kingdom travelin'

(This post was begun during travel but just posted because Internet was near impossible to find in the capital or in the country.)

So we’ve been hearing from different kinds of leaders since arrival. It’s been enlightening to hear how the church has developed since the revolution.

As I write this post I’ve not had internet since Thursday night except for a couple of moments yesterday which were so sporadic that nothing got through.

I’m writing from the back of a big van and we’re a half hour into a four hour journey to a smaller city.  

This was not my favorite mode of transport. But we got around safe and mostly sound – if worn out from the bumpy road.
 

After the trip the guys couldn’t decide if I was praying for it or cursing it.

This post is about my observations and comparing what I’ve seen to other (former) communist countries.

Right now we’re on an old multi-lane highway that reminds me of the road between Vinnytsia and Ztomyr and the road is just as bumpy. As we were leaving Habana there were people standing along the side of the road holding out money in search of a ride. Others were standing and selling fruit. We went by a bus stop where people stood under large concrete structures that would have been as recognizable in Ukraine as here.

The influence of the former Soviet benefactor on infrastructure is evident, but today is collapsing. In the post below I have posted some select pix.

‘Socialism or die’ was a regular cry but today that message, like this propaganda poster, is fading.

Buildings which are struggling to stand in use.

Cars nearing 65 years of age serve as taxis that run regular routes in Havana as well as private cars.
  

Taxis are also powered by men who travel around the city on these tricycles.

  
The drivers are not all young!

As I was there while Obama was present I was able to see the Cuban reaction first hand. As Castro and Obama had their joint press conference, people crowded around TVs.

Like the US Capital dome, the Cuban State House dome is undergoing a renewal.  
 

Havana.

Since Thursday night I’ve been unplugged from the Internet. 

I realize this morning how much I rely on the Web for information and communication. And how much it makes me rely on the Lord – – – for stuff I have NO control over anyway. I don’t know if my family is well or ill. I don’t know if a new crisis has struck or not. I don’t even know if UVa won or lost… Oh how we like and depend upon knowing.

It should make me more prayerful, but in my flesh I gripe more.

It should make me more dependent, but in my flesh it makes me try to contrive ways to get online.

God help us learn to trust you.

I’ve been reading through the Kings in my reading plan. And I discover that those guys who failed over and again to follow God and try to control were no different than I. Thankfully Paul understood.

“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.” 

I do give thanks for…

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭(Romans‬ ‭7:24-8:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

http://bible.us/59/rom.8.1.esv

Thanks be to God!

Also, it seems I’m online!

I took this shot near the airport, it’s a glimpse of an old ride and what seems to be a typical neighborhood in the outskirts of the city.

Our group is split up all over town in guest houses. A colleague and I are in the guest house of an engineer and and economist. We learned from these folks that there are 3 needs of the people: food, housing and medicine. They and their countrymen hope that the lifting of the embargo will help  them in the first and third need.

They’re putting a lot of hope in Obama’s visit in a couple of days. We’ll see.

My hope is in the Lord and His church that we’re here to learn more about. Very encouraging stuff so far. More later about the broad range of Evangelicsls that may be as much as 30%!

Cuba is famous for its old cars. This old Lada Moskvitch [thx to Gabor for the correction in comment – it turned out there were as many of this manufacturer as the old Lada] was the first pic I took after we finally got out of the airport. Wow. Communist beurocratic systems are alive and well here!

  
Note the old rides in front of Jose Martis airport.

 And this one…  
Then to a late lunch…

  
Mediterranean style octopus.

Later we met with the leader of an evangelical seminary that has 300+ students. Gained a great understanding of things spiritual here. 

Jesus’ followers are alive and thriving in Cuba!

More later…

So our doctoral study group is headed to Cuba …

We’re going to visit ministry sites!

BUT there seem to be issues with our visas to get in, so as things are sorted out here in Miami, please pray!!! 

We’re boarding!!! Off we go!!!