Churchnet Cuba Trip Sparks News Coverage
In October, a Churchnet-led delegation of U.S. Baptists trekked to Cuba. The focus of the trip came as the group attended the 40th anniversary of the Coordinación Obrero-Estudiantil Bautista de Cuba (Coordination of Baptist Workers & Students in Cuba). The group, usually called COEBAC, seeks to help Cuban Baptists engage in their context and society. More than 80 Cuban Baptists gathered at Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel (Emmanuel Baptist Church) in Ciego de Ávila (located in the middle of the island nation) for the anniversary celebration on October 10 and 11.
Ned Walsh, a former Missouri Baptist minister who lives in North Carolina, organized the trip. Walsh, who has traveled to Cuba numerous times over the past quarter century, spoke at the annual gathering of Churchnet in April to urge participation.
Leaders of Churchnet joined the delegation, including Vice President Forestal Lawton, Missions Mobilization Team Leader Gary Snowden, and Communications & Engagement Leader Brian Kaylor. Among the others who participated in the trip were members of Kirkwood Baptist Church in St. Louis and Northminster Church in Monroe, Louisiana. Both churches have partnered with a Cuban Baptist church for two decades.
News coverage of the trip came in multiple publications. Click on the article titles below to read the pieces.
U.S., Cuban Baptists Build Bridges During Celebration. Ethics Daily article by Brian Kaylor on October 21, 2014.
Jefferson Citian Joins Baptist Delegation on Cuba Trip. Jefferson City News-Tribune article on October 21, 2014.
Cuban Baptists Advocate for Church-State Separation. Ethics Daily article by Brian Kaylor on October 22, 2014.
Cuban Baptists Say Bible Inspires Their Work, Remember Baptist Leader of Cuban Revolution. Ethics Daily article by Brian Kaylor on October 23, 2014.
Missourians Attend Cuban Baptist Gathering. Word&Way article by Brian Kaylor on November 20, 2014.
U.S. Baptists Engage in Goodwill Visit to Cuba. Baptist News Global article by Bob Allen on November 21, 2014.
U.S. Baptists Welcome Thaw in Relations with Cuba. Baptist News Global article by Bob Allen on December 19, 2014.