Just 13 miles shy of the precise center of Cuba is a little town called Guayos. It got its name from the trees (of the same name) that surround the little town. The trees are great places to hang a hammock and get some rest as weary travelers make their way around the island.
The Carretera Central (Central Road) and Ferrocarriles de Cuba (Railway of Cuba) run through Guayos as a connection point for all the other Cuban provinces. Today it is populated by some 15,000 guayenses. Right in the middle of Guayos is a small Los Pinos Nuevos Evangelical Church where you will find Pastor Felipe Guerra, his wife Rayda, and their 11-year-old son, Caleb.
We first met Rayda in 2000 when she was engaged to marry a fellow seminary student. Sadly, he died of cancer six months after their engagement. She says she went through “a valley of tears and sorrow” but continued serving in the church meant for her and her fiancé. Several years later, she met Felipe. God has replaced her tears with great joy. She says, “God is so loving, I don’t have words to express my thanks.”
Today, Felipe and Rayda are both part of LOGOI’s big Cuban family. Felipe has degrees in both agricultural engineering and theology and, in addition to his pastoral duties, leads the men’s national ministry for Los Pinos Nuevos churches (some 400+ Cuban churches). Rayda’s Christian Education background makes her a natural leader for the women’s national ministry.
“We are grateful to the Lord for LOGOI’s FLET Bible studies,” Felipe says. “We have both completed our FLET studies. They have been the instrument God used to prepare us theologically.”
When asked how we can pray for them, Felipe responds, “That we would be faithful in preaching the gospel of Jesus to all who will hear.” He then quickly adds, “and we ask for God’s help to raise our son to faithfully walk with God.”
What a privilege to be partners in ministry with Felipe and Rayda. Will you take a moment and pray for them right now? And don’t forget to pray for young Caleb, too.
We are so grateful to be partners with you, too, as we continue to be instruments of joy, encouragement, and faithfulness to those He has called us to serve.
You can meet Rayda in this video (You will see Carolyn giving Rayda a Christmas present when she was there.)
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Your gifts are used to help train and equip national missionaries like Rayda to help proclaim the Gospel and make disciples all over the Spanish speaking world. Now you know a little more about one of them.
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