Overseas Missions Trip #50
I praise God for an amazing trip to Cuba, my 50th overseas ministry trip. We requested prayers and financial help for the trip and were humbled and blessed by your generosity! Thank you!
When traveling to other countries, I do so with my close friend Tom Cook who shares a common heart for discipling men here, and equipping Pastors overseas. Tom has a ministry that mirrors mine in Springfield, Missouri. Together we have ministered to hundreds of pastors in Haiti, Nicaragua, The Dominican Republic and now Cuba. God has given me the privilege of also ministering to pastors in The Philippines, Africa, Brazil, and Romania.
We were planning on meeting with 20 pastors in Cuba and 27 showed up! We bunked in Camaguey, in the heartland of Cuba. We could not stay with the pastor and his family as it might appear to the Cuban authorities that we were up to something, while the only reason we were there was to love on these pastors and encourage them from the Word.
Talk about going back in time! Wow! The main sound that still resonates in my ears is that clippoty clock of horse hooves. My buddy Tom mentioned how the sound ministered to him and it seemed to foster a real sense of tranquility and helped us enjoy the moment.
We taught on relationship, leadership, and discipleship. Sunday I had the privilege of preaching to the church of our host pastor. When teaching the Pastors on Friday and Saturday, they asked us not to stand on the stage or behind the pulpit, (only acceptable on Sundays) so not to cause any appearance of a political stir.
My ministry buddy Tom Cook,( back row, middle) and I with our Host Pastors.
I save for last, probably the most important thing. As we were leaving, the two lead Cuban pastors shared with Tom and I a heartfelt revelation. Apparently, two of the pastors in attendance revealed the reason they came to the conference was to announce that they were done with ministry. They had decided in their respective churches, that they could no longer endure. They were so tired of the battle and so tired of being discouraged, they were done. But, they were so ENCOURAGED by the teaching and their time with us all that they felt totally RENEWED! They thought they were finished but God brought them to be refueled, refreshed and renewed! One more man encouraged to encourage another one in the Good Fight. One for One. That is why I do what I do.
Please Pray for us.
Our family
More monthly donors
Prep and planning for next trip.
Direction with 141 ministry to partner with local churches
Local ministry with 12 men I meet with weekly for discipleship
Wisdom for those who call in need of encouragement and counseling
I Praise God for you! To Him be all the Glory,
Keith