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A National Divine Touch
By Rolando Suffos

The official statistics published by the Cuban Public Health Ministry are not intended to demonstrate the value, or the truth, of the Christian faith. But they could do.

In 1980, probably the moment when the atheist philosophy reached its greatest influence in Cuba, suicide rate reached a peak of 22 per 100 000 inhabitants. That very year began an improvement period in Cuban economy lasting until 1989. Around that date, a formidable Christian revival started. One of the main protestant churches grew from a membership of less than 3500 in 80 temples to its present figures of more than 150 000 members in 3600 congregations. Other denominations and also the Catholic Church experienced a similar growing.

By 1997 Cuba had been almost 8 years without the support of the disappeared Soviet Union and the politically changed Eastern Europe. The cumulative effect of such events, and other causes, made life quite difficult in the island. Despite such ordeal the suicide rate for that year did not increase, but following a tendency initiated around the beginning of the revival –for most people 1989– the self inflicted lesions as cause of death, dropped from that 22 in 1980 to 15.3 per 100 000 inhabitants in 1997. This means practically one third less of victims between the here considered dates.

How are things now? As to economy: Despite a significative improvement with respect to the early 90’s, the present situation can not yet compare with that of “the good 80’s”. As to Christians: They continue growing in number, and in the knowledge of God. As to suicide rate: It is now (2004 provisional rate) 9.3 per 100 000 inhabitants, which is less than half the 1980 rate when the Gospel seemed mythical to the main of the Cuban population. This change means that suicide risk today is 57% less than it was in 1980.

What do you think? Dr. Suffos will respond to any questions or comments directed to suffos21@yahoo.es