Walking Together with the Lord
Wayne’s first mission trip with Osmani was in October 2011. They were visiting pastors, praying with them, offering encouragement, and building relationships with their church and their families. On this particular trip, Osmani introduced him to Javiel Vento García and his wife, Yanaisy Cordero Álvarez, from Vinales, and their sons Javiel (Javielito) Vento Cordero and Caleb Vento Cordero. After an encouraging visit and meeting with their family, Wayne asked if he could take a photograph of them in front of Javiel and Yanaisy’s home. What started as one visit became many, and a deep friendship has flourished over the years. With each visit, a tradition began of photographing the family in front of their house as the family has grown, including the addition of Jonathan Vento Cordero, now six years old. From the start, both families felt God brought them together for His purpose.
For Javiel and Yanaisy, Yanaisy was the first to accept Christ as her Lord and Savior after her mother came to Christ. She invited Javiel to church, and he soon began attending. Already married with their first son, they committed their lives to God and were baptized together. Since their baptism over twenty years ago, they’ve walked faithfully with the Lord together from that moment on. Though their journey was far from easy, they trusted in the Lord, and He always provided.
As Javiel and Yanaisy grew in their faith, they immersed themselves in studying the Bible and learning about Jesus. Javiel took on leadership roles within their local church, attending workshops and seminars to strengthen his ability to serve. His pastor also sometimes entrusted him with sharing God’s Word at services, and he began training under his pastor and became a missionary.
With full hearts ready to serve the Lord, the couple faced many challenges in starting a new church—beginning with not knowing how to establish a church. This cultivated a deep trust in the Lord from day one of their ministry. Another challenge was finding a home to have church services as well. So, they traveled back and forth from Puerto Esperanza to Vinales, about a 45-minute drive, for three years, gathering with people in small cell groups to worship and build their ministry.
During those long three years and much prayer, Javiel and Yanaisy found a lot to build a home and a place to worship. He talked to the official responsible for building permits, and the building officials granted permission to build a home.
They purchased the land, built a small wooden home, and still live there today. Initially, they lacked the funds to pay for the land and construction materials, but members of their old church and others in Christ equipped them with the essential resources, a true testament to God’s unwavering provision.
The original structure of the house was small, with a tiny kitchen, no refrigerator, and two bedrooms. It also served as their house church, with worship services sometimes held outside in the front yard. At night, they illuminated the sky with lights to worship as it grew dark. Javiel and Yanaisy trusted God would provide what they needed in His perfect timing.
Then, one day, Osmani brought Wayne to visit, and eventually, Renee traveled to meet the family, and a beautiful friendship began. Moved by the family’s living conditions and the sacrifices they made for their ministry, the Atualdo family helped fund an expansion, adding a third bedroom, a larger living area for worship services, and a bathroom for the congregation. Yet even with the renovations, Javiel and Yanaisy continued living simply, as they do today, using only two bedrooms and the kitchen—dedicating the rest of their home to the church. Bonded by faith and a genuine connection, both families have shared countless meals, laughter, and prayers over the years.
“We’ve forged many relationships in Cuba, but the Lord brought this family into our lives for a reason.”
– Renee S.
What started as 40 people gathering has grown into a thriving church of about 210 people and 50 children. Their church, Truth and Love, is part of the Cuba Evangelical League Church. The ministry reaches people of all ages with worship, dance, drama, and mission’s programs. The mission’s ministry travels to different areas, sharing the Gospel to help establish small groups.
The whole family is deeply involved in the ministry. While Yanaisy devotes much of her time to caring for their youngest, she also visits congregation members when Javiel travels. Their older son serves as a co-pastor, while their middle son is on the worship team.
Javiel’s leadership role has also expanded, and he mentors over eight pastors in the area. He helps them spread the Gospel, start new churches, and minister to their congregation. By building relationships with the pastors and their families, Javiel and Yanaisy become their family in Christ. They not only serve as role models but also learn and grow in their own faith alongside those they guide.
Javiel’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13.
“I identify with this verse since, as Paul, I have learned to live with any situation, not looking to my adversities but keeping my focus on Christ Jesus.”
– Javiel
Yanaisy’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 91.
“It reminds me that I will always be protected by Him and free from all plagues. He is a refuge, a dwelling place for our family. I can trust in Him. It brings me peace to know this truth.”
– Yanaisy