HAVANA, CUBA (ANS) -- The Cuban government has announced it will terminate the exit visa requirement in January 2013, lifting another restriction to allow their citizens to travel abroad more freely, according to HCJB Global, an evangelical global missionary organization.

A Cuban worshipper

Cubans will now be able to depart their homeland for vacations with only a passport and a visa from the destination country. The easing of restrictive travel laws includes departures to the United States.

"We welcome the upcoming easement of travel restrictions for Cubans and look forward to more interaction with our brothers and sisters there," said Wayne Pederson, president and CEO of HCJB Global.

According to a news release from HCJB Global, the new policy represents the latest step by the government of President Raul Castro, acting in response to demands to relax certain restrictions, without relinquishing control.

Changes made by the Cuban government earlier this year allow religious institutions in the U.S. to sponsor trips to Cuba. While certain travel and funds flowing to Cuba are still limited by the 50-year-old U.S. embargo on Cuba, allowances by the current U.S. administration are not restricting this open door for groups traveling to Cuba for religious purposes.

Dan and Norma Wooding meeting with Cuban Christians during a visit to the island

"The result of changes by both governments is more access for a circular flow of Americans and Cubans to meet not only with their families, but with their Christian family as well," said Pederson.

HCJB Global has a long-standing relationship with Cuba through Apoyo Cuba, a ministry that partners with the Cuban church in leadership transformation.

"Reports of the recent Apoyo Cuba team meetings indicate multiplication of training programs throughout eastern Cuba," said an HCJB Global partner. "Advances are specifically occurring in family ministry, Christian education, leadership and Christian counseling."

Changes in the Cuban exit visa restrictions take effect January 13, 2013. U.S. religious groups are already traveling to Cuba.

For 80 years the passion of HCJB Global (www.hcjb.org) has been to make disciples of Christ. Using mass media, healthcare and education, and working with partners around the world, HCJB Global has ministries in more than 100 countries. The gospel is aired in more than 120 languages and dialects. Thousands of healthcare patients are meeting Jesus. Local believers are being trained as missionaries, pastors, broadcasters and healthcare providers.

To schedule an interview with Wayne Pederson, contact Communications Director Rachel Baker at 719.590.9800 or mailto:rbaker@hcjb.org - rbaker@hcjb.org .

Note from Dan Wooding: Having been to Cuba on three separate occasions, I also welcome this great news that so many more people will be free to visit this island and bring encouragement to the believers there, and also to learn from them!

Source: ANS www.assistnews.net