My name is Barbara Moore, and I serve as the mission leader for our three sister churches in Holguín, Cuba: Caliche, El Mamey, and Palmarito.
In June 2023, my husband, Andrew, and I returned to Cuba to visit our first sister church, El Mamey, after the island reopened to visitors following the COVID-19 pandemic. The trip also gave us the opportunity to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.
During our week in Cuba, we brought over-the-counter medicines, clothing, and other much-needed supplies. But more importantly, we spent time listening, sharing meals, visiting homes, and talking about hopes, dreams, and plans for the future. Those conversations gave us a deeper understanding of the challenges our brothers and sisters face, as well as the incredible faith that sustains them through difficult circumstances.
The Moore family gathers in the home of a church member, sharing fellowship, conversation, and a special time together.
Later that year, we returned for Christmas, this time bringing our four children with us. Before the trip, I asked Pastor Eriberto and my friend Katia, the children’s director, to gather a photo, clothing size, and shoe size for every member of the congregation.
With the generous support of Parrish United Methodist Church, we prepared Christmas gifts for every church member—from Nicole, age 2, to Nina, age 90. Each person received a gift and a new outfit. Andrew even dressed as Santa Claus to make the celebration extra special!
Andrew Moore dressed as Santa Claus delivers a Christmas gift to a child.
We also distributed individual treat bags filled with candy, chips, and cookies, along with family care packages containing essential hygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, razors, and deodorant. Each family also received household supplies and cooking staples, including Goya seasoning, Maggi cubes, kitchen sponges, and other practical items.
During that visit, our children, Andrew, Pastor Eriberto, and Reinier climbed La Silla de Gibara, the mountain overlooking the church. While they were hiking, I spent time with my dear friend and sister in Christ, Yamila. Together, we prayed, visited church members and neighbors, and shared fellowship throughout the community.
After reaching the summit of La Silla de Gibara, the mountain overlooking the church.
We also traveled to Caliche and Palmarito. What began as a simple visit soon became something much more meaningful. From that day forward, those congregations became our sister churches as well.
Since then, we have returned to Cuba five more times. What began as an effort to support 32 families has grown into a ministry that now touches more than 100 families and over 100 children.
I firmly believe that the most important part of a sister church relationship is the fellowship we share. Relationships come first. At the same time, providing resources is an important expression of that love. We should give our best—not simply what is left over. As I often tell my children, when we ask the Lord for something, He gives us His very best. We should strive to do the same for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
This year, we returned in June to visit all three of our sister churches. Because we plan to travel again in January and June of next year, we will not be able to return for Christmas. Instead, we asked each pastor to send us photographs of the children, along with their clothing and shoe sizes.
As a result, we are launching an Angel Tree program at our church to provide Christmas gifts for children in Caliche, El Mamey, Palmarito, and Potrerillo. The gifts will be packed and shipped through Cubamax so they can arrive in time for Christmas.
Through this effort, we hope every child will experience more than the joy of receiving a Christmas gift. We want them to know that they are loved, remembered, and part of an extended church family that continues to stand with them across the miles.