GRANTHAM, PA; OAKVILLE, ON (December 14, 2009)—On Sunday, December 13, 2009, the international Brethren Christ family learned of the sudden passing of Felix Raphael Curbelo, treasurer of the BIC Church in Cuba and member of the executive committee of the International Brethren in Christ Association (IBICA).

He had been visiting with Mennonite friends in Germany at the time of his death.

Curbelo was in Europe following a meeting of the executive committee of the International Brethren in Christ Association (IBICA) in Strasbourg, France, earlier this month. He had served on the IBICA executive committee since its inception in 2006, representing the national BIC churches from Latin America.

“Brother Curbelo was a man with a quiet, deep commitment to Christ and to the Church,” comments Darrell Winger, executive director of the IBICA. “He was constantly reaching out to others in the global Church, keenly interested in other peoples, cultures, and the Church in other settings.  He loved the Church in Cuba and worked diligently to see it strengthened.  He was committed to his family, loved to laugh, and was first concerned for others rather than himself.”

Zimbabwe BIC Bishop,  Danisa Ndlovu, member of the executive committee of IBICA, and current president of Mennonite World Conference (MWC) stated , “ I do feel a deep pain and loss”, upon learning of Curbelo’s death.  Dr. Bijoy Roul, BIC leader from India, and Vice-President of the IBICA, wrote, “we express our sincere condolences to Bro.Felix family. May the Lord grant His peace to his dear wife… and all dear ones.”

In a communiqué with the BIC Church earlier today, Mennonite World Conference (MWC) vice president Janet Plenert wrote that Curbelo “was optimistic and positive in his character and nature. As a Cuban church leader, he offered a rare window and opportunity for the Church in Cuba to connect actively with and contribute to the global Church.” Curbelo had served with Plenert on the MWC executive committee since 2009.

Curbelo is survived by his wife, Leyda, and his son, Kenneth.

The Brethren in Christ Church in Cuba began in 1953 and presently  about 5,000 to 6,000 people gather in BIC churches across Cuba to worship each week; the national church is headed by President Francisco Martinez.