Churchnet May 2016 | Page 13

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other, hear from each other, and learn to suffer and rejoice with each other. There’s something unique about the Kingdom of God—it transcends borders and crosses walls. When I pledge allegiance to this Kingdom, I am casting my lot with my brothers and sisters in Cuba, Guatemala, and around the world. Jesus prayed we would be one. Paul preached we are equal. We can live no differently.

I look forward to the possibilities of partnering with Cuban Baptists. We have much to learn from each other. And we need each other. Osbel Gutiérrez Pila, president of the CBCO and pastor at Cuarta Iglesia Bautista, expressed his gladness that relations between Christians in the two nations remained strong despite strained diplomatic relations.

“Even in the tough times, the relations between the brothers in Cuba and the U.S. never ceased,” he said. “The government may have differences but the brothers and sisters don’t.”

That’s the way it should be among citizens of the Kingdom. Despite political rhetoric to the contrary, evangelicals are found in Cuba. They remain a faithful witness in their communities, but much work remains. Many diplomatic and economic barriers have already melted away since my earlier Cuban visit just 18 months earlier. Doors are opening. I pray we will be faithful to the call.

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