The trip went very well, with no major hickups, except the usual long waits in the airport. Our mission was to conduct a kids camp and a youth camp, “a-la-Camp-U”, in partnership with a local church in Santiago. Because of the economic situation in Cuba we had to take all materials down ourselves; nothing could be purchased down there. So as you can imagine, our bags were packed with everything from construction paper to scissors to balls and bats to Bibles. Then, everything that was not used, stayed there for the use of the church’s children ministry. They have literally nothing so everything to them was a blessing.
The first camp went very well. There were about 70 kids from 2 to 12 and were very receptive, since this was their very first experience with something of this nature. Many accepted the Lord, while others heard of Jesus for the first time. It was short, but very well worth the effort, and it was the first time many of them had been loved in such a manner.
Once the kids left the youth came in. We had 68, ranging from 13 to 22 and over half of them were not believers. While the children’s camp was fairly easy, the youth presented a bigger challenge; again, because of the country’s general atmosphere. It was both surprising and amazing to see all 68 of those teenagers and young adults crying, hugging, and confessing Christ on the last day of camp and later at the church service where they were challenged to reconfirm the decision they had just made.
And just when we thought the Lord could not give us any more surprises, once the camp was over, the partner pastor had arranged for a church picnic at the beach where he was going to do some baptisms, when one in our own team requested to be baptized. I love the Lord’s sense of humor!
But this trip is not the end of this mission. Now the work of following up and discipling these kids begins. Cuba is a country with very limited resources in every aspect. But in the midst of it all, Christ is still honored. I would challenge you to continue praying for Pastor A. and the church, that they may continue to minister where God has planted them, and that we can soon begin to see the fruits of this labor.

Again, thank you for your support and your prayers. May He return it to you one-hundred-fold. To Him be the glory for ever and ever.

Conchita Ramos

UBC teenagers spent their afternoon volunteering & the TML Art Show!

Arts that Feeds plates up for auction at the event. Click here for more information on the Art that Feeds initiative. One plate feeds 35 youth!

Support our partners, Touching Miami With Love, at their art show this Sunday. Read below for the Top 10 reasons to attend.

10. Spend a wonderful afternoon in the beauty of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
9. Enjoy yummy desserts in our huge Dessert Bar.
8. See art created live by several local artists and bid on it in our live auction hosted by Channel 7’s Diana Diaz.
7. Meet our “in-house” youth artists,hear about their inspirations and aspirations, and purchase their works of art!
6. Take home cute notecards, framed paintings, and creations by the children in our programs.
5. View original art in our Art that Feeds silent auction to help put food on the plates of Overtown’s youth.
4. Create your own unique piece of art with established artists in our Be Your Own Artist sessions.
3. Stroll through our extensive silent auction and place your bid.
2. Add a piece of beauty to your world in our Professional Art Gallery.
1. Know that every purchase you make at A Touch of Art goes to support the quality, life-changing programs of Touching Miami with Love!

View all the day’s events, silent auction items, live auction items and entertainment at the A Touch of Art event site.

Check out this awesome story from Open House’s Spring Newsletter:

I’ve Got that Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy…

by Tiana

This was my first year at Camp Oasis.  I heard about Camp Oasis from my uncle who works at OHM.  He said it was a lot of fun because there are kids from all over South Florida.  I was excited and nervous about meeting all those new people, but I was not thinking about meeting God! I have known about God most of my life and since I have been coming to Open House Ministries for the past 3 years, I have learned a lot more.  But at Camp Oasis, I finally decided that I wanted to follow Jesus Christ for my whole life.  When I think about how Jesus came into my heart, it makes me so happy – but for some reason, I keep crying!  I know these are tears of JOY!  Thank you to all the people who helped us get to Camp Oasis!  You made a difference in my life!

A percentage of your offering, as well as your special gifts go to support the important work happening at Open House In Homestead. You can click here to download the rest of the newsletter or sign-up to receive your own by clicking this link to have it emailed to you.

Every year UBC’ers step out of their comfort zone and join one of our global missions teams. Trips are expensive and participants are encouraged to fundraise. One of the ways they do so is through our online donation system. If you are interested in donating to an individual or specific trip – follow any of the links below to be directed to the giving system for credit & debit card tax deductible donations.For more information on how you can financially support an individual going on mission, email missions@ubcmiami.org

• Bahamas Agriculture & Training Trip
• Cuba Bible Camp Trip
• Dominican Republic Education Trip
• Ecuador Education  Trip
• Nicaragua Medical & Dental Trip

This past Sunday through our Missions Cut-A-Thon over $1200 was raised for missions! We want to say a big thank-you to Arturo & Elena DeVera who each donated 5 hours of their time, as well as their fantastic skill to serve others & raise money for families in need through Missions at UBC.

Are you interested in donating your time, gift, and skill to helping others? Email missions@ubcmiami.org for more information.

One of our members decided to use an initiative at her work called Everyone Gives to help raise money for Missions at UBC & the Feed Miami Pantry. This short campaign (ends this week), allows you to pledge $5 to Missions & then invite your friends to do the same – starting a small donation tree that makes a HUGE difference.

Pledge your $5 by clicking here & pass it on!

God has gifted all of us in different ways and radically calls us to use those gifts to serve others. A few months ago, Elena DeVera approached us and asked if she could donate her & her husband’s time to raise money for Missions at UBC. They are both stylists at Avant Garde Salon on Miracle Mile and desired to use their gifts, skills, and talents to serve others.

On March 4th from 12:00pm-5:00pm, they will be offering a $90 haircut, for a minimum donation of $25 with 100% of the proceeds going to Missions at UBC. The Cut-A-Thon will be held in the Missions Office at UBC, 627 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables 33134.

Spots will fill up, so sign up today using the form below!

Touching Miami with Love is seeking volunteers in our front office Monday-Friday between 9:30am-1:30pm.  Volunteers can serve just a few hours one day a week as a great help to our staff.  For more information visit our website, www.touchingmiamiwithlove.org.  You can download our volunteer application at the bottom of our homepage and email Angel@touchingmiamiwithlove.org with any questions. Thank you!

Check out the article on page 18 about our partner Touching Miami with Love serving youth and families in Overtown. Visit http://www.touchingmiamiwithlove.org/ for more information on TML and to find out how to start volunteering!