A team of Cuban doctors and an evangelical pastor faced a dangerous encounter with men wielding machetes in the mountains as they transported medicine to a remote community.
Armed only with faith, they managed to scare off the attackers and deliver much-needed medical supplies to a community grappling with the healthcare crisis on the island.
The account, shared on Facebook by journalist Yaiset Rodríguez Fernández, showcases a story that seems out of a movie but is a real testament to the resilience found in the depths of Cuba, where faith and determination often replace the lack of state protection.
The pastor, named Ander, described how he and several doctors—including intensivists Carlos Alberto, Dani, Dr. Axel, and nurse Pedro—set out on an eight-kilometer trek up the mountain to assist a community stricken by the island's epidemiological crisis.
The report states they embarked on their journey at 5:07 a.m., carrying backpacks filled with medications and healthcare supplies.
After covering just over a mile and a half, three men armed with machetes appeared in their path.
"They were shirtless, with their faces covered, and we knew their intentions were not good," the pastor recounted.
One of the attackers questioned who he was, and after Ander identified himself, the threat was made clear: "If you don’t want to be hacked, leave the bags and walk away."
The group realized their route had been compromised. Nevertheless, they chose not to retreat.
"We’re not leaving anything here nor turning back," Ander declared. "Our God is stronger than you, and if we have to fight right here, we will, and we will win."
For nearly 14 minutes, they stood face-to-face with their aggressors, a tense standoff that could have ended in disaster.
Eventually, the machete-wielding men stepped aside, allowing the group to continue their climb without looking back. "Our hearts were pounding," the pastor admitted.
By 8:00 a.m., they reached the village and began their medical mission. That day, they treated over 345 individuals, and during the evening service, 67 of them embraced Christ, according to the account.
The pastor expressed gratitude for surviving what he described as a "mountain miracle."
The story has touched thousands on social media, highlighting the group’s courage and the lack of security in rural Cuban areas, where thefts, ambushes, and violence have become common amidst the ongoing crisis and state neglect.
The Reality of Rural Life and Security in Cuba
Why did the pastor and doctors decide to face the attackers?
The group believed in their mission and placed their faith above fear, deciding not to abandon the medical supplies that were crucial for the community in need.
What impact did the journey have on the local community?
The medical mission was successful, treating over 345 individuals and leading 67 people to embrace Christianity during the evening service.
How has this story resonated with people on social media?
The account has moved thousands, drawing attention to the bravery of the group and the dire security situation in rural Cuba, exacerbated by the crisis and lack of governmental support.