CUBA: MILLION BIBLE MISSION Eradicating Bible Poverty and Supporting the Unprecedented Growth of Christianity in Cuba Summary Case Statement American Bible Society / Mission Advancement ABSTRACT: Situation analysis of Bible poverty in Cuba and an unprecedented three-year strategic initiative to provide 1 million Bibles, engagement resources and church leadership training to support the growing Church in Cuba.
YES, GRASS WITHERS AND FLOWERS FADE, BUT THE WORD OF OUR GOD ENDURES FOREVER. Isaiah 40.8 (GNT) SI, LA HIERBA SE SECA, Y LA FLOR SE MARCHITA. PERO LA PALABRA DE NUESTRO DIOS PERMANECE PARA SIEMPRE. Isaías 40.8 (RVC)
CONTENTS Situation Analysis 4 Protestant Revival in Cuba 5 Unprecedented Bible Provision Initiative 6 Impact Measurement 7 Risk Management 9 Funding Need 9 The Investment Opportunity 11 CUBA: MILLION BIBLE MISSION 3
SITUATION ANALYSIS The Republic of Cuba, with a population of 11 million and nearly a 100 percent literacy rate, is experiencing an unprecedented growth in Christianity. While the Cuban government does not have statistics on this, many estimate that Christianity is growing 10 percent to 25 percent per year. As a result of this growth, many more Cubans have a strong desire to read the Bible. The Catholic Church is the largest segment of Christianity in Cuba, with 59 percent of the population self-identifying as Catholic. Three hundred priests and 500 laity tend to the spiritual needs of this denomination, according to a recent report by the Archdiocese of Havana. Only 1 percent of Catholics in Cuba attend weekly Mass, comprised mainly of children and youth. Eighteen percent of Cuban Christians self-identify as Protestant, with Evangelicals leading this segment of Christians. The other category is composed of Afro-Cuban religions and other practices. Several factors account for the growth in Christianity, according to the Biblical Commission of Cuba and Cuban Council of Churches: 1. The rich Christian heritage and traditions since the island nation s colonization in October 1492. 2. Amendments to Cuba s Constitution during the 1980s, from an atheist state to that of a secular one. Many taboos were dispelled, allowing Cubans to attend church and profess their Christian faith. RELIGIOUS IDENTITY IN CUBA Catholic Protestant Other 59% 18% 23% 3. Economic, social and political reforms. These have made the Christian church a place of refuge for those seeking support, counsel, guidance and hope from the Bible. 4. Government-sponsored documentaries. These aired on television and radio, showcasing Evangelical and Catholic gatherings, such as services, Mass and other Christian celebrations. CUBA: MILLION BIBLE MISSION 4
5. Growing influence of the Catholic and Protestant church on Cuban society. Many societal reforms religious, economic are strongly influenced by church leaders. These include empowering Cuban citizens to open their own businesses, buy and sell property, hire employees, own cell phones and travel off the island. 6. Papal visits by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. These visits have improved relations among the Catholic Church, the government and Protestants, awakening the faith of many unchurched people. After the initial visit by Pope John Paul in 1998, Christmas was recognized as a national holy day. After Pope Benedict XVI s visit in 2012, Good Friday and Easter Sunday were officially recognized as Christian holy days. 7. Visiting tours by evangelists, teachers and church leaders from North America and Europe. These people came to help the Protestant church develop its evangelistic mission through capacity training and resource sharing. Consequently, Protestants through evangelistic and social work helped change the Church s image to that of a change agent in society. GROWTH OF PROTESTANT EVANGELICALS 20% 15% 10% 5% PROTESTANT REVIVAL IN CUBA Up to 2 million people, close to 18 percent of the Cuban population, are Protestant, according to estimates. A high proportion of these are young people. Currently, 62 Protestant denominations are registered with the government through the Cuban Council of Churches. Other large denominations, such as the Assemblies of God, while not registered, are recognized by the Cuban Council of Churches and served by the Biblical Commission of Cuba. 0 Church Attendance Christian Identity Since 1990, the exponential growth of Cuba s Protestant churches has been sustained through evangelism and church planting across denominations, including Baptists, Assemblies of God, Methodist and Nazarene, along with independent churches. Many Protestant churches are emerging as vital religious entities in Cuba. Baptists and Pentecostals comprise the fastest growing group of Protestants. Evangelicals now outnumber church-going Catholics. CUBA: MILLION BIBLE MISSION 5
