Biloxi, Mississippi Team

Paul, along with a team from New Life Family Church, Biloxi, Mississippi, Pastor Jeremy Ulmer, and team leader Joseph Rivard helped put a roof on a church. The team worked hard putting on the roof in extreme heat. Power rationing resulted in nights without air-conditioning. The team and church workers played a baseball game together, having fun, and building relationships. It was a tie. Dinner was prepared in the dark one evening, due to power outages. It was served outside on top of the cistern.

Paul, Jerry, and pastors enjoying a meal together

On his recent trip, Paul was able to visit dozens of pastors and leaders in the Eastern Districts of Cuba. We were able to pray and encourage so many pastors. The pandemic has been a severe trial for the Cuban people. The church is growing as it reaches out with the truth of God’s Word. One pastor told me that seventy percent of his congregation are new believers who came to Christ during the last two years. I shared a message of hope with the Cubans to prepare for a time of great spiritual blessing.

Jerry, Pastor Pupo, and Paul

Paul, along with team leader Jerry Driggers, visited a number of projects both large and small that have been paralyzed for lack of funds or shortages of materials. Items are beginning to appear little by little. Cement and steel are especially expensive. We are getting ready to start up construction again in several places. With the notice that Cuba will no longer require proof of vaccination or negative covid test to enter the country, teams are now scheduling to go back. This fall several teams are already committed to going and helping build while ministering and encouraging the churches.

Paul with the local pastor in front of the church

       

Inside a local church construction

Beautiful antique car

     

 

 

 

COVID19

Our devotions were out of Jeremiah 15:15-21 (ESV).  As I was reading this scripture, studying it, and thinking about it, I mentioned to my husband Paul that I felt the Holy Spirit was speaking directly to me.  In verse 18, Jeremiah speaks so honestly and directly to the Lord.  I was taken back by his words to God.  He said, “Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?  Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail?”  He was asking God during a dark and depressed moment if he could trust Him.  He told God that he felt like He had failed him, and left him.  If I were to be honest, I was feeling the same way that day, but too afraid to say anything to God, because it sounded so disrespectful.  God knows our thoughts and what is in our hearts.  I know that to be true, yet hesitate to be fully honest sometimes.  Tears began to stream down my cheeks as I realized God would not fall off his throne if I were honest about how I felt about the COVID19 Pandemic. Healing and restoration began, as I was honest with God.  I asked Him to restore me and to forgive me for feeling abandoned.  God speaks to his prophet Jeremiah in the next verse.   Jeremiah 15:19 (ESV).   The Lord says to him, “If you return, I will restore you and you shall stand before me.”  He did not say to Jeremiah, “Don’t bother to come back again with that attitude,” but gently and firmly said, “Come back, I will fix you.”  I surrendered my feelings to Jesus during that morning devotional and He did restore me.  A wonderful sense of well-being flooded my being.  COVID19 is still going on, and we still have daily struggles, battles, and sad feelings, but God is true to His word, “Come back, I will fix you.”  I will need to keep coming back to be fixed inside as this trial continues.  Our Jesus is the well of Living Water that will never run dry!

New Life Church, Kearney, NE

 





We are grateful and thankful for the team from New Life Church in Kearney, NE that partnered with us to work on the Puerta del Cielo (Door to Heaven) AG church in Guaimaro.

 

The Kearney team, alongside the members of the church poured the roof, prayed for safety, served food, and did general construction work. The concrete was passed by hand up a human line in buckets.  Paul, along with the team enjoyed a time of fellowship with the Pastors in Antilla for a meal.

Preparing the roof for concrete pour by hand

Pouring roof by hand

Team with Pastors and Paul
 

Enjoying a wonderful meal with Pastors in Antilla

 



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!

Grace Assembly of God, New Whiteland, IN

New Whiteland Team, Team leader Dr. Stacy Johnson with missionary Paul J. Duda

In March a  construction team from  Grace Assembly of God in New Whiteland, IN, lead Pastor Wayne Murray traveled to Cuba.  Team leader Dr. Stacy Johnson led a wonderful group of hard-working people who tackled some of the finishing touches on the church in Antilla.  We are so appreciative of them and all they did while there.  Also a big thanks to their families who held down the home front.

Outside of Antilla Church

The church in Antilla will be dedicated in late September of 2017.  Please keep in mind that your visa needs to be completed 100 days prior to the dedication date.  Paul will have all the information you need to make your plans.

