Cuba
from page B5
their lodging and presented
the week's agenda.
Visiting President of
Cuba National Churches
The first visit was with
Rev. Maykel B&ez Bruffau,
Pastor Iglesia Bautist "El
Jordan". Pastor Maykel
Fraternidad de Iglesias
Bautistas' de Cuba
(President of Cuba
National Churches) carried
us to Guanabacoa, La
Habana, Cuba to visit his
office and conference cen
ter where people come
daily to learn about the
gospel of Christ.
After an engaging
roundtable discussion
about the state of affairs of
the Cuban churches, their
outreach ministry in the
inner city and urban area,
he eagerly shared his future
plans for improvements to
his conference center start
ing with the newly replaced
water barrels holding the
water for the facility.
The water for drinking
in Cuba presents great con
cern, generally attributed to
the plastic used in their pip
ing and possible lead con
tamination. Therefore,
Pastor Mayel was over
joyed to share pictures
showing new future
designs for living quarters
and to show the new water
filtration system installed
on the property. His heart's
desire is to have a confer
ence center that is con
ducive to the growth of his
teaching and preaching of
the gospel, and churches
worldwide become more
ecumenical. He said: "I
want to teach the people the
true gospel of Jesus
Christ."
Martin Luther King
Center
The delegation then
visited the Martin Luther
King Center. The center is
a macro ecumenical associ
ation of Christian inspira
tion. Since April 25, 1987,
it has nurtured the ethics of
liberation.
The foundation is based
upon popular education
and a critical liberating,
and contextualized theolo
gy. Paulo Freire led the dis
cussions about the center's
five major programs:
Socio-theological and
Pastoral Reflection and
Training, Popular
Education and
Accompaniment to Local
Experiences, Solidarity,
Sustainability and
Organization
Development, and Popular
Communication.
"We left the center
filled with pride because
not only was Dr. King's
ideology advocating the
rights of all human beings
to live a full life, without
exclusion or discrimina
tions, and in harmony with
nature still making a differ
ence in America, but Dr.
King was right: 'Love is
the only force capable of
transforming an enemy into
a friend,'" Rev. Williams
said.
Next the delegation vis
ited La Margarita and the
church of Pastor Zenaida.
In the sanctuary
After dinner the delega
tion entered the sanctuary
filled to capacity and over
flowing to the outside with
members anticipating the
evening message rendered
by the Rev. Dr. Gloria L.
Thomas and music by the
Rev. Dr. Lamonte
Williams. There was a spir
ited praise and worship
service already in progress.
There were songs of praise,
faith, and trust in our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ.
The evening message
was titled, "Someone
Needs to See Your Faith in
Action." The text was
found in Mark 2:1-12. The
sermon embraced the pos
sibility of the embargo
being lifted and normaliza
tion affecting the political,
social, and economical
structures in Cuba ... in
this context meaning that
they would be able to con
duct business openly in the
world including the United
States and dialogue with
their country's decision
makers concerning the
operation and growth of the
churches. They were
reminded that this could
possibly mean more
growth in the churches or a
decline in church atten
dance.
However, the text was
used to remind them that
like minds, hearts that
desire to follow through on
the true mission (teaching
and 'preaching about the
love of Christ and God's
salvation through Him for
the world) operating in
God's word, and having the
same motivation to succeed
is a formula destined for
success. Nothing could
stop them - not pride, cul
ture, or people - nothing
could stop them from
reaching their goal of
bringing lost souls into the
presence of Jesus. Jesus the
great physician is not will
ing that anyone should per
ish.
Pastors Zenaida and
Santiago assured Dr.
Thomas that this was a
timely message appreciated
and received by the church.
Dr. Williams used the
moment to emphasize the
connection of the African
American Old Negro
Spiritual and Hymns to the
struggle of liberation. He
used songs like "Oh, Oh,
Fix Me" as a moment of
critical reflection on how
change is possible if The
delegation only believe.