UNPRECEDENTED BIBLE PROVISION INITIATIVE Cuba: Million Bible Mission is a strategic initiative to provide 1 million Bibles, engagement resources and church leadership training to support the growing church in Cuba. This unprecedented initiative will have a lasting, historic impact on the entire Christian church in Cuba. In addition to providing Bibles, we also will offer plans to help people engage with God s Word. As a result, they will learn how to apply it to their daily lives and enjoy a growing relationship with Christ. All Bibles selected for this initiative are hardback editions with high-grade paper. That s because repeated use and humidity shorten the lifespan of inexpensive outreach Bibles published with paperback covers and ground wood paper. Bibles will be distributed through three major sites serving local churches, as well as outreaches sponsored by the Biblical Commission of Cuba in partnership with churches. The five audiences who are beneficiaries of Cuba: Million Bible Mission are: 1. Millennial generation children: School-aged children will receive their first Bibles in a version that s easy to read with full-color aids to help them understand biblical truths. 2. Millennial generation teens and college-age youth will be given a Bible and a devotional. 3. Adult new believers will be encouraged in their faith with a new Bible, along with reading guides and engagement plans. Some quantities will be made available to adult believers who do not have a Bible or need to replace their worn Bibles. 4. Prisoners will receive topical Scripture booklets, offering them God s redeeming hope. 5. Seminary students and clergy will be given study Bibles and biblical reference resources. Training seminars also will help those called to encourage and disciple others. Bible poverty in Cuba exists because the amount of Bibles and Scripture engagement resources in Cuba lags far behind the growth of Christianity on the island. Cubans cannot afford to import high-quality Bibles. Today, we have a mandate to support the emerging church and help a new generation in Cuba enjoy a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. CUBA: MILLION BIBLE MISSION 6
IMPACT MEASUREMENT Independent impact measurement reporting will provide donors and Cuban church leaders with a unique perspective on the transformational power of God s Word. American Bible Society and the Canadian Bible Society are commissioning research on the impact of the Cuba: Million Bible Mission initiative. These findings will be published in a report by Global Scripture Impact (GSI). Impact Report The Impact Report examines project design, track record, projected budget, a financial analysis, leadership review with independent references, and a risk and impact analysis. The analysis will take into account six factors leading to successful project implementation: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Project concept Program design and experience Leadership Financial control Sustainability External factors CUBA: MILLION BIBLE MISSION 7
Global Scripture Impact (GSI) was established to give American Bible Society the project impact evaluation and analysis required to inform their ministry investment decisions. This results in the funding of more effective ministry programs with verified project impact. Donors can then be assured that their ministry dollars are used effectively. Identification of Life Impact Deepening Scripture engagement is an appropriate measure of the effectiveness of a Christian ministry program, according to Global Scripture Impact (GSI). Using proven principles of spiritual discipleship development, GSI measures individual progression along the spiritual formation continuum toward a deeper awareness of God and his Word. This methodology is defined as: Willingness: accepting Scripture and beginning biblical engagement Understanding: recognizing the importance of Scripture s role in one s life Action: taking steps inspired by Scripture to enhance Christian character Impact Briefing An Impact Briefing will highlight the Bible distribution and engagement project in a four-page report that includes the project plan, expected outcomes, budget, best practices, references and key risks. Elements of the Impact Briefing: Project overview How, where and when a specific project will be implemented The expected impact and number of beneficiaries Monitoring and evaluation process Project budget and analysis Key risks: At least three main strengths and weaknesses in the project design Best practices: Highlights the best practices relevant to the audience or sector References: Independent recommendations from people who have seen the project at work or know the leaders involved Photographs: Beneficiaries in action Scripture: Bible verse that motivates the implementer Beneficiary testimony: Before and after the project CUBA: MILLION BIBLE MISSION 8
