Crisis in Cuba: A Glimpse into Life During the Blackouts
On October 18th, around 11:00 AM, I experienced a significant blackout in my Airbnb in Havana, Cuba. While power outages are common in many parts of the island, this one marked a nationwide crisis. Earlier that day, my friends Michel and Yoa received news that the government was closing all schools and so they left for their home in Cienfuegos, three hours away. Little did we know this blackout would affect all 10 million people in Cuba.
The Antonio Guiteras power plant, the largest in the country, went offline, leading to a catastrophic failure of the already fragile electrical grid. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero attributed the situation to a combination of deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and increased demand, compounded by Hurricane Milton’s strong winds, which hindered fuel delivery.
Michel and Yoa
For over a year, many communities have endured limited power—typically just four to six hours a day—enough to keep refrigerators cold. With garbage piling up due to fuel shortages for collection trucks, the living conditions have become increasingly dire. Despite previous loans from countries like Russia for infrastructure improvements, Cuba now owes billions in overdue loans to 20 nations.
This recent blackout has transformed daily life. Families no longer merely wait for a few hours of power to recharge their devices or cool their food. A decade ago, the government encouraged a shift to electric cooking, providing subsidized stoves and refrigerators. Now, without reliable electricity, people find themselves unable to cook as food spoils in their fridges. With government stores closed, food is accessible only on the black market at inflated prices, and cash transactions have become nearly impossible due to the recent shift to a card-only payment system. The blackout, combined with Hurricane Oscar striking the western part of the island, led to widespread devastation, including six reported deaths.
Garbage on the Street
During my four days in Havana, power fluctuated between 30 minutes to two hours daily. Surprisingly, there were no reports of protests. Many Cubans are focused on survival, leaving little room for activism. I met with Ray, a Jewish man I had previously encountered on my visits. For the first time, he expressed his hunger, showing me only a bottle of water as sustenance. I gave him some cash and returned with granola bars. Ray epitomizes the resilience of many Cubans—desperate but not complaining, with some leaving the island whenever possible.
On the afternoon of my departure, power finally returned to my Airbnb, but just three blocks away, homes remained dark. Personally, I managed through the situation without severe hardship, spending hours in candlelight, but witnessing others struggle had deeply affected me. My primary concern was whether I would make it to the airport for my flight back to Canada.
Joshua and Anna
At CMRC, we support 24 pastors in Cuba, mainly from our general fund. Conversations with them reveal a mix of positivity and concern over food shortages. One pastor, Michel, bikes nine kilometers just to find affordable milk for his family.
As we reflect on the ongoing challenges, please keep the people of Cuba, especially the pastors and their families, in your prayers. They face severe shortages of food and medication. On each visit, I bring financial support and essential items to aid their daily lives. If you wish to contribute to this cause, you can donate and specify your support for the pastors.
Joshua Preaching
Michel encapsulates the hope many share: “Like us, and other believers, we see our food being cared for or preserved by God even with the blackouts lasting so long”.
Doug Springer
Executive Director
Project Studio Guatemala January 2025
If you are interested in coming to Guatemala late January 2025, please contact Doug at info@cmrc.ca Project will include light construction to upgrade the TV / Audio studio at the Guatemala Bible Seminary and much needed painting of student dorms. Trip will be about 12 days in total and budget will be in place shortly. Men and women are invited to join the team.
prayer Requests
- Pray for the pastors and their families suffering through blackouts and lack of food and medicine.
- Pray for the Cesar as he builds a new studio and the team to Guatemala in January.
- Pray for Karen and her leadership with the Women’s education program in the Amazon at Iquitos Peru.
- Pray for Doug Springer’s upcoming trip to Peru to visit Karen and the church building project in the Amazon.
- Pray for the pastor and helpers constructing a new church sponsored by CMRC downriver from Iquitos.
- Pray for ongoing financial support for the work of CMRC.
