Pastor Rancés Tomas San Martín writes to us from Alquizar about the project. Following the impact of Hurricane Rafael, we quickly implemented it. By design, the project is reaching the end of its execution.
It has been a fruitful collaboration with the Baptist Church of Alquizar, under the leadership of Rancés. We understand from the stories he shares with us that he has achieved his goal. He brings the Kingdom of God closer to these needy people.
Here we share 3 stories that he sent us:
Dylan
Dylan is a mischievous boy. The first time I visited El Cedro carrying food, I met him. He walked past me with his plate of food. He was barefoot, but happy with what he was eating.
I already knew him because we were praying for him. Dylan has a cleft lip. So far, he has only had one surgery to close his lip. To the glory of God, he did very well in that first part. He still has a cleft palate. He barely has a palate. It is open due to the congenital malformation. Many times he would choke on food and have a bad time. Over time, Dylan has learned to eat and avoid a difficult situation for him.
Today he was blessed with food, sandals and clothes. His mother was not there, she has to work and the neighbors take care of him while she works.
El Cedro is a community of survivors. They live separately but together. They help each other as if they were family. It is incredible what human beings do to survive. I have managed to see great attitudes and feelings in people worthy of respect.
I like bringing food to El Cedro. The people have welcomed us like family. I feel like they are lifelong neighbors. Many children like Dylan were blessed today.
On the way back I thanked God for taking me to this place. I needed to live this experience and see how these people live just 5 kilometers from me.
The trip is very difficult and the road is very bad. The headwind prevented us from moving ahead on the bike. Additionally, the smoke from the burning grass and weeds made it difficult for us to breathe and pass. But it was worth it. We went to bless and we came out blessed. It is better to give than to receive.
Kenia
Kenia is our host in El Cedro (on the left in the photo). She offered us her house so we could comfortably deliver the clothes from her porch, protected by the shade.
When she saw us arrive at El Cedro she couldn’t explain what she felt. Kenia didn’t have food for today. She has two children. Her husband works in the fields. They were waiting for him to bring something to cook. Three days ago they ran out of rice. In Cuban culture, rice is like the main dish. For some time now, food has taken the place of rice.
Today Kenia received already prepared food for her children and husband. Tomorrow, she will receive fortified rice to continue feeding her family. Kenia’s story was the most impactful thing today. Knowing that we arrived at the time of greatest need affirms that our work is not in vain. Everyone is waiting for us with joy and happiness. They know that the Church is being a channel of blessing for them. God is opening doors in El Cedro. He is preparing the way for something great in this place. The impact of the gospel will be a great testimony that is being «cooked.» We are ready for the harvest.
La Chiqui
«La Chiqui» is a nickname everyone knows her by. This is due to her short stature. She is a small old lady. When she tried the fortified rice we gave her for the first time, she told me it tasted like ham. She loved the Manna Pack.
Chiqui lives with her husband. Her children sold their house ten years ago and she was left homeless and had nowhere to live. She went to live in El Cedro and has put down roots there. Everyone loves her, she is very sociable and above all, affectionate.
When we gave her a new pair of sandals she wanted to hug me and give me kisses of joy. I told her that God had provided for her. Today she was blessed with a vest, a blouse, and a pair of shoes, along with food for today.
Chiqui is a very cheerful person. Seeing her house and the few belongings she has is shocking. But when you meet her, you experience what she inspires in you. You can realize how much you are missing out on if you don’t dare to serve others.
She has done so. God is coming into her life. She has not refused to accept Him. One soul that receives Christ into its life is more than enough for me.
Finally Rancés tells us:
On Monday the 23rd, God willing, we will be bringing food to the elderly at the Alquízar Home.
On the 26th we will be having a meal for the whole Church. And we will rest until the New Year.
We accomplished more than we had planned for a month for the Glory of God.
God used us. We were able to bless many families affected by the hurricane. We also helped those in need, of which there are many.
In January, we will deliver more clothes to those in need. These deliveries will be made in the communities of LlegayPon, Finca Mirtha, and Los Kimbos.
God willing, we will be helping to the extent that the resources that God provides will reach.
Thank you for all the financial support you have given us to achieve all this.
It has been a blessing for these communities. For our Church, it has been fantastic to bring these people material food. We also bring them a word of hope.
We thank each brother who contributed financially. We have advanced the Kingdom together. We provided the opportunity for a local Church to reach the communities around it with the message of the Gospel. Together we are stronger!
We also thank Hope Fleet, which has been the channel of blessing for this project.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!
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