 What a fantastic evening! On behalf of the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our entire community - both those who joined us in person on August 22nd for Illuminate Cuba and the generous donors who supported us from afar. Your kindness, generosity, and spirit proved that no matter where we are, we are deeply united in bringing hope to Cuba. Here are a couple of highlights from the event:
Powerful Messages from Cuba: We were deeply moved by words shared directly by Bishop Armando Rusindo and Alice Galan. History & Future of the Foundation: Executive Director Cynthia Redwine shared an inspiring look at the history and future of the Foundation. Inspiring Insights: Bruce Ledwith, Joe Jarvis, and Alina Ricardo shared uplifting perspectives on our ongoing work and impact. Memorable Live Auction: Justin Rabbach guided us through our live auctions, keeping the room engaged and the momentum strong thanks to your amazing generosity. An Authentic Cuban Feast & Live Music: Guests enjoyed wonderful fellowship over a delicious Cuban menu and the vibrant rhythms of West End Mambo kept the energy high all evening! An event of this scale relies on the commitment of so many. A heartfelt thanks go to: Our Generous Sponsors: To our generous sponsors, whose support - from purchasing tables to sponsoring specific evening experiences - made this entire night possible. Our Volunteers & Youth: To our dedicated volunteers and the youth from three local Moravian churches who graciously served throughout the night. Our Board & Team: To our board members and team who spent months planning every detail with care. Whether you were sitting in the room or supporting us from afar, every single one of you holds an important part of illuminating Cuba and bringing hope to the communities we serve. Together, we celebrated faith, hope, and unity, and we look forward to gathering again next year! Ed Simmons Photography captured so many incredible candid moments, bright smiles, and special memories throughout the night. Take a look through the photo gallery to relive the amazing evening. We invite you to download or share your favorite pictures from the event.
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 We're sending our fifth container to Cuba - and this one is packed with what people need most right now.
The numbers tell the story: 28,867 pounds of food and medicine, loaded from Lexington, North Carolina, and headed to Port Mariel in Havana. In a country facing a severe energy crisis, these supplies aren't luxuries - they're lifelines. Cuba's ongoing electricity shortages are hitting hard. When the power goes out for hours at a time, refrigeration fails. Hospitals can't run equipment reliably. Small farms and food producers shut down. The result? Hunger and preventable deaths from treatable illnesses. People are stretching already thin rations, and medical facilities are rationing medication and supplies. This container carries rice, beans, cooking oil, powdered milk, and medicines - items that directly counter the crisis unfolding on the ground. For families already struggling, these supplies mean the difference between going hungry and having a meal. For clinics and hospitals, this medicine means they can actually treat patients. We're grateful to our donors and supporters who make this possible. If you want to help with future shipments, we need sustained support. Get involved  We’re excited to share another update on our shipping container’s journey to Cuba! After departing from Lexington, North Carolina, the container traveled by truck to Charlotte, North Carolina before continuing by rail to Savannah, Georgia, where it awaited loading onto a cargo ship. Watching this process unfold has been incredible, as the container made its way east of Florida and north of the Bahamas aboard the cargo ship, NordPacific, marking an important step in its international journey.
We’re thrilled to share that once it arrived in Kingston, Jamaica, the container was transferred to the MS Montana for the final leg of its trip. It has now safely arrived at Port Mariel in Havana and is one step closer to reaching people in Cuba. Each milestone in this journey represents progress toward delivering much-needed supplies and support to the communities we serve in Cuba. We are deeply grateful for everyone who has followed this journey, prayed for safe travels, and supported this mission every step of the way.  Joe Jarvis and Ron Vogler deliver wheelchairs and bicycles to be loaded into the shipping container It is with great joy that we announce a major milestone: another shipping container will depart from Lexington, North Carolina, this week to head to Cuba! This container is filled with food, medical supplies, and other items requested by those in Cuba (weighing a total of 15 tons) - reflecting the real needs of the communities we serve.
