Mission Network News - 7/19/2011Bookmark and Share
Cuba (MNN) ― Like a piece of gold needs pressure and heat to become pure
and refined, the church is experiencing incredible growth and maturity
in the midst of communist oppression. This growth is partially due to
Cuban pastors' increased ability to minister to more people. Financial
sponsorships have given them that ability.
The spread of the Gospel is advanced when pastors are freed up
financially to focus on their ministry. Vision Beyond Borders
sponsorship program does just that.
Cuba (MNN) ― Like a piece of gold needs pressure and heat to become pure
and refined, the church is experiencing incredible growth and maturity
in the midst of communist oppression. This growth is partially due to
Cuban pastors' increased ability to minister to more people. Financial
sponsorships have given them that ability.
Vision Beyond Borders is actively involved in the lives of pastors
leading Christians in Cuba. With the help of the Christian community,
they are currently sponsoring 75 pastors. These pastors have responded
with how the support has helped them in times of difficulty.
One Cuban pastor reports, ""After many trials with the construction of
the church building, we prayed and fasted on many occasions. And finally
they gave us permission to continue. This is only possible because God
opened doors."
Another pastor says, "Those saved from the first and second trimester of
the year is more than 8,000. The local church has more than 4,000
members, and we continue discipling and baptizing. Thank you for
supporting us and praying for us."
None of this could have been done without the financial support of
Vision Beyond Borders' sponsorship program. The needs of pastors,
especially in Cuba, are great. A pastor in rural Cuba will make an
average of $9.60 a month. A pastor in urban Cuba will make up to $20 per
month. Most pastors end up having to work multiple jobs to support
themselves and their families.
We as the church are called to "bear each other's burdens. "For those of
us who have so much to give, God calls us to help our brothers and
sisters who are struggling. The unique and compassionate love of Christ
allows us to show this love to each other as well.
To help these pastors, Vision Beyond Borders states, "We hope that we
would be able to ease the financial stress for the pastor to have the
freedom to build their congregation, develop new ministry outlets, and
focus on their community needs."
And the community needs are great indeed. The religion accepted by most
Cubans is a combination of Catholicism and witchcraft. Many are closed
off to the true message of the Gospel.
Sponsorship of a pastor not only encourages them, but also lets them
expand their ministry and reach more of these people for Christ. God
directly uses the sponsorship of pastors to expand the message of the
Gospel and draw more people into His kingdom.
The evangelism opportunities in Cuba are ripe and the harvest is ready.
But the need for more sponsorships is still there. Although Vision
Beyond Borders already sponsors 75 pastors, there are four times as many
pastors still needing financial support.
Please pray that the church in Cuba would continue to experience growth
and maturity. Pray also for the pastors needing sponsorships to have
patience and rest in God's provision. If you are interested in
sponsoring a pastor in Cuba for just $25 a month, you can click here.
http://www.visionbeyondborders.org/ministries/vision-for-pastors.aspx
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