Traveling in countries like China and Cuba, the work of WorldServe is easy to identify as it’s seen in the faces of believers glowing with the joy of Christ. The light that radiates from these fellow Christians is a literal beacon that shines in the midst of poverty, disease, and oppression. And it’s a light – a hope – that is attracting hundreds of thousands of people to a saving faith in Jesus Christ! Especially during the Christmas season, it means so much to see the gift of Christ come alive in these precious people.

As I travel among the churches, I’m overjoyed to see hundreds – even thousands – of new converts joining local churches in regions throughout Cuba and China. Recently I was in Cuba and witnessed the explosion of growth that has taken place in the church since WorldServe began partnering with local church leaders. In one denomination alone, they had 12,000 members in 1989. Today, they have more than 260,000 members and continue to grow exponentially! 

Although this growth is remarkable, it’s the individual lives being transformed that show the power of God’s work through WorldServe. This Christmas, I’m thinking of a Cuban soldier who was sent to Angola. In Cuba, soldiers serving in Angola have a negative reputation as many become infected with HIV/AIDS while deployed. But this young man became a Christian while serving his country. I like to say he became infected with the love of Christ! He has since returned to Cuba and is now serving as a pastor, sharing the infectious love of Jesus with many.

This pastor is just one of hundreds waiting for a friend like you to partner with him through WorldServe’s Adopt-A-Pastor program. Like many pastors, he’s eager for your gift of prayer and encouragement – eager for the training and resources your monthly sponsorship makes possible. I’m praying you’ll use the link below and choose to partner with a pastor in Cuba or China, helping him share the love of Christ with many this Christmas… and all year long!

As we in North America are surrounded by the commercialism of this season, I hope you’ll remember the untold thousands of brothers and sisters in China and Cuba who are also celebrating Christmas. I pray through the power of God’s Spirit that all of us are filled with joy that comes not from presents and parties, but from the birth of a Savior in our own hearts and lives. God richly bless you with the hope of Christ this Christmas!

For Him and For Them,    

Ted

To begin sponsoring a pastor from Cuba or China, click here.

Your partnership with WorldServe gives the gift of Christ this Christmas...and all year long!