Also, songs like " Oh,
Freedom Over Me" were
used to educate the Cubans
of the tenacity the Africans
embodied on toward racial
injustice and oppression. A
brief homily was given
before each song to demon
strate that the hymns and
negro spirituals were the
language of the historical
African-American Church.
Dr. Williams also incor
porated some modem con
temporary songs showing
the changes in the music
genre of the African
American Church through
out its inception.
Songs like "Come on
and Bless the Lord with
me" integrated with the tra
ditional Hymn "How Great
Thou Art" were received
with great inspiration. The
Baptist Organization made
the request for Dr. Williams
and a delegation to return
to do a weeklong music
workshop to further their
education on the African
American tradition of
music.
Anniversary
celebration
Next the delegation vis
ited Pastor Mayel's church,
celebrating its 48th
anniversary of sharing
(Capacitandonos y
Mostrando el Mensaji del
Reino) unity in the church.
They experienced a concert
of African and Cuban
songs under the direction
of Rev. Dr. Lamonte
Williams.
That night, Dr.
Williams played and taught
words to the receptive con
gregation to some old
African spirituals like "Fix
Me Lord, Fix Me" and
"Hallelujah." The music
ministry assisted in trans
lating the songs to Spanish
and the spirit moved Dr.
Williams to sing inter
changeably from Spanish
to English on the songs.
Still feeling the high
energy and excitement
inspired earlier by
President Obama's visit to
Havana, the Ministerial
Delegation visited the U.S.
Embassy.
"We were greeted by
American Security Officers
working there and found
them to be very friendly
while ? maintaining an
atmosphere of very strict
security," said Dr.
Williams.
The delegation was
advised to make an
appointment to visit the
embassy. However, the del
egation was permitted to
take photos outside the
gate.
The delegation was also
informed that U.S. citizens
(not on a religious visa) are
encouraged to contact and
register with the American
Citizens Services (ACS) to
obtain updated information
on travel and security with
in the country.
Not the Cuba
envisioned
The delegation left
Cuba realizing that it was
not the Cuba members had
envisioned, rather it was
more progressive than they
had thought. There were
several different modes of
transportation around the
city: old cars from the 50's
used for taxis (most in need
of repair), buses some dou
ble decked, carts driven by
bicycle and horse. Many of
the young people had cell
phones (wore the clothes
and hair styles "rocked" by
the youth in America), and
the hotels had direct
Internet allowing people to
send and receive emails.
Some of the restaurants
offered menus including
lobster, salmon, spaghetti,
and meatballs, hamburgers,
French fries, and or other
varieties of food that
Americans are familiar
with.
Dr. Williams said:
"The money was a sur
prise when we learned thai
the CUC money has a
slightly higher value thai
our American money.
"Moreover, we realized
that the people were very
loving and respectful of
Americans, and our
President Barack Obama
People in the churches are
committed to serving the
God of love and preaching
the true gospel.
"On the day we left
they wanted us to bring you
this message: 'We have the
same Holy Spirit and we
serve the same God in
Cuba that you worship
there in your churches in
America."'
Dr. Williams, second
vice president of the
Ministers' Conference of
Winston Salem and
Vicinity, was a delegate for
the Ministers' Conference.
Another goal of the trip
was to establish a religious
partnership with the
Ministers' Conference.
There is mutual agree
ment between the U.S. and
Cuban religious organiza
tions that there is a need for
a religious partnership.
Furthermore, there was
inspiring collaborative dia
logue from Dr. Williams
and the Cuban Pastors for
partnerships with the
United Holy Church of
America Inc. Future meet
ings are underway for a
week long revival in Cuba.
The Prophetic Social
Justice mission Trip was
successful and met the
objective to bring social
transformation in the lives
of the Cubans.
More information, pic
tures, and dialogue can be
obtained by contacting the
Rev. Dr. Lamonte Williams
via email at
revklwms@hotmaiUom or
336-528-4570.
