May 2002

Dear Friends,

The Sunday school classes end, and the sanctuary fills up quickly with people of all ages. The pastor is a dynamic young woman with two children, married to a clergyman of another denomination. Today, however, she is attending an ecumenical meeting out of town so a retired pastor will preach. Announcements are made; visitors are greeted by name; the service begins with a lovely piano and flute prelude.

It is all very familiar. I could be in a PC(USA) congregation. But soon the differences begin to emerge. Over half of the worshippers are new Christians. Many had never even been inside of a church until a few years ago. Others have returned to church after an absence of 30 or more years. I wonder about those few who were in this sanctuary every Sunday, year after year, decade after decade. What are they thinking as the ushers scramble to put extra chairs in the aisles?

I listen to the joys and concerns, to the sermon, to the conversations after worship. Cubans are wonderfully warm and gregarious. As I visit with new Presbyterian friends, I ask questions and listen some more. What I hear intrigues me:

• "Presbyterian missionaries from the United States worked hard from the very beginning to train and empower Cuban leaders. We are grateful for that."
• "The Bible speaks about justice. The Cuban revolution has done a great deal to establish justice. Look at the horrible poverty in other Latin American countries! Cuba doesn’t have that."
• "Economically, life is hard. It is especially discouraging for young people. Many have left for the United States."
• "Whatever happens in the future, we definitely want to protect the gains of the revolution: health care, education, and equality for women."
• "God is good!"

I worshipped at Luyanó Presbyterian Church in Havana during a March trip to Cuba, my first since becoming a mission co-worker with Cuba in January. When I tell people about this new chapter in my ministry, there are questions that I am usually asked. I’ve decided to share my mini-FAQ ("Frequently Asked Questions") in this letter.

You have a new job description?

No, it’s more than that. I left my General Assembly staff position in order to become a mission worker. I no longer work in an office at the Presbyterian Center at 100 Witherspoon Street.

So you’re a missionary?

Yes. Mission co-worker is the term used currently.

Are you moving to Cuba?

No. For several reasons, I am based in the United States. I continue to live in Louisville, Kentucky, and have an office in my home. I will be traveling to Cuba several times a year

Is there room for me in your suitcase? I’d love to go to Cuba!

Great, come along. I will be leading Cuba travel-study seminars sponsored by the PC(USA). If you are interested, let me know.

Isn’t it illegal to travel to Cuba?

The U.S. government allows U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba under certain circumstances through a licensing process. Travel-study seminar participants are covered by a "religious license" held by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Are there Presbyterians in Cuba?

Yes, lots of them! The Presbyterian-Reformed Church of Cuba is alive and well. It is a growing church, with almost 6000 members in 38 congregations and many additional preaching points.

The Presbyterian News Service recently carried four excellent articles about Presbyterians in Cuba. You may read them by going to the PC(USA) web site, www.pcusa.org/pcnews/02144.htm for the first story. The others may be found at the same address except for the story numbers at the end, which are 02145.htm, 02146.htm and 02151.htm. Or you may contact me, and I will send you copies by mail.

How can we support your ministry?

First, remember that your congregation’s Basic Mission Support, often called "unified" or "unrestricted" giving, is essential for the support of mission workers.

Some churches choose to direct some of its Basic Mission Support through Directed Mission Support (DMS). Should your church wish to contribute to my salary support in this way, direct the funds to DMS project #D506670. .

Over and above, or "second-mile" giving opportunities exist through Extra Commitment Opportunities (ECO). There are several ECO projects to support the ministry of the Presbyterian-Reformed Church of Cuba and one, ECO #051686, to support my ministry specifically.

Feel free to contact me with any questions. Or contact the PC(USA)’s Mission Funding office at 888-728-7228, x5659. Most important of all, please pray with me for the church in Cuba.

In Christ,

Tricia Lloyd-Sidle