On this groundbreaking mission we will be partnering with the local Cuban Churches in an incredible opportunity to share Jesus with the Cuban people by sharing testimonies and teaching in evangelistic services.  We you will have an opportunity to bring hope and joy to the adults, youth and children as we share the Gospel with them– there is hardly a more significant impact that can be made in these hearts. The team will be interceding for the restoration of Cuba from the spiritual oppression, strife and wars and for its spiritual destiny as children of the true God. We need prayer warriors and intercessors on the team who will devote themselves to this extremely important part of the mission.

The cost of the Cuba trip is $1800 (Due by 10/18/24)
Includes: lodging, 3 meals/day, ground transportation, itinerary planning and translator services. This fee does not include airfare. Our office can assist you with booking your flight out of your home airport and connect you with other travelers along the way.

The price for this trip is currently $1800, however due to inflation, may have to be increased. If you’d like to hold a spot on the 2024 Cuba trip, you can do so with a $200 deposit. As long as your deposit is received prior to any announced price increases, we will honor the $1800 price.

Click the link to make a trip payment https://rfwma.org/make-a-trip-payment/

A deposit of $200 is required to secure your spot on the team. Your deposit is nonrefundable, but will be applied to the total amount due which is $1800, due by 10/18/2024.  

The price for this trip is currently $1800, however due to inflation, may have to be increased. If you’d like to hold a spot on the 2024 Cuba trip, you can do so with a $200 deposit. As long as your deposit is received prior to any announced price increases, we will honor the $1800 price.

EXCEPTION: for first time travelers with WMA who are still in the application process please note, the deposit is refundable if your application cannot be approved. 

Please read our full cancellation policy, including information about deposits and refunds

Click the link to make your deposit https://rfwma.org/make-a-trip-payment/

Get acquainted with the country God’s called you to.

Here are some fun and interesting facts you may not have known about Cuba:

  1. Cuba Is Bigger Than You Think- It’s the largest island in the Caribbean by quite some margin, and, in terms of land area, is around the same size as Pennsylvania. It’s a long island, too. It could stretch from South Carolina to Arkansas!
  2. Cuba Is Very Diverse-Prior to the Spanish conquest in the early 1500s, a native people called the Taino lived in Cuba, and while today they are few in number, some of these people still call Cuba home today. The Spaniards brought their culture and religion to Cuba, which was joined by other European peoples, African peoples, Jewish people, and many other ethnic and cultural groups. Today, the Cuban national culture takes influences from all of these groups, which have come together to produce a vibrant, lively, and welcoming culture.
  3. Cuba Is Full Of World Heritage Sites-While some places may have one or two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Cuba has a massive nine of them! In the west of the country, you’ll find Viñales Valley, an incredible valley that is home to tobacco farms that still use traditional farming methods to create perhaps the best tobacco in the world. In the capital of Havana, you’ll find the World Heritage site of Old Havana, which dates back to the 1500s. Go to Santiago de Cuba and you’ll find another site that’ll be heaven for history lovers, the San Pedro de la Roca castle, a fortress dating back to 1648, which once protected the coast from pirate raids.
  4. Cigars Are A Way Of Life-Cuban cigars are famous the world over, and they’re not only made for export, either. Cigars are incredibly popular across all social classes in Cuba, unlike in many other countries where they are seen as the exclusive domain of the rich.
  5. Cuba’s National Pastime Might Surprise You-Baseball started being played in Cuba in the 1860s, and today it’s got a thriving league. Over the years, a whole host of MLB players have come to play in the US from Cuba too, including players like Rodrigo Alvarez, who defected in 1963.
  6. Old Cars Abound On Cuba’s Roads-One of the most fun facts about Cuba is that its one of the very few places on Earth where you can find classic American cars on the roads in great numbers. These date back to before the communist revolution and the resulting American embargo, which saw car exports to the island restricted.
  7. You’ll Find The World’s Smallest Bird On Cuba’s Shores-Cuba is home to the world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird. This beautiful little creature weighs less than a tenth of an ounce, and is just two and a half inches long.
  8. Cuba Used To Have Two Currencies-Cuba was, until very recently, one of the few places that you could use two different currencies. These were the Cuban Peso, the standard national currency, and the Cuban Convertible Peso, which was used by tourists. The Convertible Peso was phased out earlier this year, which makes buying souvenirs far less confusing!
  9. Cuba Has An Impressive Literacy Rate And Life Expectancy-Despite being a fairly poor country by global standards, Cuba has an impressive welfare state that, according to statistics at least, does a solid job of taking care of its citizens. The Cuban literacy rate is a massive 99.7 percent, far more than just 65 years ago. Cuban healthcare is also very well-regarded around the world, with an average life expectancy nearly identical to that of the US.

