The nation of Cuba stands at a historic crossroads, facing a confluence of systemic collapse and a burgeoning spiritual revolution that promises a future of liberation and freedom. While the original revolution of the late 1950s defined the island for over sixty years, there is a palpable sense among God’s people that a new era is required—one where believers can live out a peaceful life and proclaim Christ in an everyday way. Currently, the island is experiencing abject misery and upheaval, yet within this darkness, the church is “crushin’ it” by serving as a resplendent light of hope, rescue, and grace.

The Landscape of Abject Misery

To understand the magnitude of the work being done in Cuba, one must first grasp the severity of the humanitarian crisis. The country is currently enduring a total collapse of basic infrastructure. Reports indicate that citizens are suffering through near-constant blackouts, which have lasted for days at a time, leaving families without light, refrigeration, or the ability to cook. This lack of electricity is compounded by a dire shortage of water, making it impossible to perform basic hygiene tasks like flushing a toilet or taking a shower in temperatures that frequently soar to 110 degrees.

The healthcare system has essentially failed the average citizen. Hospitals are so depleted of resources that patients are often required to bring their own sutures for surgery and have family members provide all their meals, or they risk going hungry. Furthermore, the streets are plagued by filth and mosquitoes, leading to various illnesses that the state-run medical facilities are unequipped to handle. In this environment of “abject misery,” the struggle for daily survival has become the primary occupation of the Cuban people.

Geopolitical Upheaval and the Hunger for Freedom

The physical suffering of the populace has recently boiled over into a visible and dangerous upheaval. For decades, many Cubans lived in a state of fear, but recent events suggest that this fear is evaporating. In a recent seven-day period of intense riots, citizens took to the streets in towns like Moron, banging pots and pans in protest. These demonstrations have turned violent in some sectors, with reports of government buildings being torched and furniture being dragged into the streets.

This unrest is driven by a deep-seated anger and bitterness regarding the lack of opportunity and basic freedom that has characterized life under communism since the era of Fidel Castro. Despite previous hopes for change when leadership transitioned to Raul Castro or upon Fidel’s death, the expected relief never materialized. Today, however, the movement for change appears more robust, with Cubans both on the island and in the diaspora—particularly the large community in South Florida—waiting on “pins and needles” for a transition to democracy. There is a collective prayer that the island, which possesses an intelligent and capable population, will soon be able to practice the capitalism and business that would allow its middle class to thrive once again.

A Spiritual Awakening Amidst the Darkness

In the midst of this political and economic turmoil, a profound spiritual awakening is taking place across the island. Historically, many Cubans were involved in religious practices centered on idolatry, witchcraft, and the Yoruba religion. However, as these systems have failed to provide real answers to the nation’s suffering, people are increasingly turning to the Gospel.

Churches across Cuba are currently full, with congregations engaging in intense periods of two and three days of fasting and prayer. When there is no food to be found, the believers have decided to dedicate those moments to seeking the face of God on their knees, praying for the liberation and freedom of their land. This revival is not just a spiritual sentiment; it is being lived out through the church becoming a “rescue” for the most vulnerable members of society.

The Pro-Life Mission: The “Four Questions” in Cuba

The core of our mission in Cuba, operating under the name PasìonVida Cuba, is the establishment of a biblical worldview regarding the sanctity of human life. We utilize a bioethics curriculum known as the “Four Questions,” which explores what the Bible says about human life, the sin of shedding innocent blood, and the redemptive power of the Gospel for those carrying the guilt of past abortions. This training provides the biblical call to rescue mothers and babies who are being targeted for slaughter.

The impact of this teaching has been extraordinary. What began as a small initiative has blossomed into a pregnancy help movement that has spread across the entire island, resulting in the establishment of approximately 22 pregnancy help clinics. These centers are often located within local churches, utilizing dedicated rooms for counseling and even ultrasound services.

One of the most powerful tools used in these centers is the tiny baby fetal model—a medically accurate representation of a human life at the ninth week after conception. By showing mothers the humanity of their children through these models and ultrasounds, the church is empowering women to make life-affirming choices even when they lack food, gas, or electricity.

Profiles in Courage: The Leaders of the Movement

The success of the pro-life movement in Cuba is due to the extraordinary dedication of local leaders who have “grabbed the torch” of the Gospel.

• Pastor Sandy: Based in Havana, Sandy is a well-respected leader who facilitates the expansion of the Four Questions training across various provinces. Remarkably, Sandy possesses a 10-year visa that would allow him to leave the country easily—a path many other leaders have understandably taken. However, he voluntarily chooses to stay in the midst of the trouble to serve his people. His family is fully integrated into the mission; his daughter, Rosio, travels with him on every trip to handle logistics and photography.
• Dr. Ana: A true pioneer of the movement, Dr. Ana was a medical professional in the beach town of Siboney who once prescribed abortions because she did not clearly understand the biblical value of life. After being transformed by the Four Questions training, she became the primary trainer for doctors and nurses in life-saving ultrasound technology. She is considered a hero of the pro-life movement, having spent nearly a decade visiting and counseling women in crisis.
• Pastor Javier and Elisa: This couple exemplifies the church’s role as a sanctuary. Every three months, they host a day of honor for women who have chosen life for their babies. Despite the blackouts and lack of resources, their church remains a place of joy, where mothers are seen smiling as they receive support and celebrate the lives of their children.

Practical Mercy: The Church as a Mini-Clinic

Because the state medical system has collapsed, the Cuban church has stepped into the gap by providing practical humanitarian relief. While our primary mission is not medical relief, the current crisis has necessitated a compassionate response.

Leaders like Sandy use their visas to bring in duffel bags filled with prenatal vitamins and antibiotics provided by international partners. At churches like the one in Siboney, led by Pastor Javier and his wife Elisa, believers have set up “mini-clinics” on picnic tables. Here, volunteer doctors open suitcases of smuggled medicines to serve the community. These acts of service are open to everyone, inviting the community to see the church’s love in action and providing an immediate opportunity to share the Gospel.

Conclusion: Rescuing the Most Vulnerable

The situation in Cuba serves as a poignant reminder of the global nature of the abortion crisis. While much attention is focused on the United States, the U.S. accounts for only 3% of global abortions; the remaining 97% of the crisis exists as a world missions challenge. PassionLife is committed to serving where the need is greatest, and there is perhaps no place where the need is more acute than in the “abject misery” of Cuba.

The believers in Cuba are not merely surviving; they are thriving spiritually. They are rescuing hundreds of babies, supporting mothers in crisis, and modeling the “Macedonian grace” of giving out of extreme poverty. They are smiling in the face of turmoil because they have found a hope that transcends their political and economic circumstances. We invite all believers to join us in praying for the continued “spiritual awakening” on the island and to support these courageous brothers and sisters as they stand for life. The church in Cuba is truly “crushin’ it,” proving that the light of the Gospel is brightest when the world around it is most dark.

This article is adapted from the episode transcript.