Tribute to Pastor Joshua Seide Haiti, Havana, Cuba
March 6, 1971 – June 3, 2025.
On Tuesday, June 3rd, at 12:40 PM, while John Briglia and I were working on studio upgrades at the Guatemala Bible Seminary. I received a deeply unsettling WhatsApp message from the account of my good friend, Pastor Joshua, in Havana, Cuba. Though the message came from Joshua’s phone, it read:
“The pastor died of a massive heart attack this morning. It’s a sister church.”
After many messages and phone calls, the heartbreaking truth was confirmed: my dear friend and partner in ministry, Joshua, had passed away.
I was devastated. Joshua was not just a ministry partner—he was my dear friend and brother. Over the years, I had spent countless hours with Joshua and his wife, Anna. Together, we traveled from city to city and church to church, ministering to pastors across Cuba. Our journeys included long hours in cars and buses, filled with conversations about ministry, dreams, and his deep aspirations for the Church in Cuba.
Normally, I would have shared my trip updates on Facebook, but this time, I chose to wait until I was home. I tried calling Anna, but understandably, there was no answer—Joshua’s funeral was scheduled for the very next day. The following day, Anna called me. Through her tears, she shared her grief, and we mourned together.
Just two months ago, I had been with Joshua and Anna. Joshua played a vital role in our ministry in Cuba, acting as a “pastor to pastors” for nearly half of those we support in the regions of Ciego de Ávila and Cienfuegos. He is deeply and profoundly missed.
Whenever I stayed in Cuba—mostly in Airbnbs—Joshua would check in on me every morning and most evenings, making sure I was okay. Even when I was back in Canada, we would speak every week or two, checking in on one another, ensuring needs were met and spirits remained strong.
Joshua genuinely cared for others. He was always looking out for those in need. Words truly fail to express the depth of my loss. I will miss Joshua’s strong, comforting hugs, his big smile, and his unwavering care.
CMRC will continue to support Anna as she grieves, and we will be available to her in every way possible.
For many years, Joshua and Anna were an integral part of our ministry in Cuba. Joshua faithfully distributed monthly support from CMRC to over half of the pastors we serve. This important work will now be continued by another dear friend and brother, Michel.
Michel is our current in-country technician, responsible for supporting the computers and cell phones we provide to pastors. He has previously assisted in distributing pastoral support and is both capable and willing to carry on this vital role.
Joshua’s legacy of love, leadership, and service will continue to live on through the pastors he empowered and the lives he touched.
Douglas Springer
Executive Director.
From CMRC Board Member Peter and Ruth Cusick
Joshua was the finest person we have ever had the privilege of knowing. It is difficult to describe this man, as words fail us. We met in 2008 and have known one another for 17 years. He immediately entered our hearts and claimed a piece of them. We are deeply honoured to have been his friends and fellow workers in the kingdom of God.
Our minds are filled with countless hours of prayer, preaching, visiting, playing Uno, laughing, crying, eating, making phone calls, and travelling together. Joshua was the quintessential translator. We recall the first time I used the word quintessential, and he immediately picked up on it and used it numerous times the next day. Joshua was brilliant.
He was also loving and caring. We would be with him in public, and people would often approach him; he would hug and greet them.
Joshua translated many written materials into Spanish for us. There was simply nothing he would not do for the kingdom of God.
To us, Joshua and Anna signify Cuba. Our hearts and thoughts go out to dear Anna; her heart must be broken.
The last time we were in Cuba, we stayed with Joshua and Anna at their house. He would heat a pot of hot water for our morning showers or baths each morning. He would ask, “Check the water and tell me if it is warm enough. I can heat more!” He consistently demonstrated that serving spirit. I often saw him fully engaged with someone at church, totally focused and showing complete commitment and love to that person.
He would often call me, saying, “How is precious Ruthie?” He would ask about our boys and grandchildren, mentioning them by name and saying he is praying for them all.
He was funny, warm, polite, kind, and caring. We are deeply honoured to have known Josue. He helped us on our journey; we are better people for knowing him. We loved him deeply!
The church, the Assemblies of God in Cuba, and his beloved country of Cuba have lost a superstar, but heaven has gained a prince of a man. While we mourn his passing, we rejoice in our future reunion when we see his huge smile and feel his warm embrace.
Ruth and Peter Cusick.
Note:
Update on our recent trip to Guatemala Bible Seminary will be in the July summer Newsletter.
Prayer Requests
- Keep Anna in your prayers as she mourns the loss of Joshua and works through the next stages in her life.
- Pray for the other pastors in Cuba as they struggle daily to provide for their families and minister in their communities.