Practical travel and packing tips to help make your mission trip smooth and efficient:
 

Travel Documents 

1. Is your passport up to date?  Do you have a passport?  I personally believe that once you have asked Jesus into your heart, you should follow up with water baptism. After you have been baptized, you should be given: a towel to dry off; and a passport application.   If you are a US Citizen and don’t have an up to date passport, start by filling out the proper form.   Detailed instructions are found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/how-to-apply.html

Form Used For
DS-11
DS-82
DS-5504
  1. Does the country you wish to visit require an entrance visa?  (Remember visa requirements differ based on the passport you are traveling with.  If you are living in USA but hold a Bolivian passport you will follow the procedures for a Bolivian citizen). 
  2. Once you have completed the proper application process for your travel documentation you will need to get there. 

Air Travel Tips

Most places we travel require air travel.  This can be tricky, unless money is no object.  We will go over some basic tricks to get a comfortable flight.  Know this, the best procedure today may not even work tomorrow.  Nothing we say will be in stone.  This will just get you started.  Creative thinking is the key.  

  1. Start with a flight search engine that searches many airlines.  I use Kayak.com and google.com/flights.  There are many others.  None are always the best.  Anyone can find the best route at the lowest price on one itinerary.  I have found Kayak and google are consistently good, so I would start there and experiment with others as you go. 
  2. Where do you wish to end up?  If you are flying to Paris or Moscow scheduling is pretty straight forward.  Start with your local airport and enter the airport you wish to fly to. 
  3. Small airport destinations become a little tricky since major carriers don’t fly there.  Trick, find the airport website.  Small airports generally list the incoming and departing flight schedules.  Work backward.  Find out from which airports flights depart to arrive at the airport you wish to go.  Then look for flights into that airport.  You may have to buy two tickets.  A round trip to that intermediary airport.  And the second-round trip from the intermediary airport to your destination.  There are many variations here.  Including open jaw (where there is a gap somewhere in the round-trip itinerary.  Example: ORD to AMM outbound and BEY to ORD return.  Here you have another flight from AMM to BEY.  This can get complicated but can save some money, with a risk.  If the flight on your first ticket is delayed or canceled and causes you to misconnect to your flight on your second ticket you are at the mercy of the airline.  They can have mercy and book you on the next flight, charge you a change fee and book you on the next flight or force you to buy another ticket.  If you chose to use two or more tickets be sure to get insurance.  Some credit cards cover you automatically.  But verify before you purchase the ticket. 
  4. Search with the three-digit airport code used by IATA (international association of travel agents) you can find the airport code list here http://www.airportcodes.org/
  5. Be careful of what countries you transfer in.  If you change planes in a country that requires a visa and you get stranded, you will not be allowed to leave the airport.  For U.S. citizens Russia and India are two that require visas to leave the airport.  It is a good idea to check if there is a hotel in the terminal.  Find out where the hotel is located and how much the rooms are.  Sometimes they are reasonable. 
  6. There is no apparent logic for the airline prices.  If you find a good schedule with a fair price book it and don’t check prices again.  Airline prices change faster than the stock market.  I have had an airline ticket go up $800 during lunch.  I have also had a ticket go down by almost that much after I purchased the ticket.  Don’t let this fluctuation stress you out.  It is a fact of life.  Your goal is to get to your destination safely. 
  7. Check all airports you are willing to drive to.  Sometimes very surprising fares or better schedules come from the unexpected areas
  8. Schedule.  This is a person preference.  I prefer a two to four-hour layover in an overseas connecting flights.  You will go through security which takes time and planes are often late.  When returning you must clear passport and customs.  Allow a minimum of 90 minutes for a connecting flight. 

Packing tips  (remember less it better). 

