Local Pastor and wife go on mission trip

Pastor Gary and Sharon Fugman of Decatur NE met Marilyn Borst of the Presbyterian Outreach Foundation at a conference in Sioux Falls SD.  Pastor Gary and Sharon, both members of the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Homestead Presbytery, had been praying for a new Nebraska connection to Latin America.  Marilyn was an answer from God.
The Fugmans followed up on Marilyn’s invitation to join a mission team to Cuba, to “come along side” brothers and sisters in Christ, for Nebraskans and others from GA, WI and CA to witness to their faith in Jesus and put that faith into action in the country of Cuba.  Life for Cubans has not been easy for the past 50 years.  Communism, the U.S. embargo and the fall of the Soviet Union has left the Cuban people in turmoil.  Many of the country’s pre-Castro leaders, political and church leaders, left the country.  Still, the Fugmans found Holy Spirit moving and changing lives for Jesus despite economic hardships.
This mission trip for understanding by Pastor Gary, Sharon and others started in Miami.  A charter flight, the only way to fly to Cuba, was taken to Havana.  They met with Pastor Daniel Izuierdo, General Secertary of the Presbyterian Reformed Church in Cuba, and discussed the state of the Church on the island.  Afterwards they traveled on a non-air conditioned church school bus 2 hours east to the Evagelical Seminary of Matanzas for a 3 day stay and meetings with pastors, faculty and seminary students.  Pastors are in short supply in Cuba.  Retirement is often not an option.  A meeting with Pastor Carlos from Versalles Presbyterian Church was an intriguing time with a 90 year old servant of God.  Later in their 10 day mission, the Fugmans and their group moved “inland” Los Palos Presbyterian Church.  Their day there was highlighted by afternoon artwork with children fro to town of 8000.  That evening worship was conducted by three youth groups that had formed into one choir and dance group.  The singing, the dancing, the Spirit there was amazing!  Near the end of their mission, the team visited the Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center near Santa Clara.  Don’t get you hopes up here for a Holiday Inn style camp.  For instance, almost 1000 campers were fed here this summer over an open fire pit.  We all left Cuba inspired by what can be done with so little…if you only have faith!
God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are alive and well in Cuba.  But we as their brothers and sisters in Christ, we can do so much to help them witness to others in this country slipping from economic depravity into economic opportunity.  Pastor Gary and Sharon are offering to share with your church or group more pictures and insights into life and Christian life in Cuba.  For more information call them at 349-1953 or email them at fugman@abbnebraska.com.  Perhaps God will call you to be the next witness to Him to our neighbors 90 miles to the south!