Gulp. I've committed to Cuba....

Yes, it’s that time again! Time to hit up all my friends for money! Don’t you just love that? I do hesitate to ask for money (believe it or not) and was talking to someone about that, and they said that when people contribute financially, they are more invested in your trip and are more likely to pray for you. And sometimes other people are not able to go because of family, work, etc., and this is a way they can support missions so they LOOK for opportunities to give. That’s cool! Where are you people that are looking for opportunities? Because I’m here!

So – destination: Cuba!! October 23-30, 2010

We will be going to support house churches over there. No I cannot bring you back any cigars! Well, I could try…we can talk later. (If the US Govt is reading this, I’m just kidding!!) Here is some info from Voice of the Martyrs (a non-profit interdenominational Christian organization that assists the persecuted church worldwide):

Cuba stands as one of the greatest “champions” of communism. Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, threatening Cubans with socialism or death. In February 2008, as his health declined, President Fidel Castro turned power over to his brother Raul Castro. Observers hoped the change in leadership would bring more openness, but some Cuban Christians say it has gotten worse.

Category: Restricted Nation
Religion: Christian 46.88%, Non-Religious/Other 35.47%
Ideology: Communism
Head of State: President Raul Castro Ruz

In the 1960s, Castro promised to rid the country of religion within 10 years. Forty-eight years later, there are eight times more Christians than before. Out of the population of 11 million, nearly one million are believers. Strict regulations against house churches went into effect in September 2005, prohibiting a church from being located within a mile and a quarter of another of the same denomination and restricting meetings to three per week. Other regulations require building permits for constructing new churches, and these permits are never granted. Christians circumvent these rules by building churches without walls. In 2009, 30 pastors were arrested in Santa Cruz del Sur, Camagüey, for planning a convention for 200 other pastors. Pastor Gude Pérez has been in prison since May 2008 on charges of human trafficking. Most people believe, however, that Pastor Pérez is being targeted for his role in a fast-growing Christian organization. The prosecution accused the pastor of “counter-revolutionary conduct and attitudes” and “illicit economic activity.” He faces a seven-year prison sentence.

I am excited and worried. Not because I’m afraid of any physical harm or discomfort. I’m extremely anxious because I don’t know what we will be doing over there…because I feel unprepared…because I don’t know Spanish…because I think other people are more qualified to do this than I am. Therefore, I need your prayers that God will use me to accomplish His will and that I will use my preparation time wisely.

And, of course, I need your money. The trip is $2200. I got my first $25 today from a lovely woman named Shelley who bought my tv. So with that and my $100 deposit, I have $2075 to go! If you feel so inclined (or “led” as we say in Christian-speak) to contribute, you can send me a check to my NEW address of:

2151 14th Avenue South
Apt. 8
Birmingham, AL 35205

Or you can send a check directly to the church. I would love it if you let me know so I can thank you; they do not notify us of individual contributions. Here are instructions on mailing to the church:

Please make your check payable to The Church at Brook Hills. Include a notation in the memo line that states "appealed by [team member's name]" and the trip dates and location. Checks may be mailed to:

The Church at Brook Hills
Attn: Global Disciple-Making
3145 Brook Highland Parkway
Birmingham, AL 35242

I promise I will blog more about last year’s South Africa trip!!!! I am a year behind! Will you also pray that I stop being so lazy?