By Betsy Finklea
A Cuban pastor visited the area recently and was a guest of Rev. James Orr of Pyerian Baptist Church.
Pastor Isaac Green said his purpose here was to share the gospel and share the message from his brother pastors in Cuba.
He spent a few days in the area and also visited Atlanta, New York and New Jersey before heading back to Cuba.
While here, he spoke at the Pyerian Baptist Church Vacation Bible School and preached at Pyerian. He also visited Tabernaculo Evangelico, Bennettsville, East Dillon Baptist Church, and Dillon Manor Apartments.
Green said this is first time in South Carolina. He is used to visiting big cities so this was a new experience for him. He said he has a great impression of the area, and there is a lovely quality to the people here.
Green said while there is a difference in language here, the message is the same. He feels that his message has been accepted here. Green said there is a difference in the operation of the church. he said the church suffered in the 1960s and 1970s in Cuba due to persecution so they have a different way to share the gospel. He said they had great struggles in the past and many trials. He said he learned from the trials, and today, there are more resources available to pastors and that doors are more open.
Green said he thanks God for those who come on mission trips (like Pastor James Orr and some of his groups) to help. He said he is very grateful. Green said that he is working on a project at his church.
His church, which was started by his father, is growing rapidly. He said that the church population has exploded, but they are working in a small space.
Green said they are trying to build bathrooms and a kitchen for times of fellowship. Right now, they use the facilities in his mother’s home.
They have begun construction with their own resources, but they need support to finish the work.
One of his goals while in the United States is to help raise support for the project. Pyerian Baptist Church has been a supporter, and he hopes God will open more doors.
Anyone interested in contributing to this project is asked to contact Rev. James Orr at Pyerian Baptist Church or mail donations to P.O. Box 908, Dillon, S.C. 29536 and earmark it for the Church of God Diezenero.
