Light in the Darkness

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

There are moments in life when Scripture leaps from the page and becomes tangible, alive, in front of your eyes. Our recent mission trip to Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, was one of those moments. Kevin and I returned home, carrying with us the faces, the stories, the laughter, the tears, and the unmistakable light of Christ that burns fiercely in a nation facing overwhelming hardship. Cuba is a nation in crisis, Yet its people are full of hope.

Cuba is walking through one of the most severe economic crises in its history. Shortages of basic necessities like: food, medicine, toiletries, clean water, gas are a daily reality. Power outages in Sancti Spíritus can stretch up to 23 hours a day, plunging homes, streets, and entire communities into physical darkness.

But even in that darkness, we witnessed something holy.

We saw a passionate, fervent faith birthed out of complete dependency on Jesus, a faith not built on comfort, resources, or ease, but on the unshakeable truth that God is near, God is present, and God is enough.

One of the most beautiful parts of our trip was hosting a Beauty for Ashes retreat for 40+ women. In a place where daily survival requires grit, ingenuity, and sacrifice, these women carry tremendous weight, and yet they worship with joy that can only come from the Holy Spirit. We watched God minister deeply, breaking strongholds, releasing freedom, restoring hope, and reminding each woman that she is seen, known, and beloved.

On the second day, our team did home visits, we prepared 30 bags filled with rice, beans, sausage, and oil, basic items, yet items many families had not seen in weeks. Walking into homes, handing over the bags, and seeing faces light up… it’s something we will never forget. Several people told us they had no idea where their next meal was going to come from. Yet here came provision quietly, humbly, through your generosity and God’s perfect timing. God was not only feeding their bodies…He was feeding their souls. 

We spent two days helping lead a youth conference focused on grace, centered on Ephesians 2:8:

              “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…”

Watching the young people of Sancti Spíritus and other churches (some visiting from 2 hours away) worship, laugh, learn, and embrace God’s truth was powerful. We ended the conference with a talent show that filled the room with joy, and reminded us that even in hardship, creativity and celebration are gifts from God.

Sunday brought a beautiful church service where Kevin shared a powerful message. Every bench was full, overflowing with people eager to worship in spirit and in truth, lifting their voices in the middle of their struggle, singing at the top of their lungs in both English and Spanish. Afterward, we gathered for lunch with the church family, a moment of unity that felt like a glimpse of heaven and a reminder of the strength found in community, family, and togetherness.

Later that afternoon, we hosted a children’s program filled with games, songs, dancing, and pure joy. We were also able to share handmade clothing with the children, and their smiles were priceless. Children have a way of becoming light in the darkest places, and that afternoon, the church was glowing.

Our team of 12 came from different states across the U.S., yet God united us with one purpose. Together, we carried almost 800 pounds of donations:

• Medicine
• Toiletries
• Toys
• Arts & crafts
• VBS materials
• Clothing
• Solar lights
• Water filters

Because of generous giving, we were also able to fund three solar systems for the church and two families, a literal gift of light for people who often sit in darkness hour after hour. God truly multiplied every “fish and bread” we offered. 

But God didn’t stop there! Before our trip, a team member received a powerful vision, Cuba covered in darkness, yet light breaking through like cracks, then bursting out like fireworks. She painted this during the talent show and presented it as a gift to the church.

I believe this is God’s heart for Cuba.

Even now, even in crisis, light is breaking through. And the darkness will not overcome it.

To Everyone Who Donated – Thank You!

To every single person who prayed, gave, partnered, or supported this mission – You were not just part of the trip; you were part of every home we visited, every child we hugged, every meal we gave, every prayer we prayed, and every light that broke into darkness.

God loves Cuba.
God is moving in Cuba.
And I believe with all my heart—the best is yet to come!

Thank you for saying “yes” with us.
May the light continue to shine, in Cuba and in every heart willing to carry it.