Chicago Presbytery and Fourth Presbyterian Church visited partners in Cuba March 10-17.
by Rev. Dr. Barbara Wilson
It was truly an extraordinary experience. Time with Cuban leaders and congregations in Havana, and with seminary faculty in Matanzas. My only expectation was of myself that I would be and stay fully present. My goal was to listen and to learn about the ministries and mission of our Cuban siblings, including their views about a presbytery-to-presbytery partnership.
It was truly an extraordinary experience. Hope and despair. Joy and sorrow. Vitality and exhaustion. Truth-telling and clarity about the systemic realities of life in Cuba. Truth-telling and clarity about the realities of the power of the gospel, of God’s power working in us right where we are. Genuine fellowship.
So, what have I learned from our Cuban siblings? Here are five of my initial thoughts:
- Seek to make decisions and take actions day by day, trusting and believing God’s promises.
- Know and be strengthened by who we are In Christ, individually and collectively.
- Lament, grieve and mourn.
- Celebrate life each day. Engage in radical hospitality.
- Love self and others. Bring mutuality and accountability into relationships and partnerships.
It was truly an extraordinary experience and I’m still reflecting!
