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.
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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. |
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