When Hurricane Melissa swept across the Caribbean, Cuba’s eastern provinces braced for disaster. In Baracoa, one church leader wrote, “We really need a miracle from the Lord to face this powerful hurricane. The outlook is grim. We can only turn to the Throne of Grace to find mercy and grace for timely relief.”
By the end of the week, floodwaters had swallowed entire neighborhoods. Homes disappeared beneath rivers that rose past bridges, and families took shelter in churches already weakened by years of storms, food shortages, and disease. In a country where there is no insurance or safety net, everything lost was gone for good.
In just one week, churches across eastern Cuba went from bracing for disaster to becoming shelters of light and hope.
A Church Prepared for the Storm
Just days before the hurricane, the Eastern Baptist Convention had finally received 50 generators from a Send Relief project that had been delayed in customs for months. In what one leader called “God’s timing,” those generators arrived exactly when they were needed most.
When Hurricane Melissa struck, those same churches became lifelines. With generators running a few hours each day, they charged phones, powered lanterns and fans, and offered shelter to dozens of families.
Through IMB missionary Kurt Urbanek, Send Relief funds have already provided $45,000 in food, cooking supplies, temporary roofing, clothing, transportation, fuel, and communication costs. Additional shipments of medicine, mosquito repellent, and water filters are now on the way to the East.
God’s Provision Amid Loss
At one church in Cauto Cristo, more than 100 people have taken refuge. Some stay each night for safety, while others have lost their homes entirely.
One morning, the group woke up knowing there would be no breakfast. They brewed coffee, shared the last of their soda, and prayed for God’s provision. Moments later, someone appeared at the door and shouted, “We have bread for you!” Soon, everyone was eating ham sandwiches.
“God provided in a miraculous way,” said Yarislenis, the pastor’s wife. “When we think we have nothing left, He surprises us again.”
The church continues to feed around 160 people each day, walking through the flooded community to deliver food and comfort. “We will keep our eyes focused on Him,” Yarislenis said.
Soup, Water, and Renewed Strength
Later that week, a government water truck arrived after days of prayer, refilling the church’s tanks with enough water for several days. With no electricity and spoiled food in their refrigerators, the church members decided to make soup with whatever ingredients they had left. They fed everyone staying in the church, then carried bowls through the streets to feed 60 more people in their community.
“People cried with relief,” one member shared, “especially those with children.”
A nearby farmer, knowing his livestock would not survive the flooding, butchered his cow and sold the meat at a fair price so his neighbors could eat. For many, it was the first full meal in days.
Hope Still Shines in Eastern Cuba
Floodwaters are slowly receding, but challenges remain. Farmers grieve their lost crops and cattle. Mothers care for newborns born during the storm. Pastors carry the weight of weary congregations.
Even so, they testify to the goodness of God. When the community thought they had reached the end of their strength, hope arrived through the Church, through your prayers, and through the compassion of believers who give so others can endure.
As of this week, the Western Baptist Convention is preparing two shipping containers of rice and beans to send east. The water filters have been purchased and are now moving into eastern Cuba, along with additional medicine delivered through Send Relief and IMB partners.
While that work continues, Send Relief’s initial assessment and first response team in Jamaica is paving the way for two additional teams that will arrive this weekend to assist with roof repair and tarping. A shipment of pallets of tarps and generators is also being finalized for Jamaica. Roof and structure repair appear to be the greatest long-term needs, and additional funding has been released to Baptist Union partners to meet immediate needs.
Because of your generosity, local believers in Cuba are offering urgent help and eternal hope, powered by the Church and centered on the gospel.
Pray. Give. Remember.
Pray for continued safety, strength, and provision for churches in eastern Cuba.
Give today to help Send Relief provide food, water, and hope where it’s needed most.
Remember, every act of compassion becomes a doorway for the gospel to be seen and felt.
Learn more and support the response at sendrelief.org/melissa
Published November 7, 2025