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What I learned from Cuba

What I learned from Cuba. Pastor Shane L. Johnson, D.Min. 8/15/10 New Life Church. The Cuban church has real joy. It was the very first thing I noticed I have not seen this large scale joy since I was a boy growing up in the church The source of this joy is Christ, and the work of the HS

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What I learned from Cuba

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  1. What I learned from Cuba Pastor Shane L. Johnson, D.Min. 8/15/10 New Life Church

  2. The Cuban church has real joy • It was the very first thing I noticed • I have not seen this large scale joy since I was a boy growing up in the church • The source of this joy is Christ, and the work of the HS • The oppression of Communism leaves little else to be joyful about • This joy comes out on their faces, in their worship, and their preaching • They love the Lord; they love and respect their pastors; the church does ministry wherever they are • They enjoy each other- table fellowship every Sunday at Pastor George’s church

  3. Real ministry with few resources • The Cuban church is not allowed to build church buildings, per se • They are largely a nation of house churches- pastors knock out walls in their houses and have church • Most all the pastors are bi-vocational- welders, farmers, mechanics • They make about $20/mo as pastor, and their people tithe off their produce, livestock • I asked what we could do to help- they reluctantly responded regarding economic help • They work around communism and denominational restrictions- Willie • They minister 24/7- on their jobs, in church, on the street • Denominations mean much less in Cuba- what matters is partnering to get the job done

  4. Communism is oppressive • It does not spread wealth; rather it reduces people to a common level of poverty • It robs people of incentive to get ahead- there are very few ways for people to better themselves • The state cannot provide basic needs for everyone- hence, the black market • I met a neurosurgeon who made $20/mo • We were watched from the time we got off the plane, until the time we got back on the plane, including in the churches • No gun ownership • + crime is low, mainly stealing

  5. What I was reminded of about myself • At this point, I am not called to be an overseas missionary • I am called to be a missions pastor- modeling mission, communicating mission, raising funds, going and helping to train overseas leaders, leading teams from the states • I don’t have much to complain about, and am blessed beyond measure- my Lord, my wife, children, my call as pastor/teacher, my church, my education, my home and possessions • I don’t want my Cuba experience to fade

  6. What I was reminded of regarding New Life • The church is about connecting people to a relationship with Jesus • We need to be Spirit led in all we do • We need to pray more • We are blessed to have each other • We need to pursue God’s call for us • A MVP may help with that- fellowship, evangelism, worship, discipleship, missions • We are to step up our missions emphasis- hosting pivotal missionaries, raising more missions funds and investing them strategically • We have pivotal people in this church who can help the Cuban church- pastors, farmers, medical people, educators, skilled workers

  7. What I was reminded of regarding the US church • We have many resources and are doing very little with them • We have too many choices • We are way too self centered, even in the name of ministry- I want, I need, I can’t… • Sometimes in the name of relevance, we are creating a monster of narcissism, making us bloated and ineffective in impacting culture • Many of us know little about real sacrifice

  8. Where we go from here • As a church, draw close to the Lord in prayer • Ask the Spirit to lead us as a team • Allow the Spirit to burn off pettiness and sin • Pursue God’s desires for us regarding our MVP • Enjoy our fellowship together- be intentional about it • Be intentional about relationships with the lost • Ask the Lord to make us ready for the people He wants us to have • I see an open door for ministry in Cuba • Thank you for your vision in sending me to Cuba

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