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Revival in Cuba: Miracles, Unity & Children’s Ministry
- Bob Gustafson
- 2 minutes ago
- 6 min read
It’s hard to describe the experience of standing in the middle of Havana, Cuba, surrounded by classic cars, history, and the echo of worship flowing from a home-turned church. There is a real passion for God in Cuba.
This month, we are honored to share what God is doing through Going Global’s long-term partnership with leaders in Cuba, especially Pastor Manuel and the Power & Light Network. These leaders are not just building churches, they are fueling a movement of unity, sharing the good news of Jesus, and training that is shaping the spiritual future of the nation.
A Nation Changed by Prayer
Cuba has always been rich in history and culture, but today, it’s becoming known for something else—a spiritual hunger that is inspiring to me. For many years, Pastor Manuel and his team have faithfully served the Cuban church. But their story began in brokenness. Years ago, his wife faced an eight year battle with lupus, a crippling disease that left her bedridden and without hope. At their darkest hour, two women knocked on their door. They were strangers sent by God. They prayed. They shared the gospel. That morning, Manuel gave his life to Christ, and within weeks, his wife experienced a miraculous healing. Doctors had predicted she had three months to live. That was 27 years ago. This divine intervention didn’t just restore their health, but it also launched a life of ministry that would impact thousands.
Facing Death, Hearing God
Manuel’s testimony (watch Manuel give his testimony in this interview on YouTube) includes not just one miracle, but many. Years ago, while serving in the mountainous regions of eastern Cuba, he contracted cholera, a deadly illness that left him near death on a dirt road miles from a hospital. Lying on the ground unable to speak, he heard the audible voice of God: “Though she may forget, I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15).
That word brought peace and, ultimately, healing. He woke up hours later in a hospital, alive, against all odds. That moment launched Manuel into ministry.
Power & Light School: Raising up Ministry Leaders
Today, Pastor Manuel leads the Power & Light Evangelism School, a ministry that is equipping nearly 2,000 students every year across Cuba to preach the gospel, disciple believers, and plant churches. The school is not limited to one denomination or network. It’s become a unifying force, drawing leaders from every corner of the island, from east to west, mountains to cities. Power & Light is also a church network that has now grown to over 74 churches, which meet in homes because of restrictions on building new church structures. Students graduate not only equipped with knowledge, but also with a passion for evangelism. They serve in unreached communities, often walking or biking long distances to bring the gospel to their nation.
Reaching the Next Generation: Children’s Outreaches Across Cuba
One of the most vibrant parts of this ministry is the commitment to reaching children. Outreach events are held throughout Cuba, ranging in size from 100 to over 1,000 children at a time. These events are full of joy, worship, Bible teaching, games, and the clear presentation of the gospel. Churches are trained and mobilized to host these gatherings in both rural and urban communities. Many of the children who attend come from families who are not yet part of a local church, making these outreaches a powerful tool for evangelism and even reaching the parents. Over a year, thousands of children are reached, and many give their lives to Jesus, setting the foundation for a new generation of believers in Cuba.
Church at Home
Due to Cuba's limitations on constructing church buildings, the vast majority of congregations meet in private homes. Living rooms are sanctuaries. Garages become pulpits. Backyards fill with chairs and the sound of worship. We visited one of these churches, a converted garage overflowing with people. The walls of the dining room had been knocked down to expand the space. The entire house had been transformed into a worship center. And it was full. This is the reality across Cuba. Pastors open their homes, and God shows up in a powerful way.
Partnering for the Harvest
For nearly two decades, Going Global Inc. has partnered with Pastor Manuel and the Power & Light team to reach the next generation. We’ve helped facilitate ministry training, supported children’s and youth events, contributed to leadership development, and supplied resources.
Now is the time to add fuel to the fire. There is a great need to:
Expand training centers for leaders and children’s workers
Provide reliable transportation for pastor Manuel and his team
Equip churches with basic resources to serve their communities more effectively
We left Cuba changed. We witnessed a church that is thriving. A people who give generously, worship joyfully, and pray expectantly. A generation rising up!
Let’s keep going!
Bob Gustafson
President - Going Global Inc.
Story of Revival
We had the joy of meeting with the President of the Council of Cuban Churches. In addition to having high praises for Manuel, he shared a story that really touched us.
After the revolution, many churches in Cuba were shutting their doors. One woman stood in the gap. Her name was Rita Rodríguez, and she was the last remaining member of a church (shown in the picture above) in Cuba that had dwindled to almost nothing. As leaders debated closing the doors for good, Rita made a simple petition: “Don’t close the church. Even if it’s only me, I will stay.” And she did.
Week after week, Rita showed up. She prayed. She believed. She waited. Eventually, a preacher began arriving every couple of months to preach to one person, Rita. What started small would become the seed of revival.
That church, which once seemed destined to fade away, became part of a wave of growth and revival that led to a congregation of 50,000 believers in Cuba about 20 years ago. Eighteen years ago, we started working with Manuel, and there are now 2 million Cuban believers! Revival begins with faith. Today, Cuba is experiencing the fruit of that kind of hope that the “Ritas” of Cuba have.
The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. We are blessed to serve alongside those on the frontlines of ministry in their nations.
Andaman Orphans Update
We received an update from Raja and Sheeba in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands about Love Children’s Home. Their nation is creating regulations that will increase the expenses of running the orphanage. Raja and Sheeba are no strangers to trusting God to provide in a challenging time. They are trusting God to provide for these increased regulations. We need to trust God with them.
Thank you for joining us in prayer and generosity towards the Love Children’s Home and these precious children.
Food For Thought
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9
When we plant corn, we reap corn. Plant soybeans, and we reap soybeans. Do good for others; we reap good in our lives. Don’t become tired of helping others, especially the poor and downcast.
Prayer Requests
You can be an essential part of our ministry by praying for us. Prayer is a powerful weapon, and we value your prayers. If you would like us to pray for you, please email your prayer requests to us. Here are some specifics to pray for:
We thank you in advance for praying for the following:
Pray for your pastor and family
Pray for the revival in Cuba
Pray for the orphanage in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Pray for upcoming trips to Kenya and Cuba
Ministry Goal
“And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.” - Luke 24:31
We founded Going Global Inc. in 2007 with this ministry goal. It remains our heart today. Thank you for praying and partnering with us. Together, we can achieve much!
Dennis & Robin Nonnemacher
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