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One Container, Countless Blessings

10/26/2025

In last month’s update, we celebrated the arrival of ARMF’s Container of Hope in Cuba. Today, we are thrilled to share the impact this shipment has made on communities throughout the country including Havana, Matanzas, Santa Clara, Camagüey, and Guantánamo, blessing countless lives. This container was filled with food and supplies - including rice, black beans, oatmeal, cooking oil, clothing, medical supplies, wheelchairs, and more - is now being distributed to those in need.

We have been deeply moved by the heartfelt messages of gratitude pouring in from those involved in the distribution process and those receiving the food and supplies. These stories and videos serve as a powerful reminder that the Container of Hope is not only nourishing bodies but also spreading the love of Jesus through hope, compassion, and unity.

We invite you to watch the incredible impact firsthand through the two videos below, sent directly from Cuba over the past few weeks.

Bringing Hope, One Container At A Time

2/23/2025

We are excited to share an update on our recent Container of Hope shipment! This container filled with essential food and supplies - including rice, black beans, oatmeal, cooking oil, clothing, medical supplies, wheelchairs, and farm equipment - is now being distributed across Cuba!

The impact of the container is already being felt in communities across the country. The Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation’s mission of hope is reaching Moravian Churches in Havana, Matanzas, Santa Clara, Camagüey, and Guantánamo, ensuring that these items bless as many lives as possible.

Below are photos of our Cuban brothers and sisters receiving food that arrived in the container. Many volunteers have worked tirelessly to divide and disperse all the items from the container, to ensure they bless as many people as possible.

CELEBRATING THE SECOND CONTAINER OF HOPE DELIVERY

1/29/2025

We are overjoyed to share an update on our Containers of Hope program. Late last week, Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation's (ARMF) second container of humanitarian aid was officially released from Port Mariel in Havana and delivered safely to a church in Havana, where it will serve as a storage area for the Moravian Church.

This container was filled with food and a variety of other items, including (but not limited to): Rice, black beans, oatmeal, clothing, medical supplies, wheelchairs, and farm supplies.

The container contents have been uploaded, and organized, and will soon be distributed among Moravian Churches across Cuba, as well as, some other denominations, providing food and support to our Cuban brothers and sisters. In the upcoming days, volunteers will be working tirelessly to divide and disperse all the items from the container, to ensure they bless as many people as possible.

We encountered a few challenges along the way, including delays caused by U.S. dockworker strikes in early October. But as always, we trust in God’s perfect timing and are grateful for the opportunity to fulfill His directive to feed and support those in need.

We first want to extend heartfelt thanks to ARMF’s generous donors for helping to make the Containers of Hope program a reality. A thank you to the Moravian Mission Foundation (MMFA) for a grant helping offset the cost of this project and to Bruce Ledwith who helped secure the grant. We also want to recognize a few individuals who were extremely involved: Ron Vogler for securing the food products, Frank Chitty for organizing the medical supplies, and Dave Mitchell for designing water purification systems.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support. Once again, we are reminded from this container – we are making a difference in Cuba.

ARMF 2024 Year End Review: Project & Initiatives

12/22/2024

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF) over the past years. Your kindness and support have allowed us to help countless individuals in need as they face daily challenges.

This past year has been especially active for the Foundation, as we have supported many projects and initiatives in Cuba:

Sent two shipping containers which included:

- Approximately 50,000 lbs. of food
- Medical and personal hygiene supplies
- Bibles, clothing, and educational materials
- Farm supplies, seeds, and a variety of
agricultural tools/equipment
- Seven water systems

Sponsored a Women's Sewing Ministry
Supported Jaguey Grande Hospital for the mentally and physically challenged, by suppling fans, medical supplies, and food preparation equipment.
Helped with the elderly assistance programs, as specific needs arose.
Assisted with the church and daycare center in Guantanamo.
Aided with hurricane support in Eastern and Western Cuba - this included the church in San Antonio del Sur, Guantanamo where major destruction occurred.
Sponsored four individual camps held in four different provinces attended by roughly 150 children; unfortunately, youth from the USA were unable to attend this year.

As you know, our mission primarily supports the Moravian Churches in Cuba, along with several other denominations there. Occasionally, we also feel called to respond to disasters closer to home, such as when Hurricane Helene devastated the southeastern part of the United States. Thanks to your continued generosity, we are able to offer assistance in these times of need through monetary and physical donations.

