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The history of the Society of Friends missions is interesting reading. Before FUM Missions there was the American Friends Board of Missions; before that were the two separate boards: American Friends Board of Foreign Missions and the Board of Home Missions. Early in the organizational structuring of American Friends into yearly meetings, foreign missions became a significant outlet for their spiritual zeal. At the 1887 General Conference of American Yearly Meetings in Richmond, Indiana, reports abounded of mission work in various parts of the world, each directed by a different yearly meeting. Friends were united in their concern for continued missionary efforts, but unclear as to the responsibility of Friends as a whole to the individual yearly meetings.

The conference (1887 General Conference of American Yearly Meetings) revealed that Friends were clearly united in their belief in missions and under a great sense of responsibility for the cause. However, it was evident that the efforts lacked unity and that much of the strength that could come from united action was dissipated by this very aspect of their efforts. It is not surprising, therefore, to find the following question asked, “Is it desirable that there should be a union of American Yearly Meetings in Foreign Missions?” Jones, C. (1946). American Friends in World Missions.

After much Quakerly discussion, it was decided to combine the missionary efforts of the yearly meetings into one board for greater wisdom and efficiency. And within five years of the formation of the American Friends Board of Foreign Missions, they were considering Cuba as their first project. Following the Spanish-American War, the United States assumed a protectorate role over Cuba; and there was much interest among Friends in establishing another work in the West Indies in addition to Jamaica, this time with a united effort. There was so much interest, in fact, that the Board was overwhelmed with applications from people eager to serve in Cuba. The Board proceeded with courage and caution, establishing the first mission site at Gibara in 1900. Within 3-4 years there were five Friends mission centers in Cuba: Gibara, Holguin, Banes, Puerto Padre, and Havana; two of them maintained by individual yearly meetings.

Because of the high illiteracy rate at the time, one of the priorities of each mission site was a school. During the next 40 years these schools, each with its own emphasis and focus, would become known as some of the finest available. Another trademark of the Cuban Friends was their desire to achieve monthly meeting status and assume responsibility for themselves within a relatively short amount of time. The first 40 years of the Cuban Friends’ story demonstrates the missionary’s goal – to establish a solid foundation for the growth and development of national leadership. In 1927 it was recommended and approved by Five Years Meeting “ …to establish a Yearly Meeting of Friends in Cuba to be organized and maintained under their own Discipline.” Perhaps you’ve heard or read some of the stories of this era in the life of Cuban Friends. We know too well the refining fires that lay ahead.

To say that the faith of our Cuban brothers and sisters has been tested over the last 60 years may be the understatement of the century so far. My contact with Cuban Friends has been very limited. But what I have seen and heard, and what others who have a closer connection have seen, heard, and experienced, is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and His peoples’ spiritual vitality and tenacity. Friends in Cuba are alive and well, worshipping and serving the Lord they love. Their endurance and determination remind me of Romans 12:11, “ …let us keep the fires of the Spirit burning, as we do our work for the Lord.”

I recently had a chance to visit with Linda Garrison, Director of Camp Quaker Heights (Iowa), who has led the FUM work teams to Cuba for several years. Her love for the Cuban Quakers and insight into their lives has grown through the years of relationship-building that develops from working alongside them. Her bond with our Cuban sisters became evident as she shared, specifically, about the work of the Cuba USFW, and Cuban Quakers in general.

Linda describes the spirit of the Cuban Quaker church with these words, “It’s the 2^nd-chapter-of-Acts life.”

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had.

They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshipped together … - all the while praising God… Acts 2:43-47

For the USFW groups in Cuba, helping others is a given, whether it’s extended family, neighbors, or strangers. And each USFW has its own particular way of helping. In Holguin, where the US work teams usually land, there is a home for handicapped people; and so this group of women wash and mend clothing for the residents. One year, a special offering for Cuban Quakers helped purchase a washing machine to be used in this ministry. There is also a senior citizens’ group that benefits from the women’s service ministry. In Gibara, the USFW society meets every week, with 25 or so in attendance. Because the poverty levels are so low in Cuba, the women of God have ample opportunity to give of themselves and any resources available to them in serving others. If a child needs shoes, our Cuban sisters will find some; if food for a day is required, they give what they have.

Cuba Yearly Meeting consists of 13 churches, including mission churches which are paired with a sister church. Many of the buildings need continuing repairs. (The USFWI budget includes contributions available through a fund honoring Maxine Beane. A portion of these monies this year is designated for the Cuba church repair project.) One of the projects for the US work teams is the three level structure in Holguin which will provide Yearly Meeting offices, dorm space for seminary students and visitors, and housing for retired ministers. The Havana Friends, who are mostly younger, professional people who have grown up in other churches and found employment in a bigger city, do not have their own building but share meeting space with another church.

One of the exciting components of the Cuba Friends Church today is the new group of leaders who are hungry for training as they pursue their pastoral calling. In order to provide this training, the Good Shepherd Seminary is in need of prayer and financial support and qualified educators.

As you read this edition of The Advocate, the FUM Triennial in Wilmington, Ohio, will be behind us. Hopefully, the Cuban representatives were permitted to come, and some of you were able to fellowship with them and hear their stories. Whether or not that happened, we can celebrate the bond that unites us with our Cuban brothers and sisters; praying for them consistently, supporting them financially, participating in the FUM work teams, learning from each other, and growing in Christ together.