You might be surprised to know that 20% of the Cuban population is involved in music! Twenty percent—that is approximately 2.2 million people! The music leadership of the Baptist Convention in Cuba had been praying for professional musicians. They were asking God for opportunities to take the Gospel to this large, unreached people group. GMP joined the Convention’s vision and opportunities soon came to work with orchestras, symphonic bands, and popular music groups. 

Fernando was the main percussionist of one of the symphonic bands in Cuba. He received recognition and notoriety by being the chosen percussionist for some of the popular artists of the Cuba “filin” movement (a popular Cuban musical style from the 40s through the early 60s). He was also a very committed and uncompromising atheist, known for his zeal in promoting ungodly ideology. 

During rehearsals and concerts, the GMP musicians shared their testimony and Camp Kirkland explained the Gospel. During one of the subsequent concerts, Fernando made his decision to follow Christ in front of his colleagues.

Fernando was discipled, baptized by a pastor in his community, and mentored by the pastor’s wife, who is also a musician. She helped Fernando understand that God had gifted him with extraordinary music abilities for His praise. Fernando joined the praise group of his church and traveled with the pastor’s wife to small churches and new church plants to train musicians for the worship ministry.

He also was asked by local authorities to teach music to prisoners in a Cuban jail, and he took advantage of that open door to distribute New Testaments and share his faith with the inmates.

Jesus is alive! He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, transforming the most unlikely, uncompromisingly stubborn person into a humble, gentle servant dedicated to sharing the Gospel and helping the people of God to worship Him.