School of Leadership with Missions Emphasis is Taught for the First Time in Cuba

By: Leydi Pérez & Elba Duson

The School of Leadership (SoL) is a program where leaders interested in missions are developed.

A few years ago, our field decided to take the SoL courses 100% online using tools such as Zoom, Classroom and Google Meet. Obviously for this modality to work, students must have a very good internet connection during videoconferences and be able to complete their assignments online.

From May to November 2023, we realized there was a desire for one of our countries with many technological limitations to receive this material. As a team we explored the possibility of doing everything via WhatsApp (an instant messaging app) in Cuba. We recognized the great challenge that it was going to be to use this method to send lectures and class assignments for 48 lessons and six courses, all while maintaining dynamic interaction between the teachers and students. But in the end, we did it!

We were able to lead an excellent group of facilitators and teachers. Despite the limitations, they found creative ways to send voice notes, short videos, written notes, and photos to teach their classes each day. As for the students, we were amazed by their effort to learn and show up for each class. It was moving to hear how they managed to attend each class and turn in their homework. Many raised money to be able to purchase sufficient data for their cellphones. On several occasions, a group of students with an umbrella climbed a hill high above their city while it was raining because that was the only place they could find good cell signal to send in their assignments!

It was a great achievement when, by the end of November, 40 students from the three districts of Cuba had finished the six books. Later, at their District Assemblies or in special services organized by their Missions Mobilization coordinators, each one “graduated” from the program and received their well-deserved certificate.

The testimonies of some of the participants show how God worked:

“During the course we had entire days of not being able to connect due to lack of electricity. But despite all the setbacks we were able to reach the goal. Now we have received preparation that will be of great help to us when God calls us to serve Him in another place.” – Naidys.

“I thank God for allowing me to graduate from this Leadership course which was very helpful for my ministry as a missions president in my church.” – Catalina Peña López.

“This experience has proven very supportive for the ministry we have begun as pastors. We pray that God richly blesses all the brothers and sisters that were used to take us to a higher level in the gospel.” – Manuel and Dalida.

“The School of Leadership expanded my horizons to missions. 5 months before taking this course I started to plant a church in a place totally different from where I have lived, and these lessons helped me see it to fruition. I have put many of the strategies I’ve learned into practice, and it has been a tremendous success. It’s all fruit of the School of Leadership initiative.” – Carlos Alberto Collazo.

–Leydi Pérez is the Coordinator of the School of Leadership in the Central Field.

–Elba Duson serves as Missions Mobilization Coordinator in the Central Field.