Santiago de las Vegas

The evangelistic series began Sabbath morning with a packed church (►). People had to stand outside and peer through barred windows to listen to the prophecies of Daniel 2. The sermon graphics were projected onto a bed sheet thrown over a piece of wood.
	Gladys Lincoln's (◄) message was presented to the congregation with the help of an interpreter, a former Adventist, who attended with his wife and two small children. It was evident that he was very familiar with the prophecies of Daniel. We pray that one stories from this church will unfold in the life of this interpreter and his family.
The other vital member of the evangelistic team is Pastor Ezequiel Paneque Ancheta (►) who, with his wife, opened their home to Sis. Lincoln. Prior to the service, the some of the ladies conducted an interesting program. One of the ladies has been very active in organizing a "Foco de Luz" (a home church). She started a program called "passing the light" in which she challenged other ladies for form a home church. As a result six ladies each started a new home church. At this service she, with a torch in her hand, walked to the front, and called six other ladies to join her. They then each grasped the base of the torch and, as a group, handed it to the pastor.
	Another remarkable story is that of Raquel Garcia (◄ with Raisel), the mother Rasiel Garcia (the Halstead's driver). She and her granddaughter travel 6 km (3.6 miles) every night one way to the evangelistic meetings and to church on Sabbath either walking or "hitching a ride" with a passing vehicle.
At the invitation of the pastor we were invited to stay for the Sabbath fellowship lunch. The meal is provided once a month by the church members to all the members and guests. It consisted of rice, beans, plantains, best summed up as a delicious plate-full of food, served by the ladies of the church. Every stayed to enjoy the meal and waited to be served. And, as you can see by the picture (►), everyone brought his/her own dishes
Comments from Gladys Lincoln: Dear Cuba, you have indeed become very personalized to me. After having visited your lovely tropical paradise, I not only have a new appreciation for the reality of your country, but also for you as a people. My fascination with your country ran the gamut from the architect, which was grand, to the tropical greenery, that was lovely, to the modes of transportation, from the very old vintage cars to the surreys and wagons and anything else that would run and get you somewhere, which in many cases was very creative. I am sure your delightful sense of humor and creativity has helped see you through many a timely and unique moment in your life. But as exciting as all of that was, the friendliness and love shown by the people I had the good fortune to associate with, created a very special place in my heart. And that place in my heart was filled with your very special touch of love. So to all of the people of Havana, Cuba and most especially to the people of "Santiago de las Vegas," we must meet again in heaven. "Los amo. Que Dios los bendiga a todos y que el Seňor los amcompaňe." Gladys