From Cuba to Community: Major Caleb Prieto's Inspiring Journey with The Salvation Army of Lynchburg

In the late 1980s, Caleb Prieto and his wife Rebecca, were living in Cuba, but political tensions, economic hardship, and the persecution of many religious groups, including Christians, motivated them to strongly consider leaving the country. The parents of Rebecca Prieto, who were living in the U.S. at the time, put in a request for family reunification in January 1989 so that their children could peacefully immigrate to America. Although the process of family reunification can often take several years, in Prieto’s case, they were able to come to America in only six months after the original request had been placed, in July of 1989.

 Before leaving Cuba, Caleb and his wife were both members of the local Salvation Army Corps, which at the time had sought to work with the local church to aid the community, but their work was impeded by the Cuban government, which did not give its citizens individual liberties to engage in regional outreach projects or ministry. However, upon arriving in America, they sensed an opportunity to pursue a calling to full-time ministry by becoming officers with the Salvation Army. Despite facing challenges, such as adapting to a different language and culture in a new nation, the family was convinced through their personal faith, that God had called them to be effective through ministry and enthusiastically completed a two-year training program to become Salvation Army officers.

 After finishing the program and becoming officially declared Salvation Army Majors, the Prieto’s could travel to and serve communities in the so-called Southern Territory, a designated region of focus within the Salvation Army which encompasses 10 states in the southern U.S. from Texas to West Virginia. Salvation Army Majors working within the territory are assigned to a different community within the organization’s field of work based on their talents and skill sets. Over a period spanning more than 25 years, they served in a series of communities in Florida, including Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Miami. Caleb remarked that one of the most important projects they performed for the Salvation Army while in Florida was a $3 million effort to help rebuild the community of Port Charlotte after Hurricane Charley devastated the area in 2004. Additionally, he led other Salvation Army teams performing similar projects in the Daytona Beach area and partnered with youth organizations in Miami’s Little Havana community on a youth development center, which brought much-needed opportunity for younger members of that community.

 In June 2020, the family was reassigned to represent the Lynchburg Salvation Army after working in Florida for more than two and a half decades. Arriving in the area only a few months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the move presented new challenges, including difficulties serving the local community and providing services, and having to adjust to meet different sets of needs. However, just as in other situations throughout their journey, they believed, through their Christian beliefs, that God had called them to ministry, and they ended up having a rewarding experience by keeping the doors of the Salvation Army open and serving many in the region. Under the Prieto’s leadership as majors, the Salvation Army renovated a series of residential properties, including Lynchburg’s Center of Hope, an 80-bed facility that enables them to participate in life skills programs that enable them to reestablish themselves as they seek assistance for affordable housing.

 As the organization looks to the future, Caleb Prieto detailed elements of an upcoming project that he believes will have a significant impact on the community. According to the major, the Lynchburg Salvation Army plans to reconfigure a vacant building on their campus, located minutes away from downtown off Park Ave, into a music school for underprivileged children. While the project is in its preliminary stages, he stated that the project could be completed in time for the 2025 – 2026 school year, which represents another important service project that will provide a substantial benefit to the community. Additionally, the Salvation Army will be hosting a major celebration next year, in April 2025, to commemorate 120 years of serving the community.

Before leaving Cuba, Caleb and his wife were both members of the local Salvation Army Corps, which at the time had sought to work with the local church to aid the community, but their work was impeded by the Cuban government, which did not give its citizens individual liberties to engage in regional outreach projects or ministry.

 The story of Caleb and Rebecca Prieto represents a story of commitment and perseverance, but more than anything else, a belief that their personal faith in God could help make the world a better place. Despite the challenges of escaping persecution, adapting to a new nation, and even facing a pandemic, their story over 32 years shows that amid adversity, sometimes the best thing we can do is lend each other helping hand and help those around us over the obstacles of life together. As Caleb Prieto was quoted in a story published last year, “We’re committed to serving our community 365 days a year. When people are in need, The Salvation Army is often their first source of help.”

 For more information on the Lynchburg Salvation Army or how to donate, click HERE.