Ptao by Timothy Ramsey
Rev. Leach gives sermon during service
Installation
from page 85
churches more often and
get a feel for the communi
ty. Horton said she wants
to get to know the people
she is here to serve.
A committee of nurses,
physicians and clergy
chose Horton to succeed
Rev. Dr. Lee Dukes, who
recently retired after 35
years of ministry.
"It was a beautiful day
and I'm even more aware of
how blessed I am," said
Horton. "Seeing all of my
friends and colleagues
from Lexington and
Winston, I feel covered by
God's grace. When people
cooperate with you it's like
an extra bonus. I'm grateful
to have such supportive
people around me."
Horton. was showered
with kind words and well
wishes throughput the serv
ice. Representatives from
the Ministers' Conference
of Winston Salem and
Vicinity, the Lexington
Community Minister's
Conference, co-workers
from Wake Forest Baptist
Health, and members from
her home church, New
Bethel Baptist, came to
support Horton.
"She is the embodiment
of love and love does not
face any barriers. She is the
ultimate bridge builder and
whether it's within the hos
pital or within the commu
nity, her love will transcend
all boundaries and make
that network of caring hap
pen," said Jeremy Moseley,
Director of FaithHealth
Community at Wake Forest
Baptist Health-Winston.
Rev. Dr. Dennis Leach,
Sr. of Morning Star
Missionary Baptist Church
in Winston-Salem deliv
ered the sermon focusing
on the partnership of wor
ship and work and how
they are closely related.
Leach said "It's a mar
velous opportunity for her
to touch the lives of people
who are hurting and sick.
The doctors are there but
oftentimes people need a
minster there to share inspi
ration and just listen."
When it was time for
Horton to speak, she
expressed her gratitude for
everyone in attendance for
their support throughout
the process. She said it was
an "honor and a privilege"
to work with her colleagues
from the hospital each and
every day. Horton gave a
special thanks to adminis
trative assistant Kathy
James, whom she called a
"gift from God" for all of
her assistance.
When asked about
Horton, James said, "She is
great and I knew from the
beginning she was great.
She has such a kind soul
and a big soul, I know she
will do excellent."
"It makes me feel very
good on the inside and out
side," said Horton's hus
band, George. "It also
makes me feel a little nerv
ous because my wife is
going on a new journey and
for a husband you can't
help but worry about your
wife as she moves on in
life. With God's help and
with everyone's prayers,
she will do well."
Lesson
from page 55
such is the kingdom of God." This is not
to say that the kingdom is full of children,
but of those who respond to Him with the
kind of trust children give good parents.
Simple childlike faith is what will help get
us into heaven. After rebuking the disci
ples, Jesus took kids in His lap and blessed
them. Jesus' concern for the children indi
cates' God's concern for all people. Our
mission, as Christians, is to people of all
walks of life.
A certain ruler, a certain man, a certain
woman ... these certain people are of little
consequence in identity, they could be you
or me, but the question, the action, or the
desired outcome surrounding them is what
is significant. The "question" here starts
with flattery, "Good Master" and then
identifies what is wanted: "what shall I do
to inherit eternal lifeT(Luke 18:18). Of
course Jesus is not flattered and does not
answer the man directly. He indirectly
points out the man's lack of preparedness
to receive, knowing that the man thinks
himself completely ready. He acknowl
edges to Jesus' reference to the command
ments that he follows them all. Jesus says
good, here's what's left then for you to do.
Relive yourself of your treasure here on
earth and help the needy. By so doing you
will gain treasure in heaven and be free of
the weight associated with earthly treas
ures and you may follow me (Luke 18:22).
Wealth can be, it doesn't have to be, but it
can be a hindrance or a danger to its pos
sessor. "Christ was not teaching that it is
difficult for one who trusts in riches to
enter the kingdom. He was showing that it
was utterly impossible." (Pentecost, The
Words and Works of Jesus Christ,
Zondervan)
Who then can be saved? Don't try to
figure it out... God has already worked it
out (Luke 18:27).
