“Cuba Para Cristo” Makes National News
As most of you know, our sports ministry in Cuba is determined to win Cuba for Christ. In fact, they adopted the motto, "Cuba para Cristo" (Cuba for Christ). To get the word out, HTF and a generous donor have been providing stickers with this slogan for the teams to use and distribute. These stickers have been in high demand and have been placed on windows, doorposts, sports equipment, vehicles, etc. In fact, a few days ago, a hotel owner requested 35 to place on the doors of his guest rooms. It’s amazing.
Not too long ago, the third baseman for the Cuban National Team gave his heart to the Lord through the sports ministry. Recently, Osmani was watching a game on their national television. When the third baseman was up to bat, the camera crew zoomed into his batting helmet to see what was on it. Yep! It was one of our "Cuba para Cristo" stickers. Osmani’s phone began to ring off the hook with fellow believers encouraged by the sight.
After the annual leaders’ retreat, Osmani called “Rev” to tell him more exciting news. While watching another televised game, not only was the third baseman sporting “Cuba para Cristo” on his helmet, but the catcher now has one on the barrel of his bat and one of the pitchers has one on his glove. So, every time he starts his "wind up," there it is…“Cuba para Cristo.” How awesome is that?!
The Way, The Truth, The Life
Okay, that's not all! At one of the past leadership retreats, we passed out a few Spanish witness t-shirts that Darryl designed. One of the National Women's Soccer players received one that reads, "Jesus...The Way...The Truth...The Life.” This athlete just broke the world record for dribbling the soccer ball for 7 hours. After she broke the record, she changed out of her uniform for the national press conference. What to wear? Her "Jesus...The Way…The Truth…The Life" shirt, maybe? They asked this brave athlete what inspired her to break the record. She pointed to her shirt and replied, "Jesus, my Lord and Savior." God is doing AMAZING things in Cuba! Thank you for being a part of our team.
“For where two or three come together
in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20
Annual Leaders’ Retreat – Cuba Jennifer Whittington
Most of us are familiar with Matthew 18:20 and quote it from time to time. I usually interpret it very literally – two or three gathered, in the same location. I love it when life experiences shed new light on familiar text.
In November, I had the privilege of speaking to the ladies at our annual leaders’ retreat. It was the first time we’ve had sessions specifically for women and had over 40 ladies in attendance.
In our first session together, I expressed the message I felt the LORD had for these precious women. At times, I noticed grins on their faces and winks across the room. Curiosity filled my mind. Then, after our first session, a young sister stood and said to the ladies, “Sisters, we have received the same Word from our Cuban speaker and our speaker from the United States because we serve the same God. There is but one Spirit. He has a word for us. I think we need to listen.” They began to tell me how the pastor’s wife that spoke in the morning session basically set up the next two sessions I was teaching. In other words, two ladies came together in two different countries in His Name and He was there! Thank You, LORD!!
As usual, the “Rev” brought it home for the men. Eight denominations were represented with 27 churches and 108 participants. Osmani received phone calls from leaders all over the island saying revival had broken out in their churches since their return home with hundreds being saved. These brave men and women led over 7,000 souls to Christ in 2009! Glory to God!!
For a quick peek at the retreat, click here:
“The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1
If I Perish, I Perish Jennifer Whittington
I love Isaiah 30:21, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” The ministry of HTF hinges on the very promise of this verse…His voice, His guidance. At times, it is clearer than others. Peru was one of those times.
Darryl & I were so excited to get to Jicamarca, Peru in November where we would be scouting out a future building project. I wish I could sit down with each one of you and tell you the amazing things we saw & heard while visiting these precious missionaries. For one, the night before we arrived, a group of about 25 "thugs" were throwing rocks at their house and threatened to kill Pastor Hodges. Since that time, their children’s lives have been threatened, as well. It was inspiring to hear their story and to see the tenacity they have for the LORD and His Kingdom. Without reservation, they declared, “If we die, we die. The LORD has called us to Jicamarca and we will be here until He decides otherwise.” We are so blessed, brothers & sisters in the U.S., when we wake up in the morning ‘til we lay our heads to rest.
During our visit, Darryl felt like the Lord put Psalms 27 on his heart for this family. He couldn't believe how the text related to their situation when he read the chapter. Well, when he sat down in the kitchen to tell David, David's Bible was sitting open on the table to Psalms 28/29 and at that moment, “a breeze” blew through the kitchen and turned the page to Psalm 27. David picked up his Bible and tried to read the chapter out loud to his wife, but he could barely get through it, choking back the tears. God is SO GOOD! His love is so intimate.
We look forward to keeping you informed as this project unfolds. We hope to build a Christian school and perhaps soon, a new church for this ministry. The Hodges Family is standing strong. God continues to show Himself and work on behalf of these mighty warriors for the Kingdom. Please keep them & the finances for this project in your prayers. Let’s stand in the gap for our brothers & sisters on the frontline!
Check out some pictures of our visit to Peru on our website:
Spread the Word!
HTF has been offered an incredible opportunity to distribute discipleship material to over 3,000 home groups and churches in Cuba. As you can imagine, we need this project covered in prayer. It will take the Hand of the LORD to pull it off successfully. More details to come.
