In Cuba, Adventists take part in international fair during church’s annual lay convention

Trained health promoters massage visitors to the Adventist Church’s exhibit area where health screenings, counseling, health presentations and more during the largest International Agriculture and Cattle Fair held in Cuba, Oct. 15-18, 2015.  Images courtesy of Cuba Union.

November 22, 2015 | Havana, Cuba | IAD Staff

Hundreds of Seventh-day Adventists participated in Cuba’s largest International Agriculture and Cattle Fair last month in Havana. More than 500 health promoters, bible workers, and lay evangelists participated in the international fair as they also gathered for the church’s fourth annual Adventist Bible Workers and Healthy Lifestyle Convention, Oct. 15-28, 2015.

Inter-America’s missionary magazine called Priorities which was distributed during the international fair.

Trained health promoters conducted health screenings, presentations, massages, and distributed hundreds of books during the fair. Hundreds more exhibitors showcased cattle and other animals, auctioned animals, held veterinary clinics, farming products and genetic research findings.

“This is an amazing experience for the church to be part of sharing the health message and a message of hope during this fair which is categorized as the most important of its kind in Cuba, because it features the world renown experts,” said Pastor Aldo Perez, president of the church in Cuba.

The church was also able to sell music CDs and books that followed the government requirements, thanks to new changes in the Cuban economy that has allowed the church to have their own license to sell them, said Pastor Perez.

In addition, counseling and Christian musical concerts were offered by the young people from various churches from the capital city.

The church decided to hold its annual convention this year on the grounds of the fair because it provided a large space for meetings, conferences, and an exhibit area providing access to thousands of people in the central venue, said Dayami Rodríguez, communication director for the church in Cuba.

“This is the first event held outside of our church properties to train and motivate laypeople for greater community impact,” said Rodríguez. Previous conventions have been held in churches and focused more exclusively on evangelism. “The event strengthens the impact that health fairs are having throughout our entire island with church members who have been trained medical missionaries.”

Hundreds received free health screenings.

The church also had the opportunity to advertise its exhibition in one of the main avenues of the city days before.

Sonia Garcia of the government’s Religious Affairs Office, thanked the Adventist church for participating in the event and spoke of the importance of the health event organized by the church.

Those participating in the church’s convention, participated in devotionals, sermons, and outreach, and attended seminars by Henry Stubbs, senior director of patient care services at Oconee Medical Center in South Carolina, and his teaching professionals. Guest speakers also included from the United States Pastor Pavel Goia, Ophthalmologist Peter Blackbird, and Dr. Randal Schleenbaker, chief of physical medicine and rehabilitation services at Lexington Veterans Affairs facilities in Kentucky. Schleenbaker’s wife Debra was also assisting in the seminars.

Church leaders are already planning to organize next year’s convention to include pastors across the island at Cuba’s Palacio de las Convenciones.