Two of our local citizens, Al Lawson and Phil Torrance, spent eight days in Cuba last October on a mission trip with the Sons of Jubal. The Sons of Jubal is a Baptist men’s singing group comprised of members from across the state of Georgia. The group is a mix of Baptist music ministers and lay men. They were accompanied by the Jubalheirs (a Baptist ladies singing group) and the Jubal Orchestra. The group totaled 220 counting members and some spouses. Concerts were held in Baptist churches - primarily in central Cuba about 4 hours east of Havana. They sang in Santa Clara, Remedios, Vueltas, Sagua, and other small towns before returning to Havana for their final concert.
The trip was coordinated by Global Missions Project (GMP), a mission group created to give musicians an opportunity to enter the mission field using their God given talent as a tool to reach people. They are a non-profit, interdenominational Christian Ministry dedicated to developing ministry opportunities for every church musician.
In addition to performing, the group carried extra suitcases of supplies to be distributed to the people through the local Baptist churches and GMP. Items included over-the-counter medications, eyeglasses, clothes, musical instruments, and several suitcases of medical supplies for GMP physician contacts. The group also provided funding to start two new churches, and to supply materials and labor to paint an elementary school and provide solar security lighting. During the concerts, one of the pastors from the group would present the gospel message through an interpreter. At least 125 people made public professions of faith during the week.
“The Cuban people were very kind and receptive to the message. As we sang, the words were displayed in Spanish, and the congregation sang with us.” Al stated. “It was a wonderful opportunity that was provided for our group.”
As the group was preparing to leave Cuba, Hurricane Melissa was bearing down on the eastern provinces. “We gathered in our hotel lobby and took up a collection from our group to be used to purchase food and water for the victims. Many in our group left clothes they had worn and hygiene items that they had brought to be used for the hurricane victims. Upon returning to the US our members collected/donated a substantial amount of money in two days to send directly to the region through GMP,” stated Lawson.
“Despite their poor economic conditions and lack of things that we take for granted, the people were gracious and still exhibited an attitude of hope. Most of the people can’t afford housing and live together in multigenerational homes, many of which were passed down by previous generations. People that have jobs might make $10-20 per month in US money. They have power blackouts daily, some lasting all day. Food is rationed per household by ration cards that include rice, beans, sugar, etc. that they still must pay for. Life is not easy for the people there. We saw it firsthand,” said Al.
“Citizens of the United States that think socialism/communism is the way to go, and that Cuba is a model for success, should go there for a month and see what it is really like. You don’t know how good life is and how blessed you are until you visit a place that is so oppressed. We gained a new appreciation and compassion for the people there,” said Phil.
In 2026 the Jubals will be singing across the state of Georgia and in Alabama. Go to jubalministries.org for times and schedules.
