In this newsletter: 

• A ministry need for a pastor in Cuba
• Update on rainwater projects

One of the “great doors for effective service” (I Cor. 16:9) that has opened for me in the last couple of years is collaborating with our Baptist partners in Cuba. We have completed two rainwater harvesting project at church camps, and have more to consider.

Barb is going to Cuba in October to introduce the Girls’ Clubs, and in November Dwight will present how addressing water crises is part of God’s mission at a conference in Cuba.

Asking your help with transportation needs of a pastor serving two churches

Pastor Waldemar Murguido collaborates with me in Cuba, coordinating transportation, creating introductions and partnerships with leaders and churches, and welcoming me into his churches and family.

He works at the seminary in Matanzas, and pastors two rural churches on weekends. Without a car, he must rely on hired drivers and, given the current economic situation in Cuba, this is becoming too expensive to maintain.

Having his own vehicle, such as a simple, three-wheeled, four-person, gas-powered vehicle will make his ministry economically feasible.

I wholeheartedly support this appeal, having traveled with him to the churches, and I know it will open doors for more effective service.

All we need at the moment is $3,500 dollars.

If you desire to support this ministry need, please send your gift to:

International Ministries, at 1003 West 9th Avenue Suite A King of Prussia, PA 19406,

Include a note stating that it is for: Bolick-Specifics,
designated for the Cuba pastoral transportation.

If you have any questions, or if you’d like to give a credit card gift over the phone, please don’t hesitate to call:

IM Donor Services at 610-768-2323

Here is a video telling his story briefly: click on this link or copy and paste to your browser

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122132213246410054&id=61562301632545&rdid=TQO8rEl7ipyEKY1p#

Updates on Projects and Partnerships

On my last trip, I had the chance to work closely with Rubén and Magaly, a brilliant couple serving innovatively at one of FIBAC’s (in English this means the Fellowship of Baptist Churches in Cuba) camps in Molino Verde.
Rubén, an experienced and visionary administrator, has been making strides in designing sustainable systems, including composting toilets and an efficient woodstove, in order to train local households how to solve their problems.

On a previous trip we designed a rainwater harvesting system at Molino Verde, one of FIBAC’s camps. Now completed, this system has already begun to provide critical support during the dry season, supplementing the well for irrigation and providing water for the animals, including the goats kept at night in the green building.

The materials for rainwater systems are incredibly difficult to source and obtain at a fair price. Ruben’s resourcefulness has led to an inspiring mix of tubing and fittings to make the system functional, as apparent in the photos below.

A Vision for Agricultural and Spiritual Renewal

FIBAC’s dream is to transform these camps into places not just of retreat, but of agricultural productivity through permaculture, education, and training. These spaces will become centers of learning—places where people can be equipped not only in practical skills but in their walk with God.

As I’ve worked on rainwater harvesting designs, I’ve also been reflecting on the biblical significance of water—how it symbolizes life, justice, and the kingdom of God. In my conversations with local church leaders and community members, we often return to these themes, exploring how projects like these are signs of God’s “Shalom”—of restorative, regenerative practices that reflect God’s plans to make everything right. I am continually reminded that God is already at work ahead of us, preparing hearts and making paths straight.

“Yet he has not left himself without a witness in doing good—giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.’ Acts 14:17

Engaging with Local Churches: Partnerships and Dreams

I also had the opportunity to meet with local church leaders about a variety of ministry projects. One exciting partnership has been with Pastor Waldemar Murguido and Arianny in the Oliva and Sabanillas churches.

Also, Barb will be introducing the Girls’ Clubs in Cuba in October, which will be a cornerstone for these other ministries envisioned.

I also met with the Rector of the Seminario Evangelico de Teología, the seminary where I stay when in Cuba, about using rainwater harvesting to support their extensive gardens. These gardens feed the seminary and neighbors in need.

On the last trip I spent time working on the design for a rainwater harvesting system at the Bethania church camp, about an hour and a half from Matanzas. It is now completed. As you can see, supplies are so limited in Cuba that we must improvise to piece together a working system.

This system will be vital to supplying water during the dry season for their massive market garden, which serves both the church and the wider community. It’s a beautiful example of how something as simple as rainwater can be transformed into a tool for ministry and community development.

At another church in Matanzas, we will be creating a project to help Pastor Rosa install an extensive garden, using rainwater harvesting to water it, and also fill the baptistery!

The work here is not just about creating rainwater harvesting systems—it’s about creating opportunities for people to thrive, for churches to grow, and for communities to be sustained in every way. These gardens aren’t just about growing food; they’re about growing hope, growing relationships, and growing the Kingdom of God.