I've been back from Cuba for a couple weeks now, and I admit that I allowed my displeasure with the results of the U.S. election (and sheer laziness) to get in the way of sharing about my experience before now. We were disconnected from social media and the news, which was refreshing; but as soon as I returned, I drowned myself in Daily Show and Late Show clips and read incessantly about the aftermath of the presidental election at home. (I am trying to do better now.)
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| Apartment complex, Jaguey Grande |
Our time in Cuba was very enjoyable, and I learned a lot about Cuban culture and economy as well as the particular challenges that the Church there is facing. Cuba is in so many ways like other parts of Latin America, yet unique and a place all its own. The lack of construction in the past fifty or so years along with the ubiquitous old cars and colonial and mid-century architecture allow you to feel that you have traveled through time. The general feel and architecture remind me so much of places I have visited in Eastern Europe (Romania, Hungary), but I suppose this similiarity is not surprising, given the influence of the Soviet Union.
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| Matanzas |
The majority of our time was spent in Matanzas, visiting and working with Peachtree's partners at the Evangelical Seminary and Central Presbyterian Church as well as a day in Jaguey Grande, to meet with a smaller Presbyterian congregation there. The Church in Cuba has only been "above ground" for about 20 years, and their context is unlike any other that I know. There does not seem to be a traditional system of "evangelism" given their social context, but I can't say that I feel that is a negative, as I have long had an aversion to tracts, door-knocking, street preaching, and the like. Tangible service and organic relationship-building has always been the way of making disciples.
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| surrounding area, Matanzas |
Both the seminary and Central Pres have clean water systems that are available to the public in Matanzas, which opens a door to the wider community. It should be noted that Central Pres was visited by some government officials a few months ago, who asked many questions about the water system; and the leadership at the church is now quite concerned that the government may impose a tax or monetary penalty on them for the water provision. While not overly dramatic, it highlights the oppression that our Cuban brothers and sisters endure, which we are largely unfamiliar with Stateside.
I feel obliged to share that I feel that the socialist structure has had some positive fruit. Healthcare is universal, and the literacy rate of Cubans soars above that of other countries in the region. Crime is low as well. I never once was concerned about my safety. This was quite a stark contrast to my experience in Guatemala, where I was forbidden to take most forms of public transportation and would never venture outside at night other than right across the street to the store.
I am not herein trying to advocate for one system of government over another. But I do feel obliged to share my observation that the fruits of socialism are not all bad. I think the same could be said of democracy. Certainly the United States is proof of that. Perhaps one may conclude that any manmade system of government is inherently flawed. As my worldview expands, I become increasingly convinced that any positive, lasting social change will come from individuals, nonprofits, and the Church. Our hosts in Cuba, whom I am honored to now call friends, are living proof of that.
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| Mike, Bill, Liz (pastor, Jaguey Grande), Hilda (interpreter), Dayana (SET grad, pastor), me Brad |
