Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors … through Him who loved us Romans 8:37 Amplified Bible
In the years I was blessed to travel to Cuba with my dad (Paul Northrup – photo at right), he would consistently preach this verse, comparing Jesus to a prizefighter. And no matter how many times he did so, he lit up every time he came to this question in his sermon, “If Jesus is our conquering champion, who could be ‘more than’ Him?” Then after waiting a beat he would say, “His wife!” Then he would joyously lose his place in the sermon as he excitedly spoke about the reality of who we are as the Bride of Christ. I can still picture his smile and laughter in those moments.
(John interpreting – photo above) When I returned to Cuba earlier this summer with a group from our home church in North Carolina, we were invited to assist with both the youth and children’s summer camps for the Buenas Nuevas churches. Hundreds of kids came from dozens of churches throughout central Cuba. It was an amazing sight! And walking into the meeting hall my eye immediately caught the verse that they would all memorize as their theme, carefully inscribed by hand in large letters on poster board, Romans 8:37. “…We are more than conquerors through Him…”
The next generation in Cuba is learning powerful, foundational truths about who they are in Christ.
Jasiel and Gladita Bermudez serve the children’s ministry department of the Buenas Nuevas churches throughout Cuba. They spend months planning and organizing the annual summer camp; it’s a lot of work. (Gladita at the pulpit – photo at left)
It’s amazing to see the resourcefulness of the Cuban churches as each one contributes their part. Sharing the load together, they find ways to create a wonderland of color and joy for kids from 5 to 11 years of age. Even so, there are needs beyond their reach, but not beyond their faith. That’s where you come in—through GRM you provided the balance of funding to pay for the cost of the camp and the food for nearly 500 children and teachers. Thank you!
Just a few days ago, Jasiel, Gladita and their young son, Gabriel (photo at right), visited our home while they are in the US for a few weeks. Given the current immigration tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, it was remarkable that they were able to travel as a family. And it’s also a huge witness to their community in Cuba because they choose to return to their country when so many dream of leaving permanently. Please pray for this family as they serve such an important role in the Buenas Nuevas churches in Cuba.
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong… 1 Corinthians 1:27
It’s been 65 years since Mom and Dad first started sharing Bible stories with Cuban children in the parks and plazas of central Cuba in 1953. The Buenas Nuevas churches began by sharing the Good News with little ones. You can imagine the deep joy I feel when I see hundreds of Cuban children singing at the top of their voice in worship or reciting a Bible verse they’ve memorized, it just brings it all home.
Thank you for being a part of this family we call GRM! Your prayers and your financial gifts are making a big difference.
John Northrup
P.S. Watch and share a video from this Summer 2018 Cuba trip … Christ Community Church Montreat – Cuba 2018