The season for the Biola Eagles softball team may be over, but they still have one last hurrah in store for them this summer. The team will be in Havana, Cuba from June 23 to July 1, and it is the first time the softball program has sent a team on a mission trip.

a uniquely Caribbean religion

According to a report by USA Today on Sept. 22, 2015, the religious climate in Cuba has suffered greatly since the rise of Fidel Castro in the late 1950s. Before Castro took over, the population was estimated to be 90 percent Catholic, while now, only about 60 percent declare themselves as Catholic.

Other religions represented include Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jews and Santeria, which is described in the article as “a uniquely Caribbean religion developed by slaves that blends Western African doctrine, Roman-Catholicism with indigenous beliefs and rituals.” About 13 percent of the population identify with this religion.

There is a large need for Christian groups to come in and reach out with the word of God.

“The Biola assistant baseball coach, Justin Hixon, reached out to us because he has gone on many baseball missions trip to Cuba with the Global Baseball organization,” said Terri Van Dagens, sophomore pitcher. “And they realized that there were not many opportunities for the women of Cuba to receive the Gospel or partake in athletics.”

Global Baseball organization

This is not only the first time a softball team from Biola has gone on a mission trip, but the first time the Global Baseball organization has sent a softball team. The goal of the missions trip is to share the message and good news of Jesus Christ, using softball as a way to get to know the community.  

“Only about half of the team is going,” Van Dagens said. “There are eight returning players from this year going and two alumni, along with our coaches and a few family members.”

The team will spend the nine days in Cuba doing a multitude of different ministries. These ministries include sports camps for girls in the area to learn how to play softball, making house visits to talk with members of the community and hosting a women’s dinner. Head coach Lorie Coleman will deliver a message at the dinner to an expected 100 women.

In addition to the evangelism-based ministries, the team is scheduled to play five games against the Cuban national team. They will also have a day dedicated to touring Havana, visiting the beaches and baptising people who become Christians while the team is there.

The missions trip is primarily about presentation of the Gospel to a people who need to hear it, but it also provides a chance for the team members going to bond together heading into next season.

“I am very excited for our missions trip to Cuba because it will be my first missions trip. I also love that it will be mixing ministry with one of my favorite passions, softball,” Van Dagens said. “I think it’s a perfect opportunity to reach younger girls and their mothers through the sport, as well as grow in my faith in the process. I also think we will grow closer as a team, through not only traveling to a different country together, but working together to bring people to Jesus.”