For Your Consideration: Why was
Jesus eager to bless the children? What
does it mean to be a child of God?
Life's Application: We tend to com
plicate life sometimes by over thinking.
Simply put, "When we trust in the son, we
are reconciled to the father (see Romans
5:10-11; 2Corinthians 5:18-21). We need
to free our minds and lose ourselves in
Him. We can then approach God with
eagerness and sincerity. Just as trusting
children approach their parents.
Rel. Calendar
from page B$~~ ~~ ~~
anniversary celebration will include a his
torical photography and artifacts display
from 1871 through 2016 on Saturday, May
21 from 10 am. until noon. Anniversary
Day is casual attire. A cookout luncheon
and a Ministry Fair concludes the celebra
tion. Pastor Jenkins, Anniversary
Chairperson Sheila Robinson, the
Anniversary Committee and the St. Paul
Church family invite you to join them for
this historic celebration. For additional
information, please contact: Sheila
Robinson, Anniversary Chair via the
church at 336-723-4531.
May 22
I Initial sermon
On Sunday, May 22 at 4:30 pm.,
^^?peaia W. Gilliard will preach her
initial sermon at New Life Community
Church Ministries located at 390
^Parkwood Avenue. The public is cordially
invited to attend. The host pastor is Rev.
Anthony E. Johnson. Sr.
May 22
All-musk service
At the Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship of Winston-Salem, 4055
Robinhood Road, the UU choir, directed
by Mignon Dobbins, will present
"Yearning to Breathe Free," its annual all
music service, at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday,
May 22. Early services will resume after
Labor Day. At the 9 a.m. Forum, John
Cavello will review the book "How the
Other Half Banks: Exclusion, Exploitation
and the Threat to Democracy." by Mehrsa
Baradaran. More information visit
www.uufws.org.
May 22
Choir anniversary
New Birth Worship Center, 1033
Newbiith Drive, East Bend, invites every- .
one to join them on Sunday. May 22 at
3:^0 p.m. to celebrate the Youth Choir's
19th anniversary. The guest cheirs are Mt.
Olive Baptist Church Youth Choir,
Winston Salem, and Tabernacle United
Church of Christ, Yadkinville. Dr. James
L?. Hunt is the pastor. For additional
information, please call 336-699-3583 or
visit wwwnewbixthworshipcenter.org.
May 22
Pastor appreciation service
St. James A.M.E. Church will celebrate
the seventh anniversary of the Rev. Dr.
Steven L. Lyons on May 22 during the 10
a.m. worship service. Dr. Lyons was
appointed the Pastor of St. James in 2009
at the 116th Session of the Western North
Carolina Annual Conference of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church. The preacher
for the occasion is the Rev. Herman L.
Gladney, senior pastor of Emmanuel
AMf. Church, Fredericksburg, Virginia.
The public is invited to attend. St. James is
at the'corner of Patterson Avenue and 15th
Street directly across from the U.S. Post
Office.
May 22
School of Ministry
Holy Trinity Full Gospel Fellowship
Center will have School of Ministry in ses
sion Sunday, May 22, 4 pm - 5 p.m. The
church is located at 5307 Peters Creek
Pkwy. The facilitator will be Pastor
Richard C. Miller, Sr. Come grow with us
in the word of God as we study Biblical
principles to enhance your daily life. For
more information please contact the
church office at 336-784-9347.
May 22
Missionary Union meeting
The Forsyth County Missionary Union
meeting will convene Sunday, May 22 at 3
p.m. at Providence Baptist Church, 319
Nelson Street, Kemersville. Youth and
young adults will meet at 1:30 p.m.
Seniors will meet at 3 p.m. Carolyn Reams
is president of the Providence Union. The
president of the Forsyth County Union is
Lenner P Jefferies.