Mike and MonaRé Shields

A terrific run for two weeks across three cities in Cuba: Camaguey, Florida, and Ciego de Avila.  We spoke for the National Youth Leadership Development Retreat, held in the city of Florida, Cuba.  Sectional, regional and national youth leaders from across the island of Cuba converged for the three day event.

A terrific run for two weeks across three cities in Cuba: Camaguey, Florida, and Ciego de Avila.  We spoke for the National Youth Leadership Development Retreat, held in the city of Florida, Cuba.  Sectional, regional and national youth leaders from across the island of Cuba converged for the three day event.

In Ciego de Avila, we were the Keynote speakers for the Regional   Evangelism Conference.  The church was jammed with men and women from the mid-section of Cuba who are dedicated to evangelism outreaches in the local church and beyond.

What an incredible time with these heroes of the faith who face unbelievable difficulties in transportation, logistics, and often open resistance.  Yet they are a dynamic part of the engine that is fueling such  exciting growth of the Church.

The next week, MonaRe was the featured speaker for the National Women’s Conference held in Camaguey.  Over 1,500 women from every corner of Cuba came for the four day event.  It was exciting to see the main floor, balcony and the isles filled to capacity.  There was a real move of God in every service as other visiting ministers ministered and participated in the convention.

Cuba is experiencing a time of growth and expansion.  We have over 2,000 organized churches and thousands of registered workers in this vast movement.  We thank the Lord for the opportunities we’ve been able to accept to see this remarkable wave of spiritual awakening in this place.

In early May we were speakers for the National Educators Conference.  Bible School professors, pastors and administrators from the western half of Ecuador converged for a comprehensive training seminar.  Following the seminar, we returned to Guayaquil for a series of services and engagements with co-workers.

From there it was on to Managua, Nicaragua for a two and a half weeks. MonaRe was both the seminar Director and served as one of the visiting professors for the post-grad Institute for Ministerial Enrichment. (ISUM)

I spoke in a series of churches in exciting services during that time.  Nicaragua is Central America’s poorest country, but the church is ministering effectively with schools, outreach programs and practical helps.

Mona invests hundres of hours each year in classroom instruction and spends quality time with students  who come for a month to study.  This years seminar in Nicaragua was a great time of mentoring and connecting with top leaders from across the country.

We have participated in the annual international ISUM meetings. Reps from Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico and across the U.S. came to the Christian Training Network Headquarters in Miami for the meetings. The following week we went to Springfield, Missouri. Mona particpated in the ACLAME International Meeting hosted by Global University. Next up in May is Ecuador and Nicaragua.

The National Educators Conference  - Center for Theological Studies
Santiago, Chile   March 2009

Nearly three weeks in Chile, we were presenters at the National Educators Conference held at the Center for Theological Studies near downtown Santiago.

We also spoke in services at local churches with three thousand people in attendence during the three weeks we worked and ministered in Chile.

A highlight of the trip was the arrival of our daughters Kristi and Elizabeth.  It was the first time they had returned to Chile in eight years.  Along with a great reunion for members of their former youth group, they appeared in services in Santiago.  Kristi sang and ministered at the keyboard and Elizabeth shared a few minutes with the crowd during a morning service that was packed to capacity.

It was a productive, meaningful three weeks spent in Chile where we dedicated ten years of our lives and ministry.

Back in Santiago for a reunion with great friends who formed the youth leadership team.

Elizabeth returned to visit Santiago College where she graduated from high school.  She was the first MK  in 40 years to graduate from an all-Spanish speaking Chilean high school.  We’re still proud of her for that achievement

There’s nothin’ like a palmera for breakfast in Chile!

We spent nearly three weeks in Colombia between the two of us.  MonaRé taught in the Advanced Leadership Seminar with 45 students from five countries.

Mike spoke in many services that reached several thousand people in Bogota, Bucaramanga, and Piedecuesta, Colombia.

We were in Cuba for two weeks, attending the National General Council and speaking in local churches.  There is a deep commitment among the believers in Cuba.  Many local congregations are experiencing a dynamic growth and discipleship.

We have been asked to return in June of this year.  Mike is to speak for the National Youth Leadership Conference, a Regional Evangelism Conference, and  MonaRe will be speaking for the National Women´s Convention.  Your prayers really matter!