Cuban Baptists need musical instruments for church plants

Cuban Baptists need musical instruments for church plants
May 16, 2012
By BARBARA DENMAN
Florida Baptist Convention

HAVANA, Cuba (FBC)—When was the last time you cleaned out your attic or
garage and found your kids' unused musical instrument—the one they had
to have for band classes but haven't touched in the past decade? Or
discovered that saxophone that you promised to pick up again—one day?

Rather than sending that eyesore to Goodwill with those outgrown
clothes, Cuban Baptists have found a way for you to put your unused
musical instruments to use in fulfilling God's will.

Cuban Baptists are collecting all kinds of musical
instruments—clarinets, trumpets, keyboards, string instruments,
saxophones, percussions, or anything musical at all—and accessories to
help them in the planting of new congregations across their nation.

Music has always played a key role in the life of Cubans. And when used
in churches to the glory of God, it can have a life-changing impact.

Baptists in that nation are in the midst of a revival, winning people to
Christ and planting thousands of new churches that meet in houses and
apartments. Worship through music is one of their main expressions of
their Christian faith in these house churches.

As they seek to help these new church plants grow and reach people, the
Western Cuba Baptist Convention has started 100 worship schools across
the nation and trained nearly a thousand students to lead worship music
in their congregations, said Ana Esther Rodriguez, who serves as the
WCBC music director.

Yet few churches have access to musical instruments to enhance these
worship experiences.

"The biggest problem is the lack of musical instruments, since it is
nearly impossible to buy them in our country," said Rodriguez. They have
the capability to repair the instruments, she said, but acquiring them
is difficult.

"The thing they need most are instruments," echoed missionary Dirce
Cooper, who serves with the International Mission Board, SBC, and
travels back and forth to the island country.

"Music is a way of life for all Cubans, involving nearly 20 percent of
the population. But music is especially critical in planting and
sustaining churches," she said.

"Their aim is to share the message of Christ through music, while also
encouraging musicians to use their gifts and talents for Christ."

The Cuban government has given Cuba Baptists permission to receive a
shipping container with musical instruments. What is needed now, though,
said Rodriguez, are instruments to fill the container.

The First Brazilian Baptist Church of South Florida is assisting the
Cubans in filling the containers and collecting donations of the
instruments. Mission pastor Mark Tetley is coordinating the effort and
will receive donated instruments until Dec. 31, 2012.

Instruments can be sent to Tetley at the church, located at 1103 NE 33rd
St., Pompano Beach FL 33064. He can be contacted at 954-781-3994.

The Miami Baptist Association is collecting financial donations to
defray the cost of the transporting the shipment. Persons interested in
helping should contact Natanael Vicens at 305-632-1866 or 305-271-5600.

TO HELP

Send Instruments to:
Mark Tetley
First Brazilian Baptist
Church of South Florida
1103 NE 33rd St.
Pompano Beach, FL 33064
Phone: 954-781-3994
If you would like to assist with the cost of shipping:

Natanael Vicens
Miami Baptist Association
305-632-1866 or
305-271-5600

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