Donated $5,000 to Samaritan’s Purse designated for the purchase of heaters and generators.
Contributed an additional $6,000 that was distributed to several North Carolina counties for additional hurricane relief.
Provided over 3,000 lbs. of cleaning supplies, clothes, personal hygiene items, etc. through local collection efforts.

Thanks to the unwavering support of our prayer partners and donors, we are thrilled to share the continued growth of the Foundation.

God Bless,
Joe Jarvis
President, Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation

Meet Three New Faces of the Foundation

12/15/2024

We are thrilled to announce that Karen Hill has accepted the position of Director of Youth Engagement. Karen currently serves as the full-time Youth Director for Friedberg Moravian Church - she will take on this part-time role without impacting her current responsibilities. In her new position, she will oversee all youth activities and projects for the foundation, collaborating closely with church pastors and youth leaders in Cuba. Her enthusiasm and creative ideas align perfectly with our vision of building relationships and spreading the gospel.

Alysney Rodriguez Galan has joined the ARMF’s Board of Directors! Alysney brings enthusiasm, a fresh perspective, and a deep passion for our mission that will undoubtedly help us reach new heights. She is originally from Cuba, and her commitment to making a difference aligns perfectly with our vision. We are excited to have her insights and leadership as we continue to grow. She will serve a three-year term on the Board.

We welcome Laura Overcash as the Communications Director for the Foundation! Laura has already played a key role in our recent rebranding, bringing fresh energy and vision to our mission of hope. With an extensive background in non-profit and corporate communications, as well as expertise in graphic design and print publication, she is perfectly positioned to elevate the Foundation’s communication efforts.

New Branding & Foundation Vision

11/30/2024

As we mark a decade of faith-filled service, the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF) is excited to unveil a refreshed vision for the future. This milestone is not just a celebration of the past but a commitment to the journey ahead. At the heart of this transformation is our new mission statement:

"Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation is a Christian organization that seeks to impact both the spiritual and physical well-being of all God’s people in need across Cuba and beyond. We are actively involved in building relationships with communities by providing resources as needed."

To bring this mission to life, we are also thrilled to share two exciting changes in the life of the Foundation:

We Have a Brand-New Logo which is proudly displayed at the top of this email! This fresh design symbolizes hope, unity, and our unwavering faith, capturing the spirit of our mission. It’s a key part of our rebranding effort, featuring new colors and a modern look that reflects the growth and strength of the Foundation.

Our New Domain (amissionofhope.org) embodies our tagline, "A Mission of Hope," reflecting the heart of our work in Cuba and beyond. It’s also now part of our email addresses, making it easier than ever to connect with us and stay involved

These exciting changes reflect our unwavering commitment to God's calling. With a focus on building lasting relationships and providing essential resources, we look ahead with hope and purpose. In fact, we felt called to expand our reach to support those affected by Hurricane Helene - which aligns with our refreshed vision statement. ARMF is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and we are deeply connected to the regions that have been hardest hit, including our neighbors in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina and Tennessee.

Your support has brought us here, and together, we can continue transforming lives. Let’s celebrate a decade of service and step boldly into the future!

CELEBRATING 2024 YOUTH SUMMER CAMP

10/29/2024

It is with much joy and gratitude, that we share an overview and highlight some unforgettable moments from this year's four Summer Camp sessions in the provinces of: Guantánamo, Havana, Matanzas, and Santa Clara. The Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation provides funding and support for these annual camp sessions. This year the camps brought together young hearts, filled with faith, hope, and love, and studied the Book of Thessalonians.

From the moment of everyone’s arrival, the each camp was alive with prayer, song, and a shared spirit of community. Together, the youth in attendance embarked on a journey of biblical discovery, hands-on learning, and of course, fun. Activities ranged from family movie nights and refreshing swims to classes that deepened one’s understanding of God's gifts.

Each day of camp was filled with learning, fellowship, and Bible study. By the final day, everyone was filled with God’s love. As the youth and leaders said their goodbyes, everyone gave thanks to God for the experience and expressed a deep appreciation for those who made this year's camp possible.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the following individuals in Cuba who played a crucial role in the success of the four summer camps:

Pastor Yadira Quintana, for her leadership of the Guantánamo Camp, held in Playitas de Cajobabo in the Province of Guantánamo.

