by Calvin Landrus, SRCFC National Director
PREFACE: Last time I wrote an email blast was the day after I had returned from Cuba. I promised more stories then and now have finally kept my word. Solid Rock is a ministry with a huge reach beyond with a very small infrastructure. That means, the funds of Solid Rock are well spent but sometimes the volume of work prevents the timeliness of things being what I would want. That said, here is a list of the things I have been working on: 2013 Challenger Mountain Challenge, SRCFC's Presence at the 10th Red Rock Rendezvous, Summer On-the-Road Missionaries and Bonus Cuban Reports and Photos.
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| The Team with Our New Cuban Friends |
When Samantha approached me during the competition and asked me where Roger was so she could get more "Gospel Wristbands", (a bracelet with symbols that could be used to share the Good News), I knew the Mexican young adults understood why we were in Cuba. Before most mission trips I have lead, plenty of time was always spent in pre-trip training. This one was so much different as team members were from all over North America! So, I was a concerned that the purpose of trip may not take hold with the group.
So making the most of a long bus ride to Sancti Spiritus, I stood up and taught on Jesus' mission on earth from the SRCFC Member Handbook. I spoke about how we don't need to have any questions in our mind why Jesus came because He clearly spelled out His mission in a large number of circumstances and ways. Here are a few I shared: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Luke 19:10 (NIV); "I came to give life--life in all its fullness..." John 10:10 (NCV); and "I have come as a Light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer wander in the darkness." John 12:46 (LB).
However, Jesus wasn't only here to complete His task but tell us we what we must be doing while we are here on earth. Here are some to things He told us to be undertaking: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matt. 28:19-20a (NIV); "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20:21 (NIV); and "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 (NIV). These are substantial things I was teaching and I wasn't sure how much of it was being received by the team.
Sam's hunt was just one of moments that assured me God was at work through the whole team. Many times there were long and in depth spiritual conversations with the Cubans. But more importantly we as a multi-cultural and multi-generational team had the opportunity to live out the Christian faith before the Cubans.
After Sancti Spiritus, we headed to the western part of the island to Vinales Valley where the climbing is spectacular on less than vertical moderate routes to head-spinning steepness that causes one to question if one had enough guns to climb any of it. Once there the team broke into two groups. Most of us set about doing some on-mission climbing, often with the Cuban climbers alongside. Rick, Roger and some of the Mexican young adults serving as translators gathered at a small crag with eleven Cubans to give them instruction in safe climbing practices and how to be climbing guides.
Our first purpose for the training program was to equip and certify (the ones who showed competency) the Cubans to be climbing guides so that they would have skills and formalities in place to make some extra income by taking tourists out climbing. Rick, who is an AMGA Certified Single Pitch Assistant Instructor, took the lead here and did a great job of teaching. Our second purpose was to spend time with them to earn a platform to be a witness to them. Near the end of their time together, Roger sought the group's permission and over lunch, he share God's Word with the group.
One of the things we did that will have lasting impact over the climbing community is the equipping of Maikel, our Cuba Chapter Coordinator, to continue the work of outreach to the climbing community. I noticed quickly that he had the respect of the climbing community in Cuba and that our presence there added to his influence. Based upon that, his teachability and his stated desire, we are working on a plan for him to be a "lay" (he will still work his regular job) missionary under SRCFC. He has set his vision for his missionary work to be, "Alcanzar con el Evangelio de Jesucristo a los escaladores cubanos y también a aquellos que visiten Cuba. (Reaching with the Gospel of Jesus to the Cuban climbers and also to those that visit Cuba.)" SRCFC support will pay for ministry expenses as he does outreach work to climbers.
Much more could be written about the trip but I will end with one last story I heard from Fernando after the trip. Night life is the thing to do for young adults who live in and visit Cuba. Our last night spent in Cuba was spent in Havana with easy opportunity to go out. Now, going out to a club is one of those issues where some Christian will feel the freedom to do so and others will not. But for our Mexican young adults, they refused to go to them with their new Cuban friends. When asked why, I am told they said something to the effect of, "because it would be going against the convictions for living that Jesus has for me." Their witness showed that the Christian faith is something more than just a good idea but the cornerstone for life.
I close with some reflections from Samantha that she wrote about the trip, "I have no doubt that God prepared me so this trip. He wanted me to learn and share His word and to love the people here. I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity."
Once again, I, on behalf of the whole team, say thank-you to all who prayed over and/or gave funds for this mission trip could happen. Also, because some of event/program expenses where covered by general fund giving, all of you who are givers to SRCFC are thanked as well. Your support makes outreaches like this and elsewhere possible. Your giving is making a difference.
BONUS BLOG: Read Paige Claassen's perspective on the Cuba trip and see some great photos as well!
