Cuba Update from Paul Brooks — and Our Month of Prayer
Dear Friends,
In January we wrote to you about the conditions our brothers and sisters in Cuba are facing. We thanked you for your ongoing prayer support, which is the most powerful way we can help. And we shared the need for basic financial support, which we have provided historically in terms of food deliveries, solar power generators, and funds to allow them to live a little more normally. Yet it is still a struggle.
Until very recently, the company we have used to send food and other supplies stopped their deliveries. This has recently resumed and we were able to send some items again. Also, because of your generosity, we were able to send a total $3,500.00 to our sister churches recently. And, as our Cuba fund continues to grow, we will send additional support.
The Situation on the Ground
The situation has not improved on the ground. To give you a feel for the situation, the Wall Street Journal published an article on May 14 titled, "Protests Erupt in Cuba as Fuel Runs Out." This was followed on May 15 with an article titled, "CIA Director Meets with Cuban Officials in Havana." On May 17, the Journal reported that Washington imposed sanctions on Gaesa, a conglomerate that controls much of the Cuban economy. For instance, they are a majority owner of Cuba's monopoly telecommunications company, controlling all the revenue generated by internet and phone services. It owns property that controls industrial parks, logistics warehouses and factories that make pharmaceuticals and food products. They control billions of dollars Cuba collects from its trafficking of medical personnel. From 2008 to 2022, it is estimated that Gaesa pocketed at least $69 billion paid to Cuba for medical personal abroad. It is reported "that over those 15 years, according to the regime, it invested only $1.8 billion in healthcare and 13 times that building luxury hotels, all while paying wage earners in worthless pesos." Whether these sanctions can make a meaningful difference in a meaningful timeframe is yet to be seen. On May 20, USA Today reported that the US Justice Department recently indicted Raul Castro and five other Cuban Nationals on a 30-year-old deadly attack on American civilian pilots seeking to rescue Cubans trying to flee on rafts. For the time being, we must continue praying and sending support when we can.
You Are Making a Difference
You, the brothers and sisters of New Hope, are making a difference today. We ask your continued support for our brothers and sisters in Cuba. Ultimately, it is all in God's hands and he will resolve it according to his plan. But as His people, we must intercede with prayer and support if and when we can. In that light, we plan to dedicate the month of June to prayer for Cuba. Our pastors have prepared a Prayer Journal, with suggestions for daily prayers. You can find a link to the Journal at findnewhope.com under Ministries and then under Missions (Or click here: A Month of Prayer for Cuba). . We trust in God, and we know that he will prevail on behalf of his people. Any additional thoughts or suggestions you have as we look to carry out this critical mission are welcomed.
Que Dios los bendiga a todos - God bless you all.
Blessings,
Paul V. Brooks