This shipment marks the fourth container we’ve sent in less than three years, a testament to the ongoing commitment and generosity of our supporters. In fact, we are already arranging the logistics to send another container within the next month or so. Each item in the container represents more than just supplies; they carry hope and encouragement to those in need, made possible by your support. We are deeply grateful to Home Moravian Church, Friedberg Moravian Church, and the Board of World Mission for their outstanding generosity support of this initiative.  The Moravian Day of Giving has become a cherished tradition, uniting Moravians across North America to support ministries and missions close to our hearts. On February 17, 2026, this initiative will celebrate six years of inspired giving - a milestone of faith, hope, and generosity.
As part of this special day, the Top Six Moravian Ministries (and we are one of those ministries) with the most individual donors will each receive an extra $2,026 donation from MMFA. Every individual gift counts - yes, even multiple donors from the same household! The Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation is just one of the many ministries you can donate to - with the possibility of receiving an additional donation of $2,026! Mark your calendar for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and give a gift of any size. --- 3/30/2026 Update: During last month’s Moravian Day of Giving, 88 Moravian churches, organizations, and ministries were blessed by incredible generosity. Because of your support, donors to contributed over $6,000 to the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation during this annual event. While we were not among the top six organizations in total giving, the outpouring of support we received was truly meaningful and a powerful reminder that our work is strengthened by people who believe in what we do! Some of our most meaningful support comes from regular giving. With weekly, monthly, or quarterly gift - your generosity keeps showing up for the people we serve, week after week, month after month. Every gift helps us do more for our mission of hope. Last August, a small, but dedicated mission team traveled to Jaguey Grande, Cuba, to support the national summer camps and continue the relationship-centered work of the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF). This trip grew out of connections formed during a 2023 youth mission visit and reflected ARMF’s long-standing commitment to walking faithfully alongside Cuban churches and communities. From the moment the team arrived, they focused on listening, learning, and being fully present - meeting with summer camp leaders, visiting a local farm, and engaging in meaningful conversations about the needs and hopes of the Cuban church. Summer camp quickly became the heart of the week, bringing together children and youth from across the region for a time of worship, learning, and joyful community. Each day followed a meaningful rhythm of breakfast, worship, Bible lessons, activities, free time, and evening programs. Morning worship set the tone, filled with upbeat music, dancing, singing, and praise. Campers then participated in lessons from the Book of Romans, focusing on living boldly in faith and not being ashamed of the Gospel. These teachings encouraged youth to reflect on their own relationship with Christ and how their faith shapes daily life. Throughout the week, shared meals and activities deepened relationships and crossed cultural boundaries. Pancake breakfasts, hot dogs served for lunch, games, and a Friday night campfire created space for laughter, connection, and lasting memories. Campers also experienced Moravian traditions such as vespers and an Agape/Lovefeast service, which included foot washing, candle trimming, and the sharing of a single candle representing the light of Christ. As that flame was passed from person to person, the camp was united in a powerful reminder that Christ’s light shines even in the midst of challenge. The entire camp week was rooted in honoring God through hope, faith, and love - the hope of a new generation of believers, faith that remains strong despite hardship, and love that transcends borders. On the final night of camp, each camper received school supplies for the upcoming school year, a simple yet meaningful gift offering encouragement and a sense of fresh beginnings. Despite limited resources and occasional power outages, the camp overflowed with joy, resilience, and peace. Through worship, prayer, shared stories, and faithful presence, we witnessed once again the lasting impact of investing in young people and the powerful ways God continues to work through summer camp in Cuba. Happy New Year! As we kick off 2026, I’m deeply grateful to be part of the hope we’re sharing with people in Cuba and beyond. I continue to be amazed by the impact of our small but incredibly dedicated team as we serve both the physical and spiritual needs of God’s people.
