As our team prepared a presentation for the Christian Science Board of Directors on possible locations in Latin America where they might be invited to travel to meet with branch church members and church attendees, the name Cuba stood out on the page as if in neon lights. Because of US government sanctions against the Cuban government for over 40 years, it had not occurred to us that such a meeting would be possible. However, we quietly nurtured the idea of this trip and researched its feasibility. Since all things are possible to God, it became clear that God would lead us to take all the right steps if that was His plan. After we presented the idea, the Board agreed to move forward with the trip.
A travel agency guided us through the red tape of regulations with both governments but warned us that the planning of this trip could take over a year. It definitely would involve many details, such as all the financial and legal paperwork, filling out of documents, and obtaining visas. As we proceeded with the necessary steps, we felt closer to God and let Him lead the way. Many obstacles along the way threatened to prevent progress, but God's direction brought perfect timing in everything, including the countless details in the financial transactions. We received permission to travel to Cuba from the US government in record time.
As we treasured this visit, Eberhard Lasch, Leide Lessa, and the planning team stayed in touch with two dear church members in Cuba, who filled out the documents for the visas with the Cuban government in Havana. It truly became a family praying together to prove that divine power opens the way to unlimited possibilities. Our trust gave us patience and strength in spite of the delayed visas. (We received them 24 hours before our departure with the help of the Office of Cuban Affairs and the Church's Committee on Publication office, both located in Washington, DC.)
