable knowing that we could be under constant surveillance. Most hotel rooms are "bugged". Our room surely was to be one of them. Busy tourist centres swarm with police informants. How could we deliver fifty pieces of Christian books and literature to our assigned addresses?

Those Bibles not confiscated we packed into one suitcase and locked safely away, the keys to which were in Nelly's purse. The next day while sightseeing in "safe, low crime-rate Cuba", Nelly's purse was stolen. Luckily, her traveller's cheques and passport were in the hotel safe. The Christian material we did get into Cuba was now locked up - it would seem permanently. We could not approach hotel maintenance personnel for assistance. How could we obtain appropriate tools to pry open the suitcase without arousing more suspicion? Losing the keys was a blessing is disguise. it gave us some time to relax and enjoy our "vacation" on the island known as "the Pearl of the Antilles" characterized by beautiful clean beaches and lovely people.

After four days we again tried to open the suitcase. With the use of a knife and a hairpin we managed to open one of the locks enabling us to get at the Bibles. With the help of Cuban Pastors, every piece of literature was safely delivered. The country itself, led by Fidel Castro and his government, has accomplished much in the area of medical care, education and housing. Preaching however, is confined within the churches' four walls. The pastors have to report all memberships to the government on a quarterly basis. In every church service, it is possible that a Secret Police informant can be tucked away. Yet the churches in Cuba continue to grow at amazing rates. Much of the growth is attributed to the strong commitment of the young people. Believers are monitored closely. Christians earn "demerits" at school and work for being religious. We met a man who lost his job as a direct result of his being a Christian. He spoke English quite well and still he could not get a job at one of the hotels. We learned much from the Pastors and their families. We learned of their struggles and their faith. They have to work cautiously within their country's confines.

We praise the Lord for our safety, and for the safe delivery of the Bibles to our Cuban brothers and sisters in Christ. Surely "the Christian life is an upward climb of faith and perseverance ... a unique challenge for modern living." (Romans 15:30)

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