Childhood memories of Fidel Castro riding into New York City and taking the journey from the United Nations to Yankee Stadium ran through my mind as the band prepared to land in Havana. From the window I saw mostly green farmland, with an occasional road––empty of all traffic. This was going to be a fascinating time.
We landed at the terminal, passed through Passport Control easily, then into the overwrought baggage area. Our welcome was perfunctory, but given by young Cubans in stylish uniforms. (To me, it looks as if our own Transportation Security Administration people get their uniforms from the Salvation Army trade department!) Though the scene was chaotic, we seemed to have made it through customs easily––until word came that every instrument had to be inspected.
So even though we landed at 2 pm, we didn’t check into the Hotel Nationale till 6 pm. Because of that, our 7:00 PM dinner did not begin until 8:30 pm. I could see that flexibility would be important throughout our stay here. However, dinner was quite spectacular. It took place in a classic ballroom with great acoustics––no carpets as in a typical American ballroom – and a group of young opera singers, including a counter tenor, to entertain us. We enjoyed opera hits, including “Nessun Dorma” throughout dinner. The hotel is not only beautiful but also full of historic ghosts. It was the favorite hotel of Mafia dons and entertainers like Frank Sinatra.
On Saturday, the band worked on local corps buildings in a mission project and set up for the concert. Travelling through Havana we saw old American cars everywhere, with a few recent model Hyundais mixed in. But we were fascinated with the cars from the 1940’s and 50’s. The lack of any other American influence was very apparent. There were no neon signs nor billboards, no fast food restaurants and particularly, no golden arches. The neighborhoods looked old and in need of repair, but the people were well–dressed and appeared happy.
As we dropped off the first group, I wondered what could be accomplished in this little corps. As it turns out, it was a real eye opener for the staff band group that worked there. They did some painting but also met with the corps officers and toured the spartan quarters attached to the building. They began to realize what sacrificial living might entail. This was life–changing for many and their perspective will never be the same.
A second group painted the outside of the Central Corps, a small, solid building that houses a corps with a vibrant ministry. It was memorable for band members to have Commissioner Sue Swanson working alongside them in the painting project.
My group prepared to set up the concert venue, a nice hall. Lights were not available at that time and we scrambled backstage and in dressing rooms to find enough chairs to set up the band. But we finally completed our preparations. Kenya, our tour guide, then took us to a “tourist hotel” in the embassy region for coffee. Tom Scheibner, Gordon Ward spoke with her about life in Cuba. She revealed that she had a degree in languages from the University. Many British and Canadian tourists vacation in Cuba so she chose to work in the tourist industry, a job she enjoys greatly. She explained about ration cards that each family receives monthly to provide staples of life, such as bread, rice and chicken. Salaries are low but everyone eats. She also told us she had applied for a visa to travel to America but had been turned down by her government. Because she is single, she is considered to be too much of a flight risk. She declared that she loves Cuba and doesn’t want to move away–– but she realizes that one never knows.
By then it was time to pick up the other groups and head back to the hotel. After another nice meal, it was off to the concert. I wasn’t sure what to expect as we began the program, but the response was enthusiastic. What a relief!
Applause filled the hall when Chris Ward began playing “Memory from Cats.” With the exception of “My Strength, My Tower,” for any brass band aficionados who might be in the audience, the concert consisted mostly of light music. Gordon Ward played “Longings,” Matt Luhn “Fiesta,” and Ryan McCrudden and Aaron VanderWeele received huge applause for Peter Graham’s “Brillante.” The hit of the night, though, was Dorothy Gates new arrangement of “Conga,” a brass band version of the Gloria Estefan hit. A conga line formed as we played and, in a way, served as a hallelujah wind-up.
On our way to the meeting on Sunday, held at a Seventh Day Adventist Church, we traveled through upscale neighborhoods where embassy people live. What a great morning! Lots of uniformed Salvationists, young people, a praise team, great singing. The band played “The Last Amen” and we used “Be Still for the Presence of the Lord” as a congregational song. The singing was as fervent as one could imagine and I experienced emotions that I link with God’s presence. The Cuban Salvationists sang some songs unknown to us but very well known to them as they sang and danced with great energy.
After Commissioner Barry Swanson’s message there was a significant response to the altar call during the prayer time. I had programmed the “Red Shield” march as an upbeat conclusion but it was clear that the members of the audience wanted more, so we played Richard Phillips’ “Amazing Grace.” At this point they began shouting “Conga,” and once we found the score, we ended our worship time with that lively music. What a joyful ending to a most memorable morning of worship.
Following the meeting, there were photos, translated conversations and more photos with this happy group of Salvationists. An older major showed me a photograph of the Havana Central Band dating from 1956. A good looking group that he was a part of. A mother and her 16 –year–old daughter talked to me about beginning a brass band. If relationships between the United States and Cuba do open up more fully, we will be eager to assist Salvationists who are primed and ready for something special to happen.
After lunch at a private dining facility, we toured the city squares. Old Town Havana is beautiful and unspoiled. Our day ended at an “upper room” restaurant in Old Havana, featuring great food and great fellowship. After the meal, the divisional commander, Colonel Moreno, inspired us with his words and we concluded with the singing of Rock of Ages.
Travel home was uneventful. We all arrived home feeling privileged to have been part of this unique weekend of ministry. God is good no matter our circumstances. God also uses these experiences to change us. I know I’ll be praying for our new friends in Cuba.
