THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19,20, NKJV)
Lifting Leaders
The primary mission of FirstChurch Ministries is to come alongside pastors and church leaders in the nation of Cuba to help them advance the Gospel. Since 2011 our teams have provided training, encouragement and ministry resources to more than 1,000 pastors across the island regardless of their religious affiliation. The message to these courageous shepherds in our Lead Like Jesus conferences is, “God sees you and you’re not alone.”
Church Planting
FirstChurch partners with pastors dedicated to the New Testament model of planting a house church in every neighborhood in Cuba. We provide training, study Bibles, lap tops and financial support for their families in their first year of operation. We also commit to putting a roof over their patio or backyard when the church outgrows the house. This model has birthed more than ten thousand churches across the island and has produced a great harvest of souls for Jesus Christ.
Sarah's Bibles
The Bible is a treasured possession for Cuban believers and Sarah has been the inspiration for the distribution of 40,000 copies all across the island. She had no way of knowing the cargo we were carrying that rainy night when we gave her and her mother a ride. She began telling us a story about asking God for her very own Bible and became our first customer. The number one request we receive from pastors is... “more Bibles please.”
Marriage Retreats
FirstChurch conducts Deeper Love marriage retreats to help bring healing and restoration to couples. Pastors tell us with a divorce rate of 75%, they believe ministry in the area of marriage and family is the key to a national transformation in Cuba.
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“An unforgettable memory … thank you Pastor Jack and the entire FirstChurch team for reminding us that God cares for us and that our marriage is in His hands.”
Raise the Roof
These humble structures may look like framing for a barn or shed, but in communities all across Cuba they signal the growth of the church. Our commitment to new congregations is that if they will lay a spiritual foundation in their communities, FirstChurch will put a roof over their heads when the church grows.
The Goodwill Container
“Pastor, we have never accepted your invitation to come to your church … why are you feeding us now?”
There are times when those who are called to minister to the spiritual needs of people must also be willing to meet the physical needs of those they are called to serve. FirstChurch has begun to partner with Children’s Hunger Fund to deliver containers of food and other humanitarian aid to Cuba. The distribution of these “loaves and fishes” by the churches is meeting a critical need, especially among the children and the elderly, and also providing a powerful witness for Christ.
“Should not the shepherd’s feed the flock.” Ezekiel 34:2