Together, over just the past few months, we’ve delivered containers of food and medical supplies, built new friendships, strengthened longstanding relationships, and supported communities with prayer and care in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Last summer, I had the opportunity to visit Jaguey Grande, and the resilience and joy of our Cuban neighbors, despite serious challenges, left a lasting impression on me. In this new role as Executive Director, I’m excited to walk alongside the board, staff, and supporters of the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF), listening closely and learning how we can better understand and respond to the needs of those we serve. A planner and collaborator by nature, I’m honored to build on the past 13 years of bridge-building in Cuba and throughout the Caribbean. I’d truly love to hear from you. What are your hopes for ARMF in 2026 and beyond? Click the button below to send me an email - I look forward to connecting with you and continuing this work together! Cynthia Redwine Executive Director, Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation In October, funds were sent to Cuba to purchase 500 ten-pill packs of acetaminophen for distribution to individuals and families. While acetaminophen is a household staple here in the United States, in Cuba it is scarce and often difficult to find. These essential, life-saving medicines are helping communities address everyday health needs where access to basic care is limited. The photos below show recipients in Cuba receiving these supplies as part of our ongoing efforts to provide practical support and care. Hurricane Melissa swept through eastern Cuba with unprecedented force, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Torrential rains, hurricane-strength winds, and overflowing rivers damaged homes, flooded fields, and destroyed livelihoods. Remarkably, unlike in neighboring countries such as Jamaica, Cuba reported no deaths, thanks in large part to timely evacuations from areas most at risk.
A Cuban pastor in the eastern region shared a reflection that captures the gravity of the moment: In a situation like this, we pray that God protects the place where we are, where our family is, where the brothers of the church are, and the properties we have; but this time, wherever we ask the Lord to turn it, we know it will end up where it passes. Indeed, Hurricane Melissa moving through the Caribbean was devastating, and no one would call it a gentle experience. Yet even amid such destruction, the Rock of Christ held firm in the hearts of the Cuban people. A Board Member of the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation recently traveled to Cuba to deliver relief donations directly to communities in the storms path. The mission involved long travel from the United States to Havana, followed by a twelve-hour bus ride to the eastern region, the area hardest hit by the hurricane. The journey brought challenges including exposure to tropical viruses, prolonged blackouts, and limited internet access. While listening to local pastors describe their experiences, our Board Member reflected on stories from their own family living in Cuba: the survival of their maternal grandparents during Hurricane Flora, sleepless nights with their mother during storms on the coast, and the countless times they had previously visited communities and churches after cyclones or hurricanes in their role as facilitator and interpreter. This time, however, the experience was different - they were living it from within. Churches in Cuba are unlike those in many other countries, as most congregations meet in pastors’ homes rather than dedicated buildings. These house churches serve as both places of worship and community centers. Many were damaged or destroyed by the hurricane, leaving pastors and congregations without a physical meeting place. Despite this, the people of Cuba remain resilient and committed. They are willing and capable of rebuilding their churches on their own; what they need most is financial support to purchase building materials, while their own sweat equity provides the labor to restore their communities. Local pastors in less-affected areas of Cuba are already organizing collections of food, clothing, and other resources to assist the hardest-hit communities. Stories of fear, loss, and divine protection during the storm highlight both the challenges and the faith-filled resilience of these communities. This outreach embodies the principle that service is carried out with the hands of those who give, the knees of those who pray, and the feet of those who go. By delivering aid and supplies from the United States, supported by prayers and contributions from around the globe, this simply demonstrates that God’s work knows no boundaries and continues through the faithful efforts of His people. What an incredible evening! We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us for An Evening of Gratitude and Giving. This was our very first in-person event since before COVID, and it was truly uplifting to see so many friends, supporters, and new faces gathered in one room. The joy of reconnecting, sharing a meal, and celebrating our mission of hope as a community was beyond measure, and your presence made the evening so meaningful.
We are overwhelmingly thankful to our generous sponsors: Sallie Greenfield, Pitts Watts Group-Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., Fairview Moravian Maggie Styers Missionary Chapter, First Bank, Ken Jones - Edward Jones Investments, US Foods, West Highlands Capital, and Holly Poultry Company, our Meal Sponsor, whose support helped make this night possible. We are grateful to everyone who helped make An Evening of Gratitude & Giving such a success - our generous sponsors, donors, dedicated volunteers, Moravian youth, and board members. Your kindness and commitment made this night possible and filled it with joy, connection, and purpose. The evening was rich with inspiring moments - from heartfelt words shared by Bishop Armando Rusindo and Tania Sánchez Fonseca in Cuba, to Frank Chitty receiving the Outstanding Service Award, to the excitement of the live and silent auctions. Together, we celebrated faith, hope, and unity across the Caribbean and we look forward to gathering again next year! Click here to view all the event photos! |
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