The Garden of God Church

"El Jardin de Dios” The Garden of God House Church in Cuba has experienced both hardship and blessing.  Pastors Eddy and Miriela have labored fervently against all opposition to establish an Assemblies of God Church.  Miriela, a widow, lost her first husband to a heart attack two years after they started El Jardin Church as a home bible study in the community.  Miriela refused to give up being left with two children to raise and continued to pastor her small group for several years.  Five years ago the Lord brought a wonderful man into Miriela’s life, a pastor named Eddy.  They were married and continued to pastor together in the small community winning friends and neighbors to Christ.    While making steady progress toward establishing a church of 25, Miriela and her new husband were blessed with a child.  At seven months old this baby died in her arms and left the couple devastated, yet convinced more than ever that God would see them through.   

 

Pastors Eddy and Miriela with daughter

Despite incredible obstacles Pastor Eddy and Miriela are faith filled and joyful serving the Lord, as the church continues to grow.  Pastor Eddy played and Miriela sing a song that came directly from the Scripture in Habakkuk 3:17-19.  "Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.   The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills."

 

 

 

Christ Breaks the Chains Church Dedication

Christ Breaks the Chains Assembly of God Church, Cristo Rompe Las Cadenas AD

September 30, 2017 found over 1,000 people in attendance for the dedication of the newly completed church, Christ Breaks the Chains Assembly of God in Antilla.  Over 300 people stood outside in the street to be part of the celebration.

Christ Breaks the Chain Sunday Service

We are grateful to all the teams, too many to mention, that helped with this building project.  The first team that laid the foundation was led by Pastor Jack and Kay Stepp, Former Lead Pastors of South Hills Assembly of God, Bethel Park, PA, .  They were able to be with us for the dedication and see it all completed.

Paul and Lana Duda, along with Kay and Jack Stepp, Bethel Park, PA 

It takes a team effort to complete a task.  Lead Pastors Belkis and Jose Martinez were faithful and diligent pastoring the congregation and being part of a huge building project that had many obstacles to overcome.  They along with the congregation prayed faithfully, sometimes having all night prayer meetings.  The congregation of Christ Breaks the Chains were hospitable to all of the teams, making a huge pig roast for them and practicing their English conversing with team members.  We cannot forget those family members in the United States who stayed home, (usually something broke somewhere or emergencies arose), holding down the home front while the loved one was away working on the church.  Their diligence, prayers, and support helped too.

Paul and Lana Duda, Pastors Belkis and Jose Daniel Martinez

We rejoice with Christ Breaks the Chains Assembly of God Church.

Christ Breaks the Chains Church - Front of Church

Thanks to everyone who made it happen!