  1. Try to get everything in a carry-on.  For a 10-day trip it can be done but takes some planning.  I have some recommendations for you. 
  2. Clothes hamper for dirty clothes.  I have one I bought at dollar tree.  It is like this one from amazon.  I really like it. https://www.amazon.com/Mesh-Pop-Up-Laundry-Hamper-Eliminate/dp/B00HZ0IOJ2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519268074&sr=8-3&keywords=collapsible+laundry+hamper
  3. Clear zipper bag for electronics.  I use the following:  http://www.walmart.com/ip/Modella-Transparent-Black-Make-Up-Bag/10315324
  4. Travel adapter.  I designed and made a travel adapter I thought met all my needs.  Left out in a German airport then discovered this adapter which is better than my design.  http://www.walmart.com/ip/Travel-Smart-TS238AP-All-In-One-Adapter-with-USB/23499900

The travel adapter above is great for a reason that is not readily apparent until you stay in some foreign hotels.  I have stayed in many hotels that have no free electric outlets.  So, if you want to charge your phone you must unplug the lamp.  Remember their plugs are different so you can’t plug in the lamp in the USA extension cord.  The plug above is universal.  Unplug the lamp, plug in the adapter, plug the lamp into the adapter and you still have two more plugs to use for your extension cord or computer.  
 
***Important note***
Transformer changes voltage.  Example a stepdown transformer will drop 220-240 volts to our 110-130 volts. 
Adapter only allows you to put your plug into a socket not designed for your plug.  Example an American plug (using two flat blades) into a German socket (one using two round holes).
An ADAPTER WILL NOT CHANGE VOLTAGE!!!!

  1. Extension cord.  Minimum 6 foot.  Generally, there are no outlets near your bed.  If you enjoy having your phone charge while on the night stand near the bed, then the extension cord will allow that.
  2. Travel iron.  I really like this iron.  Steam Bug Travel Steam Iron https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EXJ20G/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_wqoJAbP4CABP8. There are other brand names that look the same (and may be the same).  It’s size and function make it perfect for travel.  Many hotels overseas do not have an iron in the room.
  3. Hair dryer. (and curling irons).  Buy a hair dryer that is 220v if you travel overseas.  (Save Japan).  DO NOT WASTE TIME AND MONEY BUYING ELECTRIC CONVERTERS.  they generally don’t work.  The ones that do work are unlikely to last the entire trip.  If you have one that works well, you might consider buying a Powerball ticket also. (ha, ha!)  You are that lucky (blessed and highly favored) person, (and probably have a pet unicorn!)
  4. Curling iron. See hair dryer above.
  5. Chargers.  Most phone, camera, computer chargers are world voltage.  Verify to be sure.  It will say on item or on the plug or the transformer something like; input 100~250v 50~60 hz.  These you can plug directly into the wall without an electric converter (step down transformer). You may still need an adapter to get it to fit into the electrical outlet.
  6. Bring a backup phone charger.  (Yours could quit or, more likely, get lost).
  7. Mix and match clothes.  Appropriate for the people you are ministering to.  A little research is helpful.  You will generally be surprised by the real situation.  You need not dress like a local but dress appropriate (non-offensive) for the locals. 
  8. Medicine. All personal medications need to be packed in your carry-on not your checked bag. Many are of faith and rightfully believe that God is a better healer than medicine.  You are 100% correct.  My experience is, you will find many areas to test your faith while on the mission field.  If an aspirin will get you back to the mission quickly than take it.  Maybe you need to help another who has a headache.  If you pack a painkiller you can bond over providing a help in time of need.   Items I think are of vital importance.
    1. Pain killer, (Excedrin, Tylenol, ibuprofen etc. What works for you.)
    2. Imodium.  (Bathrooms are not that nice to spend your whole trip there.)
    3. Any prescription medicine you take. 
    4. Allergy medicine. 

There may be other things you may want to bring but these are important.  Generally, you won’t need anything, but it is nice to have it just in case. 

The big challenge of short term missions is reflected in the term itself. It is short. What can and should be done in a short period of time in a nation to make a lasting impact?

Another question that is frequently asked – am I qualified to make a difference?

Being called by God for a specific assignment is very humbling. We don’t want to mess up His plan. We don’t want to embarrass ourselves trying to achieve something we don’t have the ability or expertise to do.

Setting a realistic objective helps to eliminate the initial concerns. God chose you because He has determined that your life experience, your gifts, your story are going to be useful for this place and time. Do you lead a Bible study in your church? Do you enjoy playing with children? Do you have a beautiful voice, play instruments, love to worship? These natural gifts and affinities will be used during your time in the country. From the moment you have felt the call start asking God what is the subject that He wants you to prepare to teach on, what songs you should rehearse, etc. Always be prepared to share a personal testimony. We all have many experiences in our lives of God’s favor, provision, deliverance, rescue – these are your best tools to introduce someone to Jesus. Pray and seek which story you should share during the trip. You may not know all the people you will encounter on your journey but God does. He prepares divine appointments for us – if you consult Him in advance, He will help you be prepared.

