In 2005, ten Owosso (Michigan) Church members joined 150 others from the United States and Canada in Cancun, Mexico, to begin their 13-day mission trip to Cuba. The plane to Havana used the entire runway to take off. It was very heavy; we all brought extra things to give the Cubans.

We arrived in Havana tired, but also very happy. The next day we toured Havana and visited the Adventist Seminary. We spent several hours visiting with students. My husband Dave and I gave a student our Spanish/English Bible. He said it was the best gift anyone had ever given him. The next day we traveled nearly 17 hours across the island by bus.

On Sabbath we attended a worship service. The people were so friendly and kind. When they introduced us, they sang a welcome song while the children distributed gifts made from cow horns and shells. I almost started to cry. They sang with all their hearts. Though the Cubans have little, they do have an abundance of Christ's love to share with all.

We gave crayons, felts, and Bibles to the home churches we visited. One home church wants to build a new church for only $6,000. Not fancy, but it will provide a nice building to meet in. Please keep these people in your prayers.

Many people who came to the evening meetings rode in "The Bus," a glorified cattle truck. They were happy to be there, even if they did not have a nice car or even a bicycle. With limited incomes, most Cubans do without many things we take for granted—shorts, extra shoes, children's toys, pictures for their walls, toilet paper, washers and dryers, stoves with ovens, gas for the stoves, and telephones. Many of us are blessed with things. Let’s not forget to pass on these blessings with the family of God in other parts of the world.

One pastor's wife used a single kerosene burner to cook for her family. The pastor's family borrowed a stove top and tank for propane from a church member who did not have enough money (five U.S. dollars) to fill the tank so they could cook the meals for us. When we discovered this, we pooled our money and purchased a stove with an oven and gave them enough money to purchase a tank and propane.

We spent the last day playing Cuban beach ball, swimming, talking, and exchanging addresses, e-mail addresses, and a few phone numbers with nearly 100 church members. We felt God's love from these people and made many new friends. We sang "Shall We Gather at the River" and promised to pray for each other. Many tears flowed as good-byes were said to our new friends, not knowing when we could see them again.

We wish to thank everyone who helped with finances and prayers to enable us to serve God in Cuba. There is such great need in Cuba, but there is also great need in our own country. People everywhere need the Lord.

Dawn Heeg is a member of the Owosso (Michigan) Church.