What is the purpose of the Cuba Ministry?
The Cuba Ministry is a covenant commitment made between Parrish UMC and the Cuba UMC churches of Palmartio, Caliche and El Mamey that are located in the rural area north of the city of Holguin. Our purpose is to grow and maintain a relationship with one another through:
- praying for each other,
- creating personal relationships,
- sharing the history, current events, culture, and spirituality of churches, and
- enabling the training of pastors and lay people of Cuba for the purpose of making disciples.
This covenant was made to support and encourage one another and to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all the world. God is doing amazing things in Cuba and this relationship is playing a huge role in what God is doing.
About the Cuban Methodist Church:
The Methodist Church in Cuba was established in 1883 by the Methodist Episcopal Church (South) from the United States, initially working with Cuban Methodists in Florida. The first church was organized in Havana that same year. However, the Spanish-American War interrupted their efforts until American missionaries resumed their work in 1898. The church grew steadily, and in 1968, it gained autonomy with Rev. Armando Rodriguez becoming the first Cuban bishop. Today, the Methodist Church in Cuba is vibrant and growing, with over 40,000 church members and over 60,000 weekly worship attending services regularly. There are over 500 Methodist Churches in Cuba, along with another 800 mission congregations. Currently, there are 15 Methodist seminaries in Cuba with around 700 total Seminarians. The Cuban Methodist Church is growing by about 10% percent (membership) and about 10% growth in worship attendance.
How can you help?
Get involved! Come on a mission trip! Pray for our covenant churches. Pray for the pastoral families, members, and the surrounding community. Support the Cuba mission financially.