The Cuban church that lost 10 pastors and their wives in a horrific plane crash just outside Havana has issued an appeal for prayer. The group of clergy had been meeting in the capital earlier this month before boarding the doomed flight, which was headed for the province of Holguin. After failing in its attempt to climb to altitude, the plane plummeted to the ground just outside José Martí International Airport airport in the Cuban capital.
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The Global Nazarene Church released a powerful statement after the crash that said, “Couples were singing, praying, and testifying on their way to the airport. The promise of the resurrection assures us that we will be reunited in praising and worshiping God together.”
“This morning, on their way to the airport, some of them testified that they were prepared to encounter their God, which is humanly impossible to explain,” said a pastor who rode with the group to the airport.
The Church added that the tragedy had come at a “time of growth” and made a heartfelt appeal for prayers at this difficult time, as reported by Evangelical Focus.
“…please continue to join us in prayer for all affected by this tragic loss. We embrace Christ’s mandate to console the grieving and care for the widows and orphans,” the statement implored.
“On that plane were 10 couples of pastors. 20 people. All of the Nazarene Church in the eastern region,” confirmed Maite Quesada, a member the Cuban Council of Churches following the accident.
Despite the Boeing 737 exploding into flames after the crash, miraculously, three women were pulled from the wreckage alive. They are currently in critical condition. In total, some 110 people perished in the tragic accident.
Leonel López, President of the Church of the Nazarene in Cuba also released a touching statement following the accident:
“Our blessed and joyful pastors and their spouses were among those who lost their lives, but we know that they are in Heaven with the Lord,” he said.
Lopez noted that “several children, adolescents, and young are left orphans without their fathers and mothers,” as a result of the tragic accident. “Some of them have no extended family,” he added, before requesting prayer: “Pray for the victims’ families and children, the East District leadership, for us, and for what we have to face in the future.”
“All the national presidents of the different denominations in Cuba are with us in this moment of tribulation and anguish, and above all, the Lord is with us — that is why we can say we are not alone,” Lopez said.
Please take a moment today to pray for this heartbroken community of faith.
(H/T: Evangelical Focus)