CNBC.ca - Canadian National Baptist Convention

Cuban Connection

WHAT IS A CUBAN CONNECTION?

Canada has a special relationship with Cuba. We export food, products, and tourists to the island nation. We are one of only two Western Hemisphere countries who have maintained uninterrupted diplomatic relations with Cuba for the past fifty years.

CNBC has a special relationship with Cuban Baptists. While some differences such as language and culture are obvious, we have many similarities. CNBC has partnered with both the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention and Western Cuba Baptist Convention.

A Cuban Connection is an intentional commitment and partnership between a CNBC church and a Cuban Baptist local church or ministry.

God is doing exciting things in and through our Cuban Baptist friends. There is so much that we can learn from our Cuban friends and there is so much that each one of our churches has to offer in return. Will you consider making a Cuban Connection?

WHAT TYPE OF CONNECTION ARE YOU LOOKING TO MAKE?

We are in discussions with Cuban Baptist leaders about expanding our partnership to include three types of connections: 
Prayer Connection - Canadian & Cuban church commit to pray specifically for each other (logistics for Prayer Connections are still in progress.  As a starting point, your church can do the "50 Days of Prayer" for Cuba listed below).
Partner Connection - Canadian church partners with specific Cuban church or ministry, committing to pray, give, and go.
Strategic Connection - Canadian church commits to a Partner Connection with a ministry or region and recruits other churches to do the same.

HOW DOES OUR CHURCH MAKE A CUBAN CONNECTION?
Begin by contacting Peter Blackaby via email or at 1-888-442-2272, ext 116. He will discuss with you the type of connection you are interested in making and will walk with you as you take the next steps in making a local connection.

Peter Blackaby is the point person for our CNBC Cuban Connection and is a key liaison between CNBC churches, International Mission Board, Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention, Western Cuba Baptist Convention, and a couple ofother conventions who are partnering on island as well. Resources are very limited on the ground, so it is important that churches sending teams always contact Peter Blackaby before finalizing plans - even if you are volunteering with one local church. This is important because CNBC Partnerships & Volunteers keeps abreast of what teams will be on the ground at which times and helps ensure that we never overwhelm our Cuban hosts, and works with Eastern or Western Cuba Baptist Conventions to obtain the required entry visas for your team.

Prayer Connection: 
     Begin by having your church do 50 Days of Prayer for Cuba  Printable Prayer Guide
     More information about possible local connections will be available in June 2010.

Partner & Strategic Connection:
     A small Cuban Vision Tour is being organized for May, 2010.  Churches considering making a Partner or Strategic Connection are encouraged to join this team.  All individuals must be confirmed by mid-February 2009 in order to process visa requirements.  Space is very limited.  Contact Peter Blackaby for more info Email.

 
WHAT ARE SOME HELPFUL RESOURCES AS OUR CHURCH CONSIDERS A CUBAN CONNECTION?

50 Days of Prayer for Cuba Printable Prayer Guide

Christianity Today article describing larger Christian context in Cuba Click Here

Travel considerations Click Here

Team preparation Click Here

This page is under construction... additional resources will be available shortly.

Photos:  
Top:  Second Baptist Church, Santiago de Cuba
Bottom:  City of Havana as viewed from Western Cuba Baptist Seminary