Churchnet May 2016 | Page 9

At eastern Cuban Baptist nursing home: Steven Jones, director Donis Hernández Abella, Roger Hatfield, Gary Snowden, Brian Kaylor, and John Jackson

(photo by translator Ester).

(continued from previous page)

One of the highlights of the trip was to visit a nursing home established a couple of years ago by Cuban Baptists. After a tour of the seminary, we took a long, narrow path in what I can only describe as a paradise of beautiful flowers and trees of ripening mangos, papayas, apricots, and plantains. At the end of the path and on the backside of the seminary property, was a beautiful home for the aged. In their work, the Baptist Convention of Eastern Cuba did not forget their elderly, answering David’s prayer in Psalm 71:9. God planted a vision in a pastor’s heart to minister to the frail with grace.

The Home cared for nine residents, but could serve as many as 30 if resources were available. Living quarters were sparse, but were clean and adequate. Although rare on the island, the rooms had air conditioning. The residents were well fed and cared for. The grounds included a newly built chapel that will not only serve residents, but will also reach out to those living nearby. The acreage provided gardens and livestock for food. Although medicines are very scarce, a special garden was planted to grow certain herbs that treated illnesses, relieved pain, and eased suffering. Team member Steve Hemphill went to Havana and visited a home for the aged established by Baptists on the west side of island. Although not as new, the Baptists of the western side of the island had not forgotten their aged, either. Indeed, Cuban Baptists are thriving in evangelism and ministry.

I walked away with an affirmation that our history of caring for the aged is similar. God calls his people to remember the innocent, the weak, and the infirmed in doing Kingdom work. It is not about evangelism only, but ministry, too. If we ignore either one, then Kingdom work is deficient. It falls short of the biblical directive. The Baptist Home and Foundation will be looking at ways to encourage our Cuban brothers and sisters as they do Kingdom work as God directs.

Our Mission: Churchnet serves churches by fostering collaboration

and hope for engaging new generations and cultures.