Cuba (MNN) — You may not have heard about this ministry before, but it's having a profound impact on the church and government leadership in Cuba.
Global Baseball is a ministry that's dedicated to using baseball as a way to spread the Gospel and plant churches around the world. Cuba is one country in which Global Baseball is having an eternal impact.
President of Global Baseball Jeff Siegel says baseball is growing in popularity around the world. "Actually, in some countries it's like the king in their country. For example, in Cuba, baseball is the king."
Siegel thinks he knows why. "The people don't really have much hope outside of the Gospel message. And one of the things that gives them a little enjoyment is sports. For whatever reason, baseball is just something that really brings people together and brings a little happiness to them."
Global Baseball is designed to do a couple of things, says Siegel. "One of the things we really focus on is being able to do free baseball schools or clinics for children in countries where they would never get this kind of instruction."
While baseball is the tool, Siegel says, "We do it through the local churches so we make sure that when people get saved, there's going to be follow-up."
Global Baseball brings more than sports. "We bring humanitarian aid, and we bring baseball equipment that we leave in the churches so we can begin baseball programs and tie that to the church."
Global Baseball has been going into Cuba for several years. Siegal says, "A famous national team player named Raul Valdez got saved. Now we were going from 4 house churches to 8, 8 to 16, and 16 to 20, and he introduced me to the second-youngest son of Fidel Castro."
This son eventually came to Christ, which opened doors to meet people across the Cuban government. As relationships have blossomed, Siegel says, "We earned the government's respect in Cuba where I can bring in Christian colleges, Christian baseball teams, Christian singing groups, and humanitarian aid. They give me religious visas now in Cuba."
The only thing Global Baseball needs now is a partner who can provide aid silently. Siegel says he already has permission from the Cuban leadership. They told him, "When you're ready, give me the trail numbers of the planes, and we'll make sure they get in and go where they need to go."
This program has been hugely successful, not just in terms of baseball but in terms of lives changed. "Castro's son came to the Lord. Chinese Cubans are getting saved. People right around Castro's inner circle are getting saved."
Siegel is praying that God will encourage more baseball teams to go to Cuba for outreach. Cornerstone University is planning to send their baseball team to Cuba in the next couple of years. Siegel is praying that God will allow him eventually to share Christ with Fidel Castro himself.
If you'd like more information about Global Baseball, click here.
Dear Jeff:
I just heard about Global baseball thru one of my son’s coaches. My son Matthew, 14, and going to a Catholic High School in Atlanta this fall – is a baseball player. Hopefully Matthew will be playing with the team this next year (spring of 2017 and they have a summer team also)
For the program, the school does a trip for spring break to Florida and a trip in the summer. Was thinking after hearing about your program on mission trips to Cuba – what a great possibility this could be for his school to combine baseball and community service on a trip like this in the summer – seems ideal for a Catholic High School baseball team going to Cuba.
Please let me know if this is something I could speak with you about further and also hear more about all that your organization accomplishes.
Thanks
Greg Burdick (edited to protect confidential information)
Jeffrey,
My wife and I are going to visit Cuba through a cruise on Fathom in May. Jeff Kipp told me that I should contact you about recommendations as to places to visit like the Jewish community.
Thanks.
Elliot