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Shepherding the Lambs

Where backyard gatherings become holy ground

On a warm Saturday morning in Cuba, over 200 children gather in a dusty backyard—not for a party or a concert, but for the chance to hear about Jesus, some for the very first time.

I had the privilege of witnessing this moment firsthand on a mission trip with Forward Edge. The children were excited with anticipation, not just because of the meal that awaited them, but because of the joy they experienced when they sang, listened and learned. It’s in a backyard or park that the program, Shepherding the Lambs, happens. A place where children are seen, loved, and introduced to the One who knows them best.

It’s a vision God planted in the heart of our program director, Pastor Oilver, now blossoming across Cuba. One of the people helping to make it happen is Rosabel, a young woman who was a former sponsored child and one of the clowns in the program.

How It All Began

In June 2023, Pastor Oilver was asked: What is your dream as a pastor? Without hesitation, he replied, “To evangelize and disciple children.”

That seed of vision became reality just a few months later. By January 13, 2024, the first Shepherding the Lambs gathering launched. Today, the ministry has reached six different locations, reaching out systematically to communities throughout the city.

When I asked Rosabel why she joined the team, she smiled and then responded.
“At first, when they asked me if I wanted to be part of this ministry, I was super happy because I wanted to help in some way and didn’t know how. God gave me the opportunity to work with children, and I love it. I love that the kids can leave their worries behind and be happy… even for a little while.”

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Fridays in the Streets, Saturdays in the Backyard

What happens on a Saturday is the fruit of what happens the day before.

Leaders visit the community, meeting with families, inviting children, and praying over the day to come. “Every Friday,” Rosabel explained, “we dress up as clowns and go into the streets to invite children. We sing, dance, and do little clown acts. It’s our way of letting them know that something joyful is waiting for them.”

By Saturday morning, the team is ready. Church kids help gather others, worship begins, and the gospel is shared, clearly and simply, so even first-time visitors can understand. Parents who attend hear the Good News as well. Then come games, laughter, and a nourishing meal for every child.

Real Lives, Real Transformation

  • 19 months of ministry
  • 6 locations across Cuba
  • 180–200 children every Saturday
  • 678 children and 45 adults have made decisions to follow Jesus

These aren’t just numbers—they’re stories like Rosabel’s. She knows what it’s like to be shy, uncertain, and wondering if she could make a difference.

“At first, it was a huge challenge for me,” she admitted. “I didn’t like speaking in public and had no experience as a clown. But the Bible says God equips those He calls, and He has. The hardest part is keeping the children motivated when they’re carrying heavy burdens, like not sleeping well because the electricity went out, but we do everything we can to help them feel like real kids again.”

The Story Isn’t Over

Despite local restrictions and economic challenges, Shepherding the Lambs continues to grow. New communities are waiting, and children’s hearts are ready to hear the Good News.

“I love what I do,” Rosabel told me. “Not only am I helping children, but I’m doing God’s work. I get to see what He does in their lives, and that’s what keeps me going.”

But there’s still work to be done. Children yet to be reached. Villages yet to be visited. And hearts yet to know the love of Jesus.

When I asked Rosabel how people could pray, her list came quickly: “Pray that the children here in El Cobre will be reached for Christ and stand firm in their faith. Pray that God will give us passion every day for those who don’t yet know Him, and that He will strengthen us spiritually. Pray for the material resources we need for our street work.”

Want to Help Us Reach More Children? You can be part of what God is doing:

Give – Help provide meals and discipleship each week.

Pray – Join our prayer team. Pray for deeper roots of faith in these young hearts, and for the team’s strength and vision.

Go – Join a Forward Edge mission trip and see the transformation up close. I did and it changed my life.

Picture of Melanie Kruse

Melanie Kruse

Melanie has always had a heart for making a difference in the lives of others, especially those facing difficult circumstances. Deeply influenced by the love of Jesus, she longs for others to discover the same hope that has shaped her own life. She and her family sponsor three children and have been blessed with the opportunity to travel and spend meaningful time with them. Known for her love of organization and attention to detail, Melanie thrives in roles where she can use these strengths to serve others. At Forward Edge, she is grateful for the chance to combine her skills with her passion for ministry, saying, “I love that I can use my gifts to make an eternal difference in the lives of people around the world.”
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Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Miredita (hello), my name is Ema Xhevat

  • location

    Kosova

  • 10 yrs. old

    12-21-2015

Entered the program: September 2023

Ema lives with her mother and two older sisters in her grandparents’ home. The house was built many years ago and is in fair condition. Ema’s father passed away in 2022, leaving the family with no means of support so they had to move in with their grandparents. They live on government assistance which basically is only enough to cover utilities for 2 weeks. Ema's mother struggles to provide for the family on her own; housework falls largely to Ema’s sisters and they often lack food. Life is very difficult for them.

Ema's sister, Era, is also in the Corner Stone program.

 

Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.