February was a wonderful month! The first Sunday of the month, I preached in a church in Havana City. Many decisions were made. Parents dedicated themselves and their children to live for the Lord! This church became independent just a few years ago. “And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.” (Acts 15:41)
On Monday morning, I went to the city of Cienfuegos to spend the day in the house-church there. They are only a few people, but they remain faithful to the Lord. “Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus [Jorge Molina], who is the firstfruits of Achaia [Cienfuegos] unto Christ.” (Romans 16:5)
Bro. Molina gave me wonderful news: Alexei Rico has become the new pastor of the Old Baptist Church in Cienfuegos. Alexei Rico graduated from my Bible institute in 2012, and afterwards, he became very involved in that church. The former pastor resigned, and the people of the church voted for Alexei to become their pastor.
I saw another door open to serve the Lord. I went to see Alexei! Needless to say, we made plans to work together. The following Saturday, we went to the town of Isabela de Sagua, a small town on the north coast of Villa Clara. This town was heavily damaged by the hurricane last year. We gathered 32 people in a home. We sang, I preached and gave the invitation, and 8 people trusted Christ as Saviour! Amen! Afterwards, since it is a maritime town, we had fish for lunch—I mean a lot of fish, Amen!
After lunch, we split. Pastor Alexei and company went back to Cienfuegos, and I went to Santa Clara, where I preached Sunday morning and night. The Lord spoke to hearts; parents were crying and praying for their lost children and for God’s wisdom for their little ones at home.
Monday morning I went to the city of Camaguey and spent the day there. I preached Wednesday night. People made decisions to be led from the unreal to the real.
Saturday morning, I went to the small town of Velasco, Holguin. It is a town an hour away from the great city of Holguin. I preached Sunday morning in the church there.
“And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.” (Acts 16:5)
March was a good month, because I went to a missions conference in Gainesville, Texas. Not only was the conference a challenge, but the Lord opened the door to present my ministry in other churches in the area. Four new churches decided to begin supporting our ministry. Glory to God! I also visited one of our long-time supporting churches, Iglesia Bautista Trinidad in Arlington, Texas.
Please continue to pray for:
1. God’s power to preach and win souls.
2. Our finances.
3. Our family’s spiritual lives.
In His service,
Ricardo Leyva
leyva4christ@hotmail.com or ricardo.leyva@fbmi.org
