Trip Information

The times are changing in Cuba as travel restrictions have been significantly reduced over the last few years, only to be tightened up again more recently. Cuba remains in a critical transitional state, as these first few years of increased exposure to the outside world could help dictate the culture of the country for years to come. In light of these new changes, Servant Life began partnering with the Eastern Baptist Convention of Cuba in 2016, with the hope of reaching youth and families all across the country with the hope of Jesus Christ. Our trips in Cuba are perfectly safe, as we have mobilized hundreds of people to serve on the island over the past few years. These trips are also perfectly legal both in the eyes of the U.S. government and the Cuban government because we are partnering with accredited religious organizations on the island and send our teams with religious visas (included in the trip cost). Even if the U.S. were to tighten restrictions on the relations with Cuba, religious purposes remain a valid reason for visiting the island.

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This network of churches we partner with is mainly on the Eastern side of the island, but it stretches all the way into Havana. When travel to the whole island was more accessible, we have been working in cities like Bayamo, Manzanilla, Camaguey, Holguin, and Santiago de Cuba. In light of increased restrictions again in 2019 and beyond, we have shifted more of our work towards Havana. Our partners on the island have a team dedicated to focusing on youth ministry, and Servant Life teams are partnering with both local churches as well as the youth ministry team of the Eastern Baptist Convention. 

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What will my team be doing? 

Some teams may help host two day youth camps, but all teams can expect to be part of highly relational ministry. We partner with local churches to share the gospel through VBS style activities with Bible lessons and other fun activities. We also help these local churches strengthen relationships in the community, whether that is visiting the homes (and neighbors) of current members, or meeting new members of the community who may have visited the church or are unchurched. Home visits are also great opportunities for evangelism, with one short-term team reporting they saw more than 100 people believe in the gospel and surrender their lives to Christ during a week of ministry. If a church has specific needs, we may help that church with some painting or light construction projects. There are often opportunities for spontaneous ministry as well; we love to join local youth for pickup soccer games and build relationships with them in this manner. At the end of the week, our teams normally experience a "cultural day" which includes traveling to the coast, going to the beach, and enjoying some of the richness of Cuban culture.

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What does a general weekly schedule look like?

• Saturday. Travel day. Arrive and get settled in.

• Sunday. Worship with local church (adults can preach); lunch with church; meet some members of the community; prepare for VBS.

• Monday - Thursday. Ministry: VBS, home visits, evangelism, light construction.

• Friday. Cultural day: Go to the beach, the market, etc. (for an additional $40 per person or so, we can get a day pass to a resort to enjoy some nice pools and food in addition to the beach; many teams choose to do this). Fly home that evening.
  
  (Depending on flight schedules, the cultural day could take place on Sunday or Thursday instead of Friday.)

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What does my cost include?

• In-country transportation. From the moment you land at the airport until the moment you leave, we will take you everywhere during the week. You will not need to arrange your own transportation, but teams should be prepared to do some walking as we navigate different villages and communities.

• Religious visas. We will plan to purchase religious visas for your whole team, but we may be limited and some team members may have to come in on tourist visas. The important thing is, with some of your team members having religious visas, we will have full clearance to engage in ministry. We will help you secure these visas as they must be applied for through a connection in Cuba.

• Housing. Your team will generally stay in hotel-style accommodations with two or three twin beds per room and a private bathroom.

• Meals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, every day! (Note: You need to pay for your own meals at the airport, while traveling, etc.)

• Supplemental Traveler's Insurance. In the event of a medical emergency, you'll be covered with an international policy!

• T-Shirt. Every participant gets an awesome mission trip t-shirt.

• Pre-Trip Training Material. We provide training sessions, trip overview documents, assistance from our team of mission trip experts, and communication with in-country missionaries to make sure your group is fully prepared for your trip.

• Pre, During, and Post-trip Devotionals. This 4-week printed missions journal will help every team member grow and encounter Christ.
   

Airfare is not included in the trip cost, but will be taken care of by Servant Life's travel agent who gets humanitarian rates and often free baggage. You may book on your own if you prefer to do so, but we ask to approve the itinerary first.