Cuba
Giving presents is part of the Sancti Spiritus congregation’s ministry with seniors.
Cuban churches could well be described using the words of Paul in 2 Cor. 8:2–3: “Out of their poverty, they give generously to those in their midst who are the most needy.” In today’s Cuba, “the most needy” often means the elderly who live on fixed incomes, especially those who do not have family living nearby.
Every congregation of the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba has a ministry with seniors. They reach out to persons like Lila and her husband, who sit in the dark (because electricity is expensive) and pray that their meager pension will last until month’s end. Some congregations are able to feed as many as thirty seniors every day. Others, like the church in Santa Clara, do what they can with what they have. Elder Julia Portal explains, “We gather regularly for recreation and fellowship. Twice a month we provide a meal. If we receive medicines from the Cuban Council of Churches, we distribute them. If we receive financial help, we fix a special meal or help with home repairs. But what the viejitos like more than anything else is the attention. They were so happy last week when a group from First Presbyterian in Spartanburg, South Carolina, visited. You should have seen the smiles on their faces!”
In some congregations, ministry with seniors includes washing clothes. In one congregation, occasionally haircuts are offered. What is treasured above all the services congregations provide is the kindness shown to elderly women and men.
Partners/Ministries
Presbyterian Reformed Church in Cuba (IPRC): Rev. Daniel Izquierdo Hernandez, moderator, Rev. Francisco Marrero Gutierrez, executive secretary
Presbytery Partnerships
Presbytery of Baltimore, Presbytery of the Cascades, Presbytery of Chicago, Presbytery of Long Island, Presbytery of Monmouth, Presbytery of Santa Fe, Presbytery of South Louisiana, Southwest Presbytery and Presbytery of West Jersey with the IPRC
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Greg Rousos, FDN
Anita Rowe, GAMC
Compassionate God, may we all be ready to respond to those in need, especially to the elderly in our midst. Thank you for the witness of Cuban Presbyterians. Amen.
Ps. 97, 147:12–20 Ps. 16, 62
2 Kings 23:4–25
1 Cor. 12:1–11; Matt. 9:18–26
|
