CUBA FOR CHRIST
BWA LIVING WATER CONFERENCE IN HAVANA
by Tony Cupit
Approximately 530 delegates attended the Baptist World Alliance Living Water conference in Havana, Cuba, from March
23-26.
Delegates traveled from Santiago, Las Tunas, Bayamo, Camaguay, Via Clara, Guantanamo and indeed from all regions
of Cuba. Even an earthquake that struck Santiago de Cuba a few days before the conference began did not prevent the
delegates from attending. There was a festive air as the meetings began which even heightened the expectation and the
serious intent of the Living Water conference.
By far the most powerful impact this Living Water conference may have on the strengthening of the churches was the
coming together of the four Baptist communities in Cuba, the Baptist Convention of Eastern Cuba, the Baptist Convention
of Western Cuba, the Freewill Baptist Convention of Cuba and the Fraternity of Baptists in Cuba.
Only those present can understand the deep feelings this evoked. Relationships have traditionally been strained between
some of the bodies and it has been a struggle to achieve reconciliation. But at this Living Water conference, true Christian
fellowship was experienced. The presidents of the four conventions washed each others’ feet, celebrated as part of a
moving foot-washing ceremony where other leaders washed the feet of selected delegates.
This was consistent with the servant leadership emphasis in the conference and a re-enactment of Jesus washing the
accumulated dust off His disciples’ feet.
Very joyous, effervescent music characterized the worship throughout. There were well-known Spanish language hymns
and praise songs. But the Cubans decided to compose their own Living Water theme song, a great new tune with very
appropriate words. Once learned, it quickly became a favorite and was sung throughout the conference with exuberance:
who fills my being.
world needs to drink,
Whoever has taken from Him, will never thirst again.
Christ is the Living Water, He is the light and truth.
He is the never-ending source of joy,
To whoever trusts in him, eternal life will gush forth,
like a spring, from his soul.
It was fascinating to observe and enjoy the instrumen-talists who supported the worship team. There were players of
keyboards, drums, trumpets, clarinets, flutes, saxophones, guitars as well as indigenous instruments. Cubans are known
for their music and the churches are blessed with large numbers of extremely talented singers and musicians. We were
blessed by the marvelous worship through joyous singing and superb worship leadership.
Most Living Water conferences include creative features that highlight the water motif. There is always a water-pouring
event with accompanying liturgy. A specially created well was positioned in the center of the stage area. Young people
dressed in appropriate costumes re-enacted themes and scenes from the Bible, including the story of the woman at the
well in John 4.
People came to study and to explore issues relevant to the Cuban situation. Afternoon sessions consisted of 20
workgroups and six affinity groups for pastors, young
(Continued on next page)
PHOTOS: An actress plays the role of the Woman at the Well in John 4 at the BWA Living Water conference in Cuba;
El Gallo de la Salsa (The Rooster), famous Cuban salsa singer who converted to Christianity and is now a Baptist, sings
during the BWA Living Water conference in Havana

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