 In Luke 10:1 Jesus had several practical reasons for sending His disciples in teams.

1. The power of the message you proclaim on the mission field is solidified by having at least one more person who is an agreement. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” 2 Cor 13:1
2. Being able to agree in prayer with at least one other person creates God’s presence and activates His answer. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

The power of being a team is something that we have witnessed through the decades of doing missions work. It creates a pool of multiple talents, personalities, ages groups and makes us relevant an appealing to a larger segment of the local population. It keeps each person challenged to maintain the focus of big vision and willingness to sacrifice personal needs for the sake of the success of the entire team. In short, it creates a favorable environment for God to move and perfects the vessels that he has chosen to use. The people who have traveled with WMA missions teams make life long friendships during the trip because the desire to spread the Gospel is an excellent common ground for a lasting quality relationship.
An important aspect in setting your objectives is recognizing that in missions work there will be a time to sow and a time to reap. The first should always the objective of a successful missions trip. The second is more of a reward that God grants us to encourage us to continue.

“Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” John 4:35-38

Reaping is rewarding, sowing is done by faith. The fruit of your sowing may become someone else’s reward, but the Lord of the Harvest rejoices over both – the sower and the reaper.

Three key elements to prepare for your mission trip are:
1. Prayer
2. Fasting
3. Enlisting partners to cover you and your mission in prayer

TRAVEL/TRIP/HEALTH INSURANCE

WMA strongly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance, which includes coverage for trip cancellation, lost luggage, emergency evacuation, and medical expenses. This will protect any funds that are nonrefundable as well as cost for flights and other travel expenses.

While WMA has no affiliation with any insurance providers, we have successfully used the insurance company mentioned below for our staff and missionaries. However, you may pick any other provider of your choice.

AVAILABLE COVERAGE PLANS

There many customizable insurance coverage options available such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, and cancel-for-any reason insurance. While your airline may offer insurance for your flight, we have found private insurance companies such as this one listed below often offer comparable if not better coverage options at similar if not lower prices.

NOAH JAMES INSURANCE – www.noahjamesinsurance.com

Agent: James Pruss

Agency Director – Devoted Father, Fan of all Boston Teams, Global Citizen

Katy, TX  USA

Mobile: (617) 676-7858

[email protected]

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Be prepared for an overseas medical emergency or illness with travel medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation benefits, terrorism coverage, and more.

SHELVIE’S STORY

Prior to going on a mission trip to Ireland, Shelvie purchased travel medical insurance through one of our recommended insurance providers. During her trip she fell and broke her and had to have a hip replacement surgery. The insurance covered all her medical expenses while in Ireland, it also covered the upgrade to first class with a personal medical travel aid for the trip home. During the flight home Shelvie was able to share the Gospel with the medical aid. This was God’s way of helping Shelive to accomplish her mission in spite of the accident. We believe in God’s protection and provision for every WMA missionary!

DEC 2- Traveling day-Arrive in Cuba, our partners will be at the airport to pick you up to take you to the hotel
DEC 3- Orientation for the team- ministry begins
DEC 9- Travel home day

Our staff is happy to assist you in finding a flight and coordinating your flight itinerary with other team members when possible. However, generally, the team members are responsible for booking their own international flights. Download our free FLIGHT BOOKING GUIDE for a step by step guide to booking an international flight. Included are important and helpful instructions, reminders,tips, suggestions and more. 

FLIGHT BOOKING ASSISTANCE REQUEST

WMA and the staff at WMA are not licensed travel agents and only offer flight booking assistance to help those who are not seasoned travelers and need assistance with navigating the flight booking process. Click the link to request assistance with booking your flight https://rfwma.org/flight-booking-assistance-request/

TRAVEL AND ARRIVAL DATES

You will fly from your closest international airport on December 2nd and arrive in Havana, Cuba (airport code HAV) on December 2nd. You will fly home on December 9th.

SEND US YOUR FULL FLIGHT ITINERARY 

You can send it to [email protected] or email your booking or confirmation code (6 letters or letter/number combo) and the airline you are flying with and we can look it up online.

Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date the you will exit the United States or Canada

Please verify Cuba’s current visa document and other entry requirements  for the country you are a citizen of here: https://cu.usembassy.gov/visas/

Please bring with you at least 2 masks as back ups for any places that may ask or require you to wear a mask.

MANDITORY:

Click the link to fill out the responsibility and emergency contact form. We must receive your completed form prior to the trip for you to be eligible to attend. 

https://rfwma.org/responsibility-passport-emergencycontact/