The sound of maracas, drum, and guitar usher in the World Day of Prayer on Friday March 4.  On the first Friday in March every year, churches across the globe gather in ecumenical celebration to pray for a particular country. This year, all prayers focus on socialist Cuba, and its small but lively Christian community.

Oliver churches will join together at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at St Edward’s Anglican Church (at Nicola and Fairview) to pray in solidarity with their Cuban “brothers and sisters”. Representatives from the Oliver United Church and Christ the King Catholic will also be taking part in the leadership and all are welcome to the ecumenical service. Doing so, participants will join 2000 communities in Canada alone together with 170 countries around the world in prayer.

The long-standing U.S. trade embargo brought Cuba economic isolation and material scarcity. Within Cuba a similar isolation formed around people of faith in the officially atheist state. Now the embargo is lifting, but uncertainty remains, both economic and religious. A committee of Cuban women has written a special worship service addressing the needs of their people.

Pictured are Carol Howes, Ellen Belisle, Alma Upsdell and Sheran Sellars bearing some of the symbols to be used in the prayer service. The white butterfly jasmine flowers are not only the national flower of Cuba but were used to conceal and transmit secret messages during times of civil strife. Maracas represent the lively rhythm of life in Cuba, and will accompany some of the lively singing. Participants will learn two songs, partly sung in easy Spanish.

Following the service is a reception that includes some Cuban favourites: limonada and coffee, tropical fruits, avocado, fish and rice dishes, and lots of salsa!

Picture and article submitted by Penelope Johnson