Dr. Paul G. Cunningham, jurisdictional general superintendent for the Caribbean Region, and his wife Connie joined Nazarenes of the Cuba District for a time of enthusiastic worship, district business, and warm fellowship. Accompanied by Regional Director Dr. and Mrs. John Smee and by field strategy coordinator for Cuba, Dr. and Mrs. Andrés Hernández, the Cunninghams were met in Cuba by District Superintendent Rev. and Mrs. Leonel López.

The opening rally of the district assembly was held on the campus of the Seminario Teologico Nazareno Cubano, where current enrollment is in excess of 70 students. The chapel was packed with 570 in attendance, with many standing for the entire service and others overflowing to the outdoors at the windows. Pastors participated in an opening procession from the back of the chapel to the front. The service included exuberant music, the anointed preaching of Dr. Cunningham, and an unusually strong response to the altar for prayer. The assembly began, Dr. Cunningham said, “with everyone knowing from the outset that the Lord himself was in control.”

The next morning 346 delegates began the day with holy communion. The district superintendent’s report revealed that church membership has reached 6,780, a gain of approximately 230 more than a year ago. Eight new churches were organized, not including numerous church-type missions that had been started.

Eleven new elders were ordained, and the credential of one additional elder was recognized. The 80 pastors in their reports joined in praise to God for the growth occurring among churches in Cuba. One church reports 440 members, of which 116 were received by profession of faith. One-fourth of their members are new converts!

Canadian Nazarenes have fostered a daughter church program with Cuba. The mother churches have been generous in helping the Cuba District, strengthening those churches while fostering missional enthusiasm among the Canadians.

Dr. Cunningham expressed warmth and admiration for the Cuban brothers and sisters who have tirelessly served God amid challenging circumstances without complaint. “Cuba will always hold a very special place in our hearts,” he said. “It appears to me that this is the way the church was meant to be.”