Herradura, Cuba has a rich history in missions. It was the site of the Methodist missions training center in Cuba in the 50's. The land was donated by some American missionaries named Root. The center is being reestablished as you read this. There are approximately 30 American missionary graves in the local cemetery. God has not forgotten His great destiny for this small village.
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These are some of my Cuban friends. They are the inspiration for this poem. They have suffered much as Christians and remained faithful. Some of these have been imprisoned, others have seen their homes bulldozed. All have taken great risks and paid a high price in their service to our Master. The scripture says "Give honor to whom honor is due.." These brothers and sisters are worthy of honor.
THE FAITHFUL
CUBAN
No meat, an occasional chicken, a little rice and beans, some coffee,
A lot of faith
Everything is impossible, nothing is impossible,
By faith
Surrounded by limits, yet the possibilities are endless,
By faith
No money, few possessions, a heavenly bank account,
By faith
Living with less, wanting more, content with what you have,
By faith
Seeing injustice, being persecuted, loving in spite of it,
By faith
Your children suffer, you believe God's promises, you experience them a little, you expect more, soon,
By faith
Poor in many ways, abounding with friends, rich in Spirit,
By faith
Depression and darkness close in, disappointments, dashed hopes, anger, but unexplainable Joy,
By faith
Strength, vigilance, humility, love, in the Spirit,
By faith
Faith carries a mysterious reality that contradicts the natural. You can't see it, but deep inside, somehow you know it.
God said it, you hope, you believe. You close your eyes, there it is,
By faith
Written in Herradura, Cuba
Jim Waldron