“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”
Ephesians 6:12
Cuba
A quick update on what’s going on in Cuba, but first a little background. In 2004 Cuba prohibited the use of the U.S. dollar, and in its place created the CUC in which 1CUC = 1US dollar. All Cubans use the peso which has a significantly lower exchange rate (24 pesos =$1), and tourists and foreigners use the CUC. They rocked this along for many years until 2019 when Venezuela had issues with the dictator Maduro and Cuba got involved militarily, their economy tanked, and covid-19 made everything worse. Which bring us to today… We know that there has been a food shortage and a shortage of everyday necessities like, soap, detergent, toothpaste, medicines, etc… Now the government has set up “Dollar Stores,” but it’s not what you are thinking. These stores are full of supplies and food, but everything must be bought with a credit card backed by the US dollar. It’s a process to a collect stronger currency in order to purchase goods from abroad because obviously their currency has no value. SO, what does that mean for our friends and the Church? Well, it’s just another hardship. Unless you have relatives to send you money from the States, things are pretty bad. Now I’m sure some of this will trickle down to the black market, but prices will go up. The good news is we are in contact with people here who can get money to Cuba so that they (our friends) can get supplies. Thank you for giving and sacrificing in order that others may get the necessities they need.
Nepal
News from Sanjeep:
Please pray for Nepal. Over 1105 people committed suicide during lockdown in Nepal. One hundred thirty-one people died, and forty-eight missing in landslides caused by monsoon rains. Forty-two people died from Covid-19 in our country. – Sanjeep He also told us that the locust sweeping through the middle east have arrived in Pokhara, Nepal. Eating everything in sight. These disasters, whether it be natural, sickness, or oppression fall on the just and unjust alike. We weren’t promised safety, but we are promised that the Holy Spirit will be with us. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and His Kingdom, listening to and obeying the King and doing what He says…that’s how we are going to get through this.
For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14
Sudaharson's Story
I had to do quite a bit of searching, but I finally found it! In July 2010 I shared Sudharson’s story in a newsletter. When we saw this picture of him with some friends, I knew I needed to share it again. Such a story of redemption. You see, Jiwan was traveling through a village when he saw Sudharson, who at the time was about 18, tied to a tree. His family were staunch Buddhist, and Sudharson was demon possessed. They had tied him there everyday to keep him from hurting himself and others. Jiwan shared the Gospel with Sudharson’s family, but they rejected the Truth. Jiwan asked if he could pray for Sudharson, and the family agreed. After the demon was cast out, Sudharson became a believer. It took several more days for his family to follow, but eventually they all became followers of Jesus. Several years later, Jiwan offered Sudharson a teaching job at Grace Christian School. Today Sudharson follows Jesus teaching and preaching the Good News. We are blessed by his story and rejoice in the One who sets captives free!
Some Housekeeping...
If you would like to get a copy of the newsletter sent by email, please go to www.trecmud.com and sign up at the bottom of any page. Many of you have done that and it helps us out greatly. Giving is easy and safe online as well, and many of you are opting to do that, thanks! We also have a Venmo account, so if you use Venmo, you can give easily to @trec-international. Thank you for your support and love as we TREC in Nepal and Cuba. We are feeling a little hemmed in and hope to return to Nepal and Cuba soon. In the meantime, we are seeking the Kingdom right where we are.
