Vigía

Our trip to this area of the country was exciting to say the least. It took us 6 hours to cover 300 kilometers (180 miles). Our trip included two flat tires and clearing 2 police checkpoints. We traveled along the main highway at speeds of from 2 kilometers to 122 kilometers per hour (71 mph). The road was covered with bikes, horse-drawn carts, horses, cars and trucks loaded with people walking on both sides of the road asking for a lift. When we arrived in Camagüey we were greeted by three water tanks that said (▼ left) in Spanish, "Jesus Loves You." We were comforted by this and the fact that the city was also known as, "The City of Churches." We did made some new friends at the tire shop. The road service, tire removal, trip to the shop, and two tire repairs, cost us only ten dollars!

We arrived at this small rural church (►) (where ours was the only car present) to find the church was completely full. And then a horse-drawn carriage (▼) and a bus (below, right) loaded with children arrived and it seemed evangelist Jim Landelius welcomed each one with a hug. Pastor Jim told us that he has about 300 visitors nightly & about 130 of them are children. Because of his size, my wife Sue, commented that he reminded her of a big cuddly teddy bear. It was a heart warming sight !

	Jim also conducted part of the children's program (◄). It was amazing to watch as he kept 130 kids spellbound telling his story of the time he broke his arm! The sign (▼) welcomed all, adults and children, to attend the meetings every night.
We were told an interesting story. One was of a woman who has been attending every night. She is a communist and is very interested in the messages she has been hearing. She invited Pastor Jim to her home this week for lemonade. He also gave a New Testament to a young girl in the community. He later met the Father who was a devout communist who graciously thanked him for the gift to his daughter.
	The story is told to us by Yoneisy Fernandez (◄). "My husband, Luis, was the first one to visit this church. When I went I did not like it. However, I was happy he liked the church because he had some emotional problems and could not sleep well. After his baptism in February of 2001 he improved and was able to sleep much better. I was still not attending church. One day Luis invited me to go to church with him. He wanted the members to know me and for me to meet them so I could see they were good people so I went with him once in awhile. I began to take Bible studies, and thought of giving up jewelry decided against it since I thought my husband wanted me to wear it. When I saw Luis didn't want me to wear it I took it off. About that time I gave my heart to Jesus. Since then everything has been better, including my marriage and I will be baptized on February 2, 2002."
This gentleman (►) delivered some people to the church and then stayed parked outside the front door for the whole service
Comments from Pastor Jim Landelius: Dear Friend in Jesus, Thank you for taking the time to view the report of the campaign that I was privileged to be a part of. The pictures that you have seen only tell a small part of the awesome workings of God in Camaguey, Cuba. My faith has been strengthened by the things that I witnessed and experienced there. The people are warm and open to receive God's message of hope for this world. And I've been told that all across the world, the experience is the same. My eyes have been opened to the great work that the Lord is doing around the world. If you are contemplating on going on one of Elder Folkenberg's mission trips, I encourage you to go for it. Whether you would like to conduct a meeting or help with one, don't be timid. The same God who parted the Red Sea still helps His people. The Bible says that with faith like a grain of mustard seed, we can move mountains. Friend, this isn't moving mountains, it is about going and telling the good news that Jesus saves and is coming again. Think about it, pray about it, and then if you feel like the Spirit is calling, MOVE FORWARD. There are few things more exciting than knowing that you have helped someone meet Jesus. I'll warn you, it is difficult to say good-bye. You will form relationships that you will treasure. But here's the best part. Good-bye is not forever. The relationships that you form can be renewed and will last forever. If you would like further information about my time in Cuba or just want to talk to someone who has gone. My e-mail is His_Servant_JL AT MSN.Com I would love to hear from you. I pray the Lord will bless and guide you as you consider going as a missionary. Pastor Jim Landelius