Briarwood Ballet trip to Cuba

The Roar contacted Mrs. Townes about the Briarwood Ballet’s recent spring break to Cuba, which included several Briarwood students.

WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE TRIP?

“Our purpose for the trip was to join forces with Christian pastors and present concerts in their cities during Holy Week. The communist government would allow us to perform as a cultural group in the beautiful and historic government-owned theatres. We were there to encourage the Christians and also to give them a way to reach out to the city. It was such a blessing to see how excited the government officials were after the performances. We have already been asked to return!”

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU SAW?

“Imagine a land with no internet, and where ’57 Chevys share the road with horse-drawn buggies; these were sights that surrounded us as the Ballet team arrived in Holguin, Cuba. A country forgotten by time — but not by God!”

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO?

“Last year, Rev. Cheely and Glenn Waddell traveled to Cuba. Both were amazed at the Gospel explosion taking place and returned with a vision for Ballet Exaltation to minister to Cuba. Accomplishing such a task meant that the government authorities in Havana must issue our group religious visas as well as grant us permission to perform in the government-owned theatres. After a year, we had the privilege of 12 days in Cuba, watching God do the miraculous!”

WAS THE TRIP A SUCCESS?

“In preparation for our first public concert, members of our team quietly went through the theatre, praying over each of the 800+ seats, especially those reserved for government officials. The mention of God was allowed, but only in generic terms. After the concert, government officials thanked the pastor for bringing ‘this beauty’ to their city, and offered their help in doing this again. News spread and the performances in 2 other cities were sold out. We are not professionals or theologians, but God allowed us to be part of His work at this time in Cuba.” 

-------------------------------------------

en la prensa de la Isla: Brillante actuación del Ballet Exaltación en la ciudad de Holguín