(continued from previous page)
One of the key figures from the
1959 revolution mentioned in
the meeting and by this official
was Frank País, the son of a
Baptist pastor. Whereas Fidel
Castro and Che Guevara led the
revolution in the mountains,
Frank País was the key figure in
the urban centers—especially
Santiago. He was killed by
police after being surrounded
in what was supposedly a safe
house, thereafter achieving the
status of a revolutionary martyr.
His favorite hymn was "Brighten
the Corner where You Are,"
which we sang together.
We also later visited the
Western Baptist Convention's
seminary in Havana, meeting
with its interim president and
its rector, who explained the
various degree programs and
emphases of their theological
training.
Classic car enthusiasts would
have a heyday in Cuba. There
are literally hundreds if not
thousands of 1950s model U.S.
cars. I got to ride in a blue
Caddy with three friends for an
hour or so tour of the city on the way to dinner one evening. It was quite the treat.
One of the lasting impressions I took away from the trip was the strong commitment of Cuban Baptists to reach their island nation for Christ with the gospel, while at the same time striving to improve the overall living conditions of their people. We heard a lot of concern for justice and economic issues as well as a healthy interest in caring for the world that God has given us as good stewards of it. These same Baptists also expressed a pronounced pride in their country and displayed patriotic fervor. The worship services we attended contained joyful singing and solid preaching. All in all, it was a memorable trip.
(NOTE: This piece was adapted from Gary's blog.)
Above: Cuban and U.S. Baptists at COEBAC meeting
Below: Snowden at Viñales valley in western Cuba
(photos credit: Brian Kaylor)