Dear SCC & Friends,
…Press on… ~Philippians 3:14
Reflection #264
There are occasions when we can look smart without trying. I had just finished a meeting to file my taxes, and had some spare time and decided to read in my car. Shortly thereafter, another car pulled up next to me, and the driver asked what I was reading. I said, “Waiting for Snow in Havana.” He gave me a funny look, as if it was a bit odd to be reading a book with such an odd title. I couldn’t help but laugh when I thought about it. He may have thought I was an eccentric intellect or just needed to “get a life.” You can’t judge a book by its cover nor by its title. I have been to Cuba four times… My first visit was in 1993, and I vividly remember that the economy was in shambles. In fact, we bought our food and gasoline with bars of Dial soap… Cuba is a tragic enigma with a crestfallen commentary on the destructive perils of atheistic Communism… Cuban Christians have suffered much loss but continue to move forward…Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ~Jam. 1:2-4 ~Selah~
My most recent visit to Cuba was at the close of 2024, and once again I found the people amazingly grateful and resilient… “Cuba para Christo” (Cuba for Christ) is the mantra. The cliché “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” holds true… Light is on the horizon… It is a rising hope in the lives of believers who have had many reasons to despair. They’re not waiting for “Snow in Havana” but for something much greater …forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ~Philip. 3:13-14 What is the goal? What is the prize of the upward call? It is joining with all believers to be found faithful for the honor and glory of God… Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ~Jam. 1:12 We were made for these days… Keep up the good work!
In the upward call,
Kevin