The Power of Faith: How TWR is Connecting Communities During the Cuban Energy Crisis

[Estimated reading time: 4 minutes]Cuba's energy crisis has plunged entire communities into isolation, but TWR has found a way to break through and support the Cuban people in their time of need. 

Amid the energy crisis affecting Cuba, where prolonged blackouts have plunged entire communities into isolation, a spark of hope continues to shine brightly. While many families endure more than 24 hours without electricity and barely manage to connect to the internet for just a few hours a day, RTM* Cuba has become a key pillar in bringing encouragement, faith and connection to a nation left in shadows.

With over 1,000 followers in its WhatsApp group, which features daily five-minute messages titled Faith and Hope, this ministry is proving that even in the most adverse conditions, the gospel and solidarity can cross any boundary.

A Crisis That Deepens Isolation

Cuba's energy crisis is not merely a technical issue; it is a harsh reality that profoundly impacts daily life. Entire areas go days without electricity, making it difficult to preserve food, access medication and maintain communication. "When the power goes out, communication is also affected. The internet practically disappears," says Moisés Pérez, director of RTM Cuba.

Without electricity, families face not only a collapse in their quality of life but also profound isolation. Without internet, mobile data or Wi-Fi, the digital disconnection exacerbates the feeling of being alone during what seems like an endless crisis. Yet RTM Cuba has found a way to break through this isolation and become an essential support network.

RTM Cuba: A Network of Connection in the Darkness

Despite technological and energy limitations, RTM Cuba has achieved something extraordinary: maintaining its mission to deliver messages of encouragement, hope and faith to thousands of people. How do they do it? By betting on simplicity and consistency.

• WhatsApp as the Main Tool: Instead of relying on more complex platforms or those that consume more data, RTM Cuba uses WhatsApp, an app that remains accessible even under the most limited conditions. The five-minute messages go straight to the hearts of the audience, offering a moment of relief in the middle of the storm.
• Organic Redistribution: Followers not only receive messages but also share them with their congregations and contacts, turning these audio clips into small "podcasts" that spread organically. This multiplying effect has allowed RTM Cuba's impact to transcend national borders, reaching people in other countries.
• Efficiency in Windows of Opportunity: RTM's team work tirelessly during the few hours of available electricity, producing and scheduling content so it’s ready whenever the internet becomes accessible. This operational resilience has been key to keeping their mission alive. “Every day, we upload this small yet essential message," says Director Pérez.

A Ministry Inspiring a Nation

What is most remarkable about RTM Cuba is not only its ability to adapt to circumstances but also the transformative impact it is having on Cuban society. In the context of crisis, churches are witnessing significant growth. Every Sunday, new believers cross the thresholds of churches, seeking answers and hope.

"The country's situation itself, the sheer need, has led many people to reflect on their need to place their trust in the Savior," explains Pérez, who has contact with church leaders. And RTM Cuba is there to accompany this spiritual awakening, offering a daily message that strengthens faith and connects people during a time of extreme isolation.

Isolation Does Not Have the Final Word

RTM Cuba is proving that even when the lights go out and digital connections fail, faith can be a bridge that unites people. Amid blackouts, limitations, and isolation, this ministry has become a beacon of hope that transcends borders and circumstances.

Join RTM Cuba today and be part of this light that continues to shine. Because when everything goes dark, hope remains lit.

* RTM is the Spanish equivalent of TWR.