House churches strengthened through Bible stories
In Cuba, a nation marked by oppression and restricted religious freedom, hope is rising through the power of Bible storytelling.
In Holguín, Cuba, children formed their own small group to tell and teach each other Bible stories. When they shared the story of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man, something remarkable happened. Using OneWay’s Heart Bible for the Nations’ storytelling method, they asked each other the five key questions, and it was as if a light dawned.
“What did God teach you in this story?” they asked each other. Some said that when they slept, demons haunted their sleep. They were scared, but they hadn’t told anyone. After hearing the Bible story, these little ones said they knew Jesus was protecting them, so they were no longer afraid.
“People often don't know their own problems until stories reveal them,” says Paola Guerra, Heart Bible for the Nations’ Latin American regional leader. “When we ask, ‘What did you learn from the story?’ amazing things come to light."
Guerra explains that in Cuba, where people often feel oppressed and silenced, the effects of Bible storytelling are profound. Women who were once overlooked now speak with confidence. Children who were previously silent are finding their voices, and pastors feel their congregations finally understand the teachings.
“They live in a place with a lot of oppression,” she says. “Before, they didn’t have much freedom to share the Word.”
Cubans face a daily reality of economic crisis and restricted freedom. Cuba is one of 12 countries on the U.S. State Department’s Countries of Particular Concern list for its violations of religious freedom. It also ranks number 22 on Open Doors’ World Watch List.
Many Cubans have little access to biblical resources, and though no new churches have been built since the 1950s, believers continue to gather in strictly monitored house churches. When Heart Bible for the Nations arrived, they found these churches discouraged and weakened by low participation. Small groups would meet, but few would speak or engage.
“Now, there is more enthusiasm and participation from everyone,” Guerra says. “There is growth in leaders and groups. Before, there was insecurity—they were hesitant to speak. But now it's like they were set free.”
God is bringing things into the light.
As God’s Word continues to spread through Cuba’s house churches, believers are being empowered to live out their faith with boldness. Pray that this transformation will continue, bringing spiritual freedom to those who long for justice.