Moving to Mexico; Continuing On with Cuba

The face of the CMT is changing on the Caribbean’s largest island.  A young couple arrive in September. The focus of our team is shifting from leadership development to outreach among the least reached as the church matures.  We are moving to Mexico, but keeping connected to Cuba.  Our role as consultant mentors continues. Our physical presence will be less frequent.

Before telling you about our strong sense of a fresh mission toward Mexico, we want to take the next two months of closure to give you ten good reasons why we believe our original mandate is coming to completion.

REASON #  1   Reliable Partners

Local Alliance congregations like St. Albert in Alberta have come alongside the church on the island in significant ways.  Pastor Claxton came to see for himself and is building a strong partnership with the leadership training program in place on the island.

REASON #  2   Capable Teachers

After eight years of recruiting strong international pastor teachers to train island house church leaders, a pool of capable young teacher talent is emerging. Stuart said after a week of investing in one of his students, Alain.  “He can do it better than I can.”  

REASON #  3   Maturing Leaders

Over the last year we have watched with satisfaction as the team of national leaders has tackled tough issues and taken excruciating decisions for the future of their national church. They are moving forward together, and have set their sights on being recognized as a serious and responsible religious body in their country.

REASON #  4   Quality Couples

We are proud to be connected with quality ministry couples who have faced enormous obstacles in order to fulfill their pastoral call. We have seen them make large personal sacrifices, and show an obstinate refusal to throw in the towel.  There are at least ten such couples who are in ministry for the long haul, whatever it takes.

REASON #  5   Focused Prayer

 The ministry of intercession is an integral part of the churches. Serious prayer retreats are a priority. Regular fasting and teaching on prayer are a constant. The practice of a practical prayer clock spiritual discipline is part of the fabric of many leaders’ lives.  Prayer warriors have been identified who cover important events and intervene in crisis situations.

We celebrate the formation of an integrated scheme of training leaders that relies less and less on international input and centralized learning events. It downloads teaching into regional settings and provides regular teacher training and practical experience for potential professors. The church has created an infrastructure for identifying future pastors and monitoring their development.

REASON #  7   Responsible Resourcing

The task of putting the right tools into the hands of leaders has been a delicate but rewarding exercise. Rather than create major dependencies we are comfortable that most of our pastors have the essential equipment and resources to lead and grow.

REASON #  8   Comfortable Relationships

Over time, rapport and confidence has grown that will enable us to continue our connection to these leaders through reading circles and ministry networks.  We feel comfortable than we can maintain and build on the foundation of those mentoring relationships through regular shorter visits to the island. 

REASON #  9   Deep Friendships

The bond between us and the friends and families of the Cuban church has grown deep and strong.  We delight in the camaraderie and communion that we enjoy,  and we know that these friendships are the solid basis for ongoing input in their lives.

REASON # 10   Clear Affirmation

The last reason why we are comfortable and confident that we can move into ministry in Mexico while maintaining our connections in Cuba is that the Cubans themselves have given us the green light.  No, they would prefer that we stay, they all say. No they don’t want us to go. But yes they are ready to release us.  That clear affirmation makes the decision to transition toward a new focus, both manageable and meaningful.