“From the outset, God had a special plan for Mission Cuba,” says Captain John Murray, public relations and development secretary, Ontario Central-East Division. “Quite simply, he used it as a spiritual awakening for our team members.”

Initiated by Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander, Mission Cuba sought to establish a stronger partnership between the Canada and Bermuda Territory and The Salvation Army in Cuba. The project was officially launched by the territorial commander at the Harvest of Hope Congress held last Thanksgiving weekend in Toronto. Captains Orestes and Sandra Linares, divisional leaders in Cuba, and Aldo de Suen, the Cuban divisional finance secretary, were also in attendance.

The Republic of Cuba, with a population of over 11 million people, is the largest island in the Caribbean. Its capital city, Havana, was the destination for the mission team, which consisted of 23 Salvationists and friends. Under the leadership of Captains John and Brenda Murray, the team received requests to renovate three Salvation Army buildings and provide the financial support for three smaller projects. In addition, through the kindness of a private donor, six washer and dryer units were purchased for the homes of Salvation Army officers in Havana.

Paul Robertson, Cutting Edge Carpentry, lead the construction and building work, which consisted of roof replacement, tiling and painting buildings inside and out. Together with Cuban Salvationists and community members, the team worked to enhance the Army's presence in the country.

In addition to these construction projects, Mission Cuba members lead worship services at seven Havana area corps and conducted a successful vacation Bible school program under the leadership of Captain Mark Hall, Divisional Youth Secretary. More than 180 children and adults from the Havana Central Corps participated in these activities. As well, officers and cadets from the team led two full-day workshops at the Cuba's College for Officer Training in Havana.

“This was a period of significant spiritual growth, rich fellowship, learning and sharing,” says Captain John Murray. “I also believe that God planted seeds of opportunity for future full-time ministry in the hearts and minds of some team members.”

“God used Mission Cuba to show me how my spiritual walk must begin with the basics by becoming his child again,” says Karen Knight, Yorkminster Citadel.

Captains Murray had several opportunities to interact with Cuban government officials. A highlight of their visit was accompanying Colonel Oscar Sanchez, Territorial Commander of the Latin America North Territory, to a meeting with the director of religion of the Central Communist Party Committee.

“This was an extraordinary opportunity to build relationships with government, discuss the purpose of Mission Cuba and propose our long-term desire to work alongside Cuban Salvationists in the future,” says Captain John Murray.

While the team members worked hard, they also played hard as they joined Cuban Salvationists in watching a game of professional baseball─Cuba's national sport.

Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis, territorial leaders, travelled to Cuba to dedicate the completed projects. More than 250 people gathered to express their appreciation to God and the Canadian Salvationists for the work completed.

“Mission Cuba was a defining experience for me because it strengthened my faith,” says Pamela Loveless, annual gifts coordinator for Ontario Central-East Division. “I truly felt the presence of God.”

Following the success of Mission Cuba and the ongoing support of Army leadership, a second trip for 2010 is planned.