We were surpirsed to read in the August 18th edition of CNN a feature story on Cuba, "How Muslims cope in touchy-feely Cuba." Click to see the video
The article in CNN stated that
"Most Muslims in Cuba are international college students from countries like Pakistan and Indonesia. Three medical students from Guyana were among those gathered at Yahya's house for Friday prayer.
Cuba is traditionally Catholic, but many don't actively practice the religion and others adhere to Afro-Caribbean beliefs like Santeria.
Yahya [the Imam] was introduced to Islam by exchange students and converted more than a decade ago."
Dr. Charles Malik, a former president of the General Assembly of the United Nations was right when he stated,
"The university is a clear-cut fulcrum with which to move the world. The problem here is for the church to realize that no greater service can it render both itself and the cause of the gospel, with which it is entrusted, than to try to recapture the universities for Christ.. More potently than by any other means, change the university and you change the world."
We believe it is a God thing that we go and support the national church in Cuba in reaching tomorrow's leaders today with the message of Jesus Christ.
Pray with us. Pray for us.
Together in his Harvest,
Gilbert, Virginia & Sofia Contreras
AG Missionaries to Argentina
University Ministry Flashbites
Dear ,
Raising up a new generation of disciples in Latin America ---- in Cuba!
Four months ago Virginia and I were invited by Alejandro Frias, the Assemblies of God National Youth Director of Cuba, to participate in and teach at a conference they would be holding in Cuba. It would be for ACEP “Agrupación Cristiana de Estudiantes Pentecostales” or Christian Group of Pentecostal Students that hold a yearly convention in the summer months. The purpose of this youth convention is to encourage, equip and train students who would not otherwise receive such support. We thought it was an amazing opportunity to impact that nation for two reasons: first, we would strengthen the faith of those who can best influence the nation – university students; and second, by spreading the vision for university student ministry to the AG leadership of Cuba and discussing possible models that might work best in that country.
Virginia and I decided that I, Gilbert, should go on this trip and she and Sofia would stay home. Well, in applying for my visa we were told that it would not be available for 90 days, past the date that I was supposed to be there, so we cancelled the trip and thought that maybe in the future we would have this opportunity again.
However, the day before we traveled out to Hungary for Encounter 2010 we received a call that Gilbert's visa would go through on August 3rd and if we were still open to coming for the student convention that was moved to August 24-26th? YES!
We have been praying for...
a student movement among university students in Latin America
students to fully commit their lives to following after God and fulfilling the Great Commission
pastors and leaders to understand the unique opportunity presented in the university campus
church members to embrace the new believers and model for them true Christian community
We have a chance to see these prayers answered in a strategic and currently closed country in Latin America--Cuba--would you help us?
Prayer Request:
Pray for Gilbert as he travels to and from Cuba the week of August 22-28, 2010
Pray for wisdom and guidance as he speaks to students and church leaders in Cuba
Pray for annointing and a sensitivity to the Spirit's leading
Pray for the financial support needed to cover the cost of this trip ($2500) to come in.
We know you will pray - we feel it. We know you will give - we see your generosity month after month. We know you are with us - we carry you in our hearts. Thanks for partnering with us in raising up a new generation of disciples in Latin America.
Blessings,
Gilbert, Virginia & Sofia Contreras
AG Missionaries to Argentina
P.S. If you wanted to send in financial assistance for this trip you can do so on line. If you do send in a gift or church offering, please let me know by sending me an email --thanks!
This issue we’ll start with family and end with ministry. Chloe has been with us the last part of July and first part of August. We all have thoroughly enjoyed being all six of us together again. While here, Chloe has gone to the orphanage with Yvonne and she is making plans to bring a team of nursing students to Panama next spring break.
Anthony and Gracie took over the movie ministry nights with the children of our ministers at the annual Minister’s Retreat end of last month. Tony set up all the projector and DVD gear. Gracie took care of preparing and distributing the popcorn.
Celina had an incredible ten days with the youth missions team in Mancora, Peru. She said her favorite parts were leading the motions at KidsChurch as part of the worship team, and getting to know families in the community.
We invite you to see a brief YouTube video featuring their Family Fair Concert, edited by photographer Tito Herrera. Thanks to him also for permission to use one of his many fabulous pictures seen here (visit www.TitoHerrera.com) of Celina with the young daughter of a church family.
Our entire family says a huge “Thank You!” to the young people of Southern California, and especially the San Fernando section, for raising the funds for our new Speed the Light car! We’ve had this shiny white Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for a month now, but wanted to include Chloe in the “Thank You!” picture, as you see here. While it may look like we’re out in the jungle, it’s actually right next to our house. In rainy season everything is green and growing.
Last issue we reported that our work budget was approaching the red line of $0. Following that we had several unexpected extra contributions and even new financial commitments. While we’re not out of the redwoods yet (get it? red ink! ;-D), we deeply thank you, again, for your prayers and financial partnership with us. Much appreciated!
The Annual Minister’s Retreat was a standing-room only crowd, literally. God continues to call and prepare men and women for ministry across the Isthmus of Panama, and around the world. One report that captured my heart was by Efrain Arosemena who took a few Panamanian pastors along with a love offering from our churches to minister in Haiti following the earthquake devastation. We saw video of children receiving meals, a medical clinic meeting basic needs, and powerful Pentecostal services with our Panamanian brothers and sisters ministering to the hearts and lives of broken Haitians. Since the World Missions Congress hosted here in Panama last April, there has been an increased response to needs around the world. Praise the Lord!
Monthly leaders seminars and KidsQuest Crusades continue, for which we ask your continued prayers.
Mondays are still Missions night for me at BibleSchool. Let me paraphrase an interesting analogy we studied from an article written by missionary anthropologist Don Larson on the Viable Missionary. In East Africa a missionary explained what happens when a herd of elephants approaches a watering hole that is already surrounded by another herd. The lead elephant of the second herd turns around and slowly backs in toward the water hole. When his backside is felt by the first group, they step aside to make room. That is the signal to the second group that the first group is ready to make room for them to drink.
So what’s the point? In most places around the world, instead of barging in head-first, a viable missionary will find greater success backing in to the new culture. Instead of attempting to enter as an expert, he or she comes in as an apprentice, trader and story-teller. After twenty years, we continue striving to be loving learners for the children and churches here in Panama, striving to follow our Lord’s example:
Celina had an incredible ten days with the youth missions team in 