 

Inside of Antilla Church

 

 

December News 2016

Paul and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

 Paul on horseback  -

Photo by Rich Taschek

Paul recently visited Cuba to do Hurricane Matthew damage assessment.  When he was a boy growing up in New Hampshire and Connecticut, his Mother Nancy being an avid horse lover bought him a pony and taught him to ride.  When he was in his teen years, he showed his Mom’s Arabian horse in the All Arabian Show in Springfield, MA.  In Cuba Paul went by horseback into some of the remote areas.  He crossed rivers and climbed steep cliffs on a horse.  It was a good thing he was an experienced rider, something his Mom made sure he learned many years ago.  God uses all things for His glory. 

Paul packing buckets donated by

Home Depot to be used

for water purification

During the first week of December two containers are being packed with roofing and building materials bound for Cuba’s eastern point for Hurricane Matthew recovery.  Containers have to be shipped to meet the Cuban Government’s deadline and we are still endeavoring to raise the funds.  Please help!  If you would like to make a year-end contribution to missions, please send funds to AGWM  Recovery Account 410947-8 (60-Cuba), 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO  65802.

Paul and Rich setting up water filters

for those in need after Hurricane Matthew

First AG, Palatka, FL Construction Team

Paul along with a wonderfully talented construction team from First AG in Palatka, FL worked on church projects in Antilla.  Senior Pastor Ted Stackpole led the team throughout the week with Paul.  We are truly indebted to them as they worked tirelessly all week.

 

First AG, Palatka, FL Construction Team, Antilla

The senior's program is going strong.  Those that the AG church in Guardalavaca help receive meals, necessities, and fellowship.  This program provides help to shut-ins, widows, and seniors in the community.

 

Paul with Pastor Jose and Mrs. Pupo, along with those that receive assistance

through the Guardalavaca AG church senior's program 





 

Prayer, Generosity, and Thankfulness

 

Lately I find myself discouraged by the things I see happening in my country and around the world.  Evil is on the increase and one cannot turn on the news without being shocked at how deeply in trouble our world is in.   I hear other Christian believers wishing for the return of Jesus Christ to right all wrongs, myself included.  What does one do in the meantime?   "And He called ten servants of His, and delivered them ten pounds, and said to them," 'Occupy till I come.'  Luke 19:13 WBT.  Jesus' instructions to us are still relevant today.  Jesus gave His servants resources (ten pounds - symbolic) to occupy till He comes. 

 

What are just a few of these resources?  "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds."  2 Corinthians 10:4. KJV.   Daily prayer asking for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven is a resource. There are evil strongholds in the lives of those who have their hearts set against God, and it can only be taken down through diligent faithful prayers.  "Let your gentleness be known to all men, the Lord is at hand.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:5-7 NKJV

 

"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."  (John Bunyan).  Being generous with others brings its own reward.  It nourishes our soul and brings our level of humanity up a notch.  Having a generous spirit envelopes many facets of life.  A simple smile can change another person's life.  With so many texting, distracted, and looking at gadgets, human eye contact with genuine care can make the difference for a person.  I know it does for me when someone takes the time to be truly nice to me.  Not always getting your own way, or proving your point, or letting that person know verbally they have made a mistake, but returning with a generous and forgiving spirit, is a gift to others and may be a conduit allowing them the freedom from having a major grouch on for the rest of the day.  Generosity from us will lift others up, but in the process we are lifted up.  And for the goal of the Christian, Christ's cause is lifted up.  Jesus was so generous with us and remains so.  We don't always get what we deserve for our actions.  Jesus died in our spot on the cross for our sins.  John 3:16.  What an awesome generous spirit Jesus has!

 

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV.  What a wonderful resource for the believer.  No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, it is a sacrifice of praise to God for us to be thankful to Him, not for the evil, but for the fact He is with us and will help us.  Sometimes He gives us grace to go through something we thought we would never be able to stand up under.  Sometimes we have to establish boundaries against evil.  Sometimes He changes the circumstances.  The constant for us in everything that we go through is an attitude of thankfulness.  

 

So while I am deeply concerned about the increase of evil that I see and how it makes for such suffering and pain in our lives, I will continue to pray, be generous with others, and be thankful to God.  I will be thankful for the day's grace, strength received, inner joy experienced, and the help from Jesus to make it through.  These are a few of the resources (ten pounds) Jesus has given me.  ~~Lana R. Duda~~

 

 

Merry Christmas

    

The construction team from Marlton, NJ AG did a great job working on a church in the islands.  We are appreciative to Lead Pastor Jon Wegner and Team Leader Rich Tascheck, along with team members for their labor of love.  Thanks to the families who supported them and kept the home fires burning so to speak while they were away!

Marlton AG Team with Paul in Antilla

Lead Pastors Rebeca and Jose receiving an award

AG Church Guardalavaca

     Paul preached the dedication of the AG church in Guardalavaca.  Lead Pastors Jose and Rebeca had a wonderful meal before the dedication and then a great service planned to dedicate the building.  The church expressed thankfulness for all who helped in the construction of the church property.

