Old and New Friends

  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecc 3:1

Hello from the beach! 

Last week Carlos and Rosario came from the capital to spend a few days with us. We always enjoy their visits they are such good friends! Those of you who followed the blog in the past may recall that in February 2020, a non-profit organization called "Valores" was formed to facilitate the work here. Well, due to COVID and actually problems in the lives of the leadership, the organization was not active at all. Carlos suggested that we transfer the non-profit to another area where the ministry is flourishing in the community; therefore, we had a Zoom meeting in 2021 with all the original board and the leadership of the new group. It was all done according to the laws of this country. We all simply resigned and then a new board was elected. Our lawyer friend, Patricia, recorded everything according to the law.

Carlos suggested to take us to meet the new group in person. They have a very active community outreach. They have sports, a ministry to unwed pregnant girls, and evangelism. Carlos drove us on Wednesday. We met with the group that evening, spent the night at a hotel and drove at our leisure back on Thursday. Both the pastor and his wife are very active. The pastor's wife leads the ministry to pregnant girls. It is a one year program. They are given a book with daily devotionals, and the pastor's wife meets with each girl individually for about 45 minutes every Thursday. They get points for doing the devotionals, memorizing Bible verses and other things. Then they can "purchase" items such as diapers and baby clothes from a "store" of donated items. One of the women at the meeting Wednesday night had gone through the program and continues to attend the group Bible studies now. One interesting tool that she has is a set of dolls featuring the baby's  gradual development in the womb. Girls that are considering abortion are given a talk using these dolls. The actually very in weight, as well as size, giving a feeling of a real baby. We came back feeling better about having to let go of the non-profit at our town. We know that this group will take advantage of the legal status for the glory of the Kingdom.

Wednesday night worship

Pregnancy stages dolls

While at dinner at a restaurant, John mentioned to our waiter that I was from Cuba. He said that his boss was from Cuba also. So, he went and got his boss to come and say hello. The man was very friendly. He talked to us about a local Cuban connection from the time of the war of independence from Spain. It is a school named after one of our historic. Since Friday was the last day of school  before a tow week vacation, Carlos insisted that we had to go to this town, about an hour from here to visit the place. So we went on Friday and were allowed to visit the school and were given tour. The locals are always polite and friendly. The children were playing games and being entertained by a clown and Spiderman. I personally had a great time. Carlos, always looking for contacts, found out were the local evangelical churches were located. Couldn't meet the pastors, but I know he will follow up.

Antonio Maceo

The school was the Maceo residency

We visited three families with Carlos and Rosario.  They left Saturday morning. We had a family over for hot dogs and pool on Sunday and will have another family here again for pool and hot dogs today. After all, today is July 4th. The only way to celebrate here!

Hot dogs and fellowship

So, happy 4th of July!

Until next time...from the beach...