A special thanks to Tania Sanchez and Ezequiel Hernandez for leading the Havana Camp. It was also a blessing to have Armando Rusindo in attendance.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Pastors Obed Martinez and his wife Alay, along with Noelito, Victor, and the dedicated volunteers who organized and led the Matanzas Province Camp.

Pastor Aned Machado and his wife, Yuly, and Pastor Luisa Mildrey Garcia, and the dedicated staff of CANIP for their care and attention in making the Santa Clara Camp experience one to never forget!

We also extend our sincerest thanks to all the ARMF's generous supporters. Your monetary support and prayers helped provide the necessary resources to put on this year’s summer camp. To God be all the Glory!!!

Watch a Thank Your Video Below from One of Summer Campers

HELPING HURRICANE HELENE VICTIMS THROUGH CLOTHING DONATIONS

10/17/2024

On Monday, October 14, Joe Jarvis, ARMF President, and his son Jonathan delivered between 800-1,000 lbs of clothing to Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) in Arden, North Carolina. ABCCM is doing a remarkable job in Buncombe assisting individuals affected by Hurricane Helene.

In addition, the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation also made a generous donation to the non-profit supporting the immediate needs of those during this crisis. Next week, a load of supplies will be delivered to the Banner Elk area for distribution.

Many thanks to The New Friendship Sunday School Class at New Philadelphia Moravian Church for the donation of clothes! We also want to extend our appreciation to everyone who has donated to the Western North Carolina relief effort through monetary or physical donations - it makes a difference to those in need.

We continue to accept donations that will be sent to other affected areas. You can make a direct impact by donating to the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF), and designate the donation to “Hurricane Relief". One hundred percent of your generous contribution will go toward our Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts in Western North Carolina.

DONATE TO THE HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY FUND

HURRICANE HELENE IMMEDIATE NEEDS & DROP-OFF LOCATION

10/4/2024

Hurricane Helene has severely impacted the Western parts of North Carolina, leaving behind widespread devastation. The storm has downed trees, triggered landslides, caused extensive flooding, and crippled essential services, including power, phone, and transportation. Roads are destroyed, businesses are closed, and many families are now facing immense hardships. Resources are scarce, and those that remain available can only be purchased with cash, which is also in short supply.

The Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF) is committed to serving both the spiritual and physical needs of vulnerable communities across Cuba and beyond - including Western North Carolina. We feel called help those affected by Hurricane Helene and have secured a 20-foot box truck and need your help to fill it with much-needed aid.

We have set up a drop-off location, if you are located in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina Area:

Stop and Save Mart
6641 Styers Ferry Rd
Clemmons, NC 27012

Items Requested (AS OF OCTOBER 17, 2024)

Water
Canned Food with Pop-Tops
Cleaning Supplies
Work Gloves
Gas Cans
Clorox
Winter Clothing
Paper Towels
Small Propane Tanks
Charcoal
Pet Food
Toiletries
Gas Cans
5 Gallon Buckets
Shovels
First Aid Kits
Buddy Heaters w/ Spare Tanks
Flashlights
Socks & Underwear
Laundry Detergent
All Size Batteries
Bath Towels

If you’d like to donate items, unable to drop them off - contact us and we’ll arrange pick up!

We invite you to support our Hurricane Helene Recovery Fund. Every donation to this fund goes directly to those impacted by this disaster. Your contributions, along with your prayers, will provide hope and relief to those who are suffering in the wake of this historic storm.

DONATE TO THE HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY FUND

HELP THOSE IMPACTED BY HURRICANE HELENE

9/29/2024

The Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF) is committed to serving both the spiritual and physical needs of vulnerable communities across Cuba and beyond. In light of the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, we feel called to expand our reach to support those affected by this catastrophic storm.

Communities from the Florida Panhandle through the Tennessee Valley have been severely impacted, including our neighbors in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina and Tennessee. The storm's destruction includes toppled trees, flash floods, road collapses, and widespread power and water outages. Helene unleashed torrential rainfall - over 20 inches in some areas - cutting off entire communities from critical resources and communication.

ARMF is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and we are deeply connected to the regions that have been hardest hit. Our efforts will provide immediate relief to those in need. With your financial help, we can deliver essential aid and other vital resources - to help families recover and rebuild.

We invite you to support our Hurricane Helene Recovery Fund. Every donation to this fund goes directly to those impacted by this disaster. Your contributions, along with your prayers, will provide hope and relief to those who are suffering in the wake of this historic storm.