Impact Assessment At completion, the project is reviewed for effectiveness with an evaluation of performance against the objectives stated in the Impact Briefing. The evaluation includes a budget comparison based on actual spending, the research analyst s assessment and recommendations, and beneficiary testimonies. This independent analysis is an essential component of organizational decision making. The Impact Assessment allows for a thorough reporting of research findings and analysis to better inform future funding decisions. RISK MANAGEMENT Several risks have been mitigated by American Bible Society and United Bible Societies to ensure the success of the initiative. These include: Government relations ABS and UBS have obtained permission from the Cuban government to supply the Church with Bibles. Church relations ABS and UBS have a working relationship with the Cuban Council of Churches to ensure that all churches in Cuba will be served. Distribution Logistics and Operations Management UBS is providing oversight of the distribution and logistics strategy to support the BCC Impact Measurement GSI will provide independent research on impact, as well as guidance on designing spiritual metrics Black Market A notice on the back and inside cover pages will limit these free Bibles from being sold. FUNDING NEED With a total cost of $5.42 million over the next three years, Cuba: Million Bible Mission will eradicate Bible poverty by providing 1 million high-quality and durable Bibles, Scripture Portions, engagement plans and training for clergy. CUBA: MILLION BIBLE MISSION ANNUAL COSTS Cost Category Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total Costs Scriptures $ 1,520,761 $ 1,748,875 $ 2,011,206 $ 5,280,843 Direct Staff $ 10,000 $ 11,500 $ 13,225 $ 34,725 Direct Project $ 31,000 $ 35,650 $ 40,998 $ 107,648 Indirect $ 1,000 $ 1,150 $ 1,323 $ 3,473 Project Total $ 1,562,761 $ 1,797,175 $ 2,066,751 $ 5,426,688 CUBA: MILLION BIBLE MISSION 9
Costs: Publishing and import costs are the largest expense of the initiative. Direct Staff costs include personnel costs, such as hiring new staff at the Biblical Commission of Cuba to facilitate logistics and provide research support for the initiative. Direct Project costs include logistics and operational costs, such as transportation of freight, storage and staging of outreach events in Cuba. Indirect costs include permits and church meetings by the Biblical Commission of Cuba for outreach events. CUBA: MILLION BIBLE MISSION RESOURCES BY RECIPIENT YEAR ONE PROTESTANT BIBLES Recipient Bible Edition / Seminar Qty Cost Children Full Color Bible 32,500 $ 114,580 Youth Bible and Devotional 36,000 $ 220,820 Adults Various for New Believers & Replacement Bibles 210,000 $ 655,550 Prisoners Topical Bible Booklets 88,700 $ 41,207 Seminarians/Pastors Study Bibles 28,500 $ 227,980 Clergy & Lay Leaders Bible Sciences & Engagement Seminars 9 $ 35,250 $ 1,295,387 CUBA: MILLION BIBLE MISSION 10
THE FUNDING OPPORTUNITY Cuba: Million Bible Mission offers you the opportunity to invest in the next generation of Cuban children, youth and young adults seeking the hope found in God s Word. Additionally, you will help a growing number of adults who are coming to the saving knowledge of Christ. And you will be providing Church leaders and seminary students with their own copy of God s Word and other Scripture resources. We believe this is a kairos moment in Cuba s history. With God s Word in their hands, heads and hearts, Cubans will experience the Bible s transformational power. Consider becoming part of what God is accomplishing in Cuba through his Word. The major issue in providing Bibles to Cubans isn t political; rather it s a matter of financial resources to meet the great need. The people of Cuba are interested in acquiring their own copy of the Holy Bible. Your generous giving will go directly toward accomplishing this mission. From its beginning nearly 200 years ago, American Bible Society has worked tirelessly to deliver the Good News of Scripture to a world desperate for God s Word. Today, you can be a part of the Bible cause in Cuba. Thank you for your consideration. For more information, please contact: Thomas Grimm American Bible Society, Mission Advancement The McEwen Bldg. 1550 W. McEwen Drive Suite 300, PMB 2 Franklin, TN 37067 615.310.0637 cell 866.826.9610 office toll free 615.658.6184 e-fax tgrimm@americanbible.org American Bible Society is a Christian ministry that has been engaging people with the life-changing message of God s Word for nearly 200 years. CUBA: MILLION BIBLE MISSION 11
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