Lead Pastors Jose and Rebeca with Lana and Paul

Paul and I wish you and yours a very

 MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Evangel Temple, Jacksonville, FL Construction Team

We are so happy to be back working on the church in Antilla and with other projects.  A huge thank you to  Evangel Temple Construction Team, Lead Pastor Garry Wiggins, Team leader Jordan Wiggins, Jacksonville, FL for helping work on the church in Antilla in October, 2015.  The church dedication is being planned for June 2016. 

Evangel Temple Construction Team with Antilla Church Members

 The team laid about 4,500 bricks on several projects during the week.  We appreciate their labor of love.  They are talented and hard-working. 

James and the magic of brick laying - He worked hard all week, thanks!

We just finished a year of itineration visiting many of you and wishing we could have been able to see everyone.  We were treated so kindly and enjoyed seafood on the East Coast, great Tex-Mex in Texas, Indiana home cooking, Pennsylvania Dutch, and New York Italian food, Yum….We have been given a grace period to finish raising our funds through emails, contacts, and calls.  Many of you mentioned sending a little extra cash with your regular support or raising your monthly pledge to help us finish fund raising.  We appreciate you very much!

International Christian Center, Staten Island, NY Construction Team

The construction team from International Christian Center, Staten Island, NY, Lead Pastor Ron Squibb were a tremendous blessing both in construction and in ministry as they worked on the church in Antilla, Cuba in September.  Thank you Pastor Ron Squibb for sending the team, thank you Pastor Richie Cruz (who led the team), and thank you team members.  Pictured below is Missionary Paul with ICC Construction Team, Antilla Church Pastor Jose Daniel Martinez (next to Paul in yellow t-shirt in second row standing) and brothers from Antilla Church.  You can see in the front the church has windows and progress is being made with the goal for 2016 church dedication. Thank you to the many teams who have helped us with the Antilla Project.



International Christian Center Construction Team

Finishing the Itineration Fund Raising

We are currently finishing up with Itineration.  Thank you to our supporters and friends who have helped us in so many ways, your prayers, your giving, and your encouragement.

We are due back to the Islands September 1, 2015.  We have a team scheduled to work in construction on the Antilla Project. 

Today we received a report that we are lacking the following in funds.  If you can help, please send in a one time cash offering or sign up for a monthly pledge to help us finish.  Thank you in advance.

New England Adventure 2015 - Campgrounds Open up Please!!!!

We are itinerating (where the missionaries visit their partners in missions and share about the work) visiting our supporters in the Northeast.  We travel with a fifth wheel RV and usually park at a church.  Some churches have a place to dump the RV holding tanks before leaving onto the next place and others do not. We usually find a campground close to where we are to empty our tanks every four days.  We will be in NH next week and a campground where we had planned to visit (usually open mid April) is closed due to the hard winter New England experienced.  We are on an adventure to find someplace to dump until they open up May 1.  Nothing is too big or too small to ask help from the Lord; I am sure we will find a place somewhere...

 

 

 

We are so encouraged by the generosity of our partners.  We started our journey last September 2014 needing to raise $1,076 in monthly pledges and $16,000 in cash. Since January 2015 we have raised an additional $224 more monthly and $7,000 in cash total.  Thank you for your help.  The chart below reflects what we have left to raise before our September 1, 2015 deadline.  It warmed our hearts that a retired group of Christians joined together and sent in a $20 a month pledge recently.  May God bless them and you.

 

 

The chart reflects $726 left in monthly pledges broken down in giving formats, and $9,000 in cash to raise.  We are grateful!  Feel free to top the largest pledge, we accept any amounts, or go below the lowest.

 

 

Happy New Year 2015

     We are currently traveling for a year of itineration visiting our supporters.  We enjoyed our time in Northern New England this past fall and got to see many of you.  Thankfully when the lake affect snow (7 feet in Buffalo) hit New York State, we were settled at the church in Syracuse, NY with only 4 inches until I90 opened up and we were able to get south in our fifth wheel.

     We hope 2015 is a year of refreshing, renewal, and blessings!Thanks for your support!  Happy New Year!

James River Church Construction Team

James River Church Construction Team

In August 2014 James River Church in Ozark, MO sent a construction team to help work on the Antilla Church Project.  We appreciate their help and labor in the heat in August.  They poured floors and worked on the church.  The last day they enjoyed a pig roast with the brethren.   



Working up high
 

Thank you to the JRC leadership and mission's team and Tracy Peterson (JRC Team Leader) for your generosity and for blessing the Antilla Church Project.

JRC Construction Team