Stories from the mission field

Cuba: More Than Just a Game

How Sports Change Lives

While the soccer world focuses on the big stadiums, very different stories are unfolding on Cuba’s sports fields. Here, it’s not about trophies or titles. Here, children and teens experience community and discover faith in Jesus. Three stories show how a game of ball can lead to a new path in life.

Many of our partner churches in Cuba offer sports programs and children’s Bible clubs. About 300 children and teens attend the programs offered by the Iglesia Bautista Santo Suarez (IBSS—Santo Suarez Baptist Church) in Havana every month. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, volleyball, or baseball—every practice begins with a short devotional. Friendships form within the teams. Relationships grow out of these encounters. And sometimes, a simple afternoon on the sports field can change an entire life, just as it did for Juan*:

When Soccer Became a Turning Point

The 15-year-old recounts: “I belonged to the Yoruba religion, although that was more of a cultural thing than a personal one. Back then, I spent most of my time on the streets with my friends and got into a lot of trouble. That made my mother sad. I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin and suffered from depression. My grandmother, who is a Christian, always talked to me about God and the Bible, even though I didn’t pay her much attention.

One day, my grandmother told me about a soccer team at church, and I signed up with the coach. Little by little, I started listening during the devotions and got to know Jesus. Then one day, during a youth service, I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior and was baptized. Day after day, I see how my prayers are answered and how God is at work in my life, making me strong in my weakness.“

Juan isn’t the only one. Time and again, staff members see that children initially come for the sports—and find a place there where they feel accepted and safe. This opens their hearts to the message of the Gospel.

New Life on the Basketball Court

Fifteen-year-old Estrella* explains what the basketball group means to her: “When I was 14, I went through a difficult phase in my life. Mainly because my older brother was no longer there—he had emigrated to the U.S. My parents and my brother were Christians, but I always resisted anything to do with the church.

It all started on the sports field. One day I went to play basketball and really enjoyed it. I listened to the devotions and felt happy, and something inside me came alive. One Sunday, I asked my parents to take me to church. Then I took part in a youth week. I gave my life to Christ.

My relationship with God continues to grow. What I used to reject became a reason to keep living, despite all the difficulties. Now I take my friends to basketball so they can get to know God, and it makes me very happy to see how their faith in Jesus is growing as well.”

Children’s Bible Clubs: Brave Like David

Sports groups are often the first point of contact with a church. Another evangelistic branch of the churches’ work is closely linked to sports ministry: the children’s Bible clubs. Sometimes they take place on the street, sometimes at the church. There are programs for all age groups. The IBSS also offers a children’s program for preschoolers between the ages of two and five called “Arbolitos de Fe” (Little Trees of Faith).

The girls and boys listen to Bible stories, sing together, and have time for fun and games. The ministry also focuses on the families of these young children. When it’s time for the little ones to move on to elementary school, there’s a small graduation ceremony.

Raúl* was there, too. He was sad to be moving on to a different group, but he was also looking forward to this new chapter in his life. He wasn’t afraid. Raúl said, “I’m as brave as David.” His father, too, is grateful that he found faith through Arbolitos de Fe: The staff answered his questions, listened to him, and invited him to follow Christ. Eventually, his father was baptized: “I thank God for this wonderful project and for the people who made it possible for me to be part of this wonderful family!”

From the Sports Field to Faith: Donate Now

Whether on the soccer field, playing basketball, or at the children’s Bible club—time and again, change begins with a simple invitation. Children experience fellowship. Youth find new stability. Parents discover faith. Sometimes, a practice session turns into a life story with Jesus.

The churches in Cuba serve all age groups and take the needs and concerns of the people they serve seriously. This holistic proclamation of the Gospel also includes, for example, meals for seniors, prayer, pastoral care, and retreats.

A donation to support church ministry in Cuba fosters all of this—and makes it possible for children and youth like Raúl, Estrella, or Juan, and their parents, to come to know Jesus Christ.

donate for the church in Cuba now!

 

*names changed