Nazarenes Worldwide Mourn With Cuba

by | May 25, 2018

On 18 May, a Boeing 737 carrying over 110 people crashed in Cuba. Among those lost were ten Nazarene couples in leadership on the East Cuba District. As they were on the way home from a leadership retreat, their flight, Cubana Flight 972, crashed shortly after takeoff from Jose Marti International Airport in Havana.

Since last Friday, the global Church of the Nazarene has been united in prayer for the Nazarene church in Cuba and the Mesoamerica Region. “We grieve with the families of those who lost their loved ones,” the Board of General Superintendents wrote in a statement released 21 May. “May the Lord carry the children of these mothers and fathers, surrounding them with His all-embracing peace and love that transcends our understanding.”

As we on the Asia-Pacific Region join with our brothers and sisters around the world in prayer, please keep in mind those affected most by this tragedy:

  • The families of the more than 100 people who lost their lives in the crash.
  • The families of the ten couples of lost their lives, particularly the children who lost their parents in this tragedy.
  • The East Cuba District and District Superintendent Rev. Luis Batista, and Mesoamerica Regional Director Rev. Carlos Saenz and the Mesoamerica Region, as they navigate this time of grief.

For more news on this tragedy in Cuba, including the names of the victims, please visit NCN News.

Nate Owens

Nate Owens served as the Communications Coordinator of the Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific in a tandem role with his wife Hope Owens. The whole family is an avid fan of board games.

Related Posts

First-Ever Media Training in Myanmar Central District

First-Ever Media Training in Myanmar Central District

On 18 April 2026, the Myanmar Central District (Yangon Zone) successfully conducted its first-ever Basic Media and Communication Training at YCF Church of the Nazarene. This historic initiative marks a significant milestone in the district’s ongoing efforts to...

read more
Taiwan’s 60th District Assembly: Growth in Unity and Mission

Taiwan’s 60th District Assembly: Growth in Unity and Mission

Chiayi, Taiwan: The Taiwan District of the Church of the Nazarene convened its 60th District Assembly on 9–10 March 2026, in Chiayi, bringing together pastors, leaders, and delegates from across the island for worship, reporting, and discernment regarding the future...

read more