The mission of the Thirdmill Institute is to provide Biblical Education. For the World. For Free. Since the introduction of the Institute in 2021, numerous countries, communities, and churches have had the opportunity to take hold of the vision of the Institute and let it transform the lives and education of people. It is this very mission that enables people across the globe to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible and theology, and thus be transformed personally, and gain the skills to do ministry and impact their communities further.
The foundation of Thirdmill has been present in Cuba for years, aiding people in learning, ministry skills, and application. The Institute has been able to further the education and credibility of their knowledge, as it has allowed students to acquire certificates and graduate from the courses. All of this is purposefully designed to allow others the chance to grow closer to God and fulfill the purpose that God has for them in their country. For students and our partners, Thirdmill Institute is seen as a great tool that empowers people to share the Word of God, be faithful servants, and promote the Gospel accurately so it may be transformative.
The Los Piños Nuevos denomination in Cuba has been using Thirdmill for years, and recently incorporated Thirdmill Institute into their training. This has brought many great connections and impacts from the people participating in the learning communities. Greg Conover (Thirdmill’s Regional Director for Latin America) shared a powerful interaction with a leader of a church that is a part of the Los Piños Nuevos denomination. The meeting ended with the leader grabbing Greg by the shoulders and embracing him in great gratitude saying in broken English how much Thirdmill has changed his life. He said thankfully, “The Institute has taught me a lot and has stretched my mind in different ways. It has taught me a lot about the church, and how we can serve together in the kingdom of God. And based on the Apostle’s Creed has taught me that the truth of formation starts with the heart, for the kingdom…”
This interaction was not only profound for the leader of the church, but for Greg as well. Relationships created and fostered through Thirdmill Institute help students apply what they learn, which in turn further unites the Kingdom of God. Join us in continuing to pray for our friends and partners in Cuba, as they continue to grow in their faith and knowledge of God.
Prayer Requests
For the past couple of years, Cuba for the past couple of years has experienced an exodus of its people. Cuba’s political and economic climate has been deteriorating, leaving many Cubans in disarray. The country has experienced a multitude of blackouts, and a lack of food, and fuel for vehicles. With so many of its younger population migrating out of Cuba, families, workplaces, communities, and more are experiencing loss to great demands.
Seeing the crisis and confusion firsthand, our Cuban partners, Iglesia Evangélica Getsemaní are holding tightly to their faith as their greatest hope for what is to come. Mario Traveiso, a pastor at Iglesia Evangélica Getsemaní says that Thirdmill plays a vital role in helping bring the body of Christ back together in the midst of division. Traveiso sees the ways in which many are rejecting the Word of God, or are straying from any faith in the midst of this difficulty. In recognition of that, he says, “It is sad, but we continue trying to make God’s word come alive in our nation and trying to build the Body of Christ with Thirdmill especially.”
Together, we can all pray for the restoration of Cuba in its political and economic climate; for stability, peace, and hope to come among its population. Amid loss and confusion, we pray that the people of Cuba will feel the presence of God with them, and His sovereignty working over everything. We also pray for wisdom and guidance to seek out ways to help and provide practical ways to bring relief and support.
By Josieann Ownbey
Church Leader at Los Piños Nuevos