In Cuba, where everyday essentials are often hard to come by, hope can feel scarce. Basic food staples are frequently in short supply. But in these moments of need, we’ve seen God’s provision time and time again—through prayer and unexpected acts of kindness.
A few years ago, our program director found himself in a desperate search for rice to feed the children in our program. After visiting several markets without success, he returned empty-handed. The situation looked bleak, but before giving up completely, h turned to prayer, asking God for a way to meet this urgent need.
Moments after saying, “Amen,” a well-dressed man approached. He had rice for sale, but there was a catch—whoever bought it had to buy the entire supply. With food prices rising, this felt like an impossible request. Yet when our program director asked the price, he was stunned. Not only was it affordable, it was the cheapest he had ever paid for rice for the program. He had never met this man before, and he left no way to contact him, only saying, “I will come back when you least expect me.”
That day, our Cuba program witnessed firsthand the power of prayer and the unexpected ways God provides.
Fast forward to 2023, and another moment of divine provision unfolded—this time for Walter and his children.
In Cuba, where fresh produce is often hard to come by due to strict regulations, we planted a garden to help feed the children in our program and provide for families struggling to get by. This small patch of land has become a source of hope and nourishment for many, including Walter’s family.
One Sunday morning, as Walter and his children were at church, they noticed the garden. The boys’ eyes lit up when they spotted the rows of lettuce, and with excitement they exclaimed, “Lettuce, lettuce, Daddy! When can we eat lettuce?”
What they didn’t know was that their prayer had already been answered. Our partner, aware of the food shortages many families were facing, handed Walter a head of lettuce and two squashes. Walter, deeply moved, shared that he had no food at home for dinner that night. To him, those simple vegetables were nothing short of a miracle—a tangible sign that God was still providing for their family.
Stories like these remind us that God’s provision often comes in unexpected ways. A head of lettuce. A bag of rice. Small things that, through prayer and faith, become life-changing miracles.
The past two years have been particularly hard for children in Uganda. Schools remained shut through most of the pandemic. Light a Candle, our program there, worked tirelessly to help these children succeed in their education despite the seemingly impossible situation. Despite school closures, children have remained committed to pursuing
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Nancy, our Director of Development and long-time short-term missionary, shares her experience with the “Women of the Word” program in Kampala, Uganda. These resilient women, who migrated to a new area after facing unimaginable hardships, have come together to build a supportive community and empower one another. Discover how their journey of faith and perseverance is creating lasting change in their lives and in their community.
11 yrs. old
Entered the Program: February 2025
Iris lives with her parents, 7 siblings and her sister-in-law in a six-room adobe house with a tin roof and concrete and dirt floors. With so many inhabitants, the house is not maintained well. The property is large and has a separate kitchen, outside bathroom, and patio. The family cooks with wood and has access to water from a hose on the property.
Iris’s mother cares for the home and her father works in construction; they both also work farming the fields. Iris’s mother went to church years ago, but doesn’t anymore; she is not in favor of Iris attending the Saturday Bible Club, but Iris’s dad encourages her to go.
