Canasi

       Most of the persons in this town and the surrounding countryside are involved in farming with the production of bananas & sugar cane. Recently with the increase in the oil/gas production in Cuba, Canasi has become one of the central areas for construction of a new oil/gas plant, a refinery and numerous drill sites. Many gas and oil well sites can be seen throughout the area and along the coast. This new influx of industry to a rural area such as Canasi has changed the needs of the area and the mission focus. Bob and Susan will continue to provide the Canasi medical clinic with much needed medical equipment and supplies to the doctors and staff. Because of the rural location, this clinic receives numerous patients for general family care, lacerations and fractures and often serious health or trauma medical conditions. Any serious medical conditions needing further care and diagnosis are transferred to a larger medical facility in Santa Cruz de Norte for treatment.

     This area is considered a poorer area outside of Havana.  The infrastructure of the town is in much need of repair with some of the streets and roads almost impassable. Bob and Susan work along side the pastor and church leaders at a small house church. The house church is the home for one pastor and his family and is also the church for about 200 people who attend the three separate weekly services. 
    In 2008 a second floor room was added with new flooring and set of stairs were completed. Plans are almost complete with the addition of a cooking area and washroom. In the future, there are plans to replace a roof and build another floor to accomodate more class rooms. This will provide much needed space for the expanding sunday school, office, library/storage and teaching area. Along with the continued needs for this specific church, there are a number of small "home" study groups of persons meeting in their homes in San Miguel and area. Our pastors and their friend's need your help in being able to plan and purchase the needed construction materials to see this expansion complete and to support the outlying area teachers. The budget for this church expansion and assistance is approximately  $3000.  The young people of this area frequent the church to be part of the street youth program especially involving baseball..."The national sport of Cuba".  This Church also assists numerous local residents in supplying basic household medications for adults and children, flu and cold medicine, diabetic supplies, hygiene supplies and head lice shampoo, numerous pairs of eyeglasses, Children's vitamins, musical instruments, and much more. All supplied through the support of "Friends to Cuba"
      The faith, hard work and patience of these pastors and the families of this community are always a blessing to us as we continue to serve and assist them in any way we can. The pastors and their families are spiritually strong and growing.  Please contact us for more information on how you can become part of this important and worthwhile work in San Miguel del Padron....rbeer@golden.net