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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.

OUR CONTAINER OF HOPE CONTINUES TO BLESS THOSE IN CUBA

8/19/2024

As the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF) approaches its 10-year anniversary, our Board of Directors recently convened for an intensive full-day planning session to discuss the Foundation's future goals, plans, and initiatives. The future is promising, but the overall needs of those who we are helping are expanding significantly.

In our planning meeting, we refined and updated the Foundation’s Vision Statement to align with our future strategies. This will enable us to continue addressing the daily, future, and unexpected needs, of the people in Cuba effectively.

New Vision Statement:
While Cuba is our primary focus, the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation seeks to broaden its reach worldwide to serve communities in need. The organization will take a hands-on approach, partnering with others with similar goals.

Our strategy is to show God’s love by demonstrating our love for those we serve. Our values will be present in all our projects which include providing clean water, medical supplies, Christian educational materials, and other identifiable needs with a special emphasis on youth development.

Our vision is to create self-sustaining communities by being the hands and feet of Jesus.

We feel our new vision statement continues to build upon the needs that Joe Jarvis, ARMF President, witnessed during his initial visit to Cuba. From Havana to Guantanamo, he observed the pervasive poverty and challenging living conditions faced by our Cuban brothers and sisters. Inspired by their determination, ingenuity, and the love of Christ evident in every village, Joe was moved to help, leading to the formation of ARMF.

We would also like to extend our appreciation to the Moravian Ministries Foundation for graciously allowing us to use their facilities for our planning meeting.

NOW HIRING: PART-TIME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

8/5/2024

The Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF) is looking for a Part-Time Executive Director to help us fulfill the role of expanding our mission in serving those in need in Cuba, as well as other parts of the world. Reporting to the board of directors, the Executive Director will oversee the strategic and operational efficiencies of our programs and staff.

This seasoned leader will not only understand current trends in missions but will also have experience in developing and implementing a successful fundraising plan while working with the fundraising committee. Experience in working with boards and committees, while establishing relationships with churches and community groups is a plus. Above all, the executive director should be highly effective in a leadership role that requires clear communication skills and decisiveness.

- Travel to Cuba and possibly other countries
- Fluency in Spanish
- Competitive pay

For full job description contact:
Joe Jarvis
[email protected]

OUR CONTAINER OF HOPE CONTINUES TO BLESS THOSE IN CUBA

7/12/2024

As many of you may know, the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF) launched the Containers of Hope program this year. As we previously reported, the first container was successfully received by the Council of Churches in Havana in May. The humanitarian aid in the container has been distributed among all the Moravian Churches in Cuba, covering five districts: Havana, Matanzas, Las Vilas, Camagüey, and Guantánamo.

ARMF has been overwhelmed with messages of gratitude from those in Cuba involved in the distribution of food, media supplies, and other essential items. These messages and videos remind us daily that Containers of Hope is addressing not only physical hunger but also spreading the love of Jesus through hope, compassion, and a sense of community to many in need.

We are excited to share the two videos, below, sent to us directly from Cuba within the past few weeks.

Video Above: "On behalf of the Provincial Board of the Moravian Church in Cuba and all ordained ministers, lay pastors, and other brothers and sisters who serve in our Church, and on behalf of our congregations and the communities that have benefited in our five Districts: Havana, Matanzas, Las Vilas, Camagüey, and Guantánamo, we express our great recognition and gratitude to the Foundation, to its founder and President, Brother Joe Jarvis and to all its directors, collaborators and donors for the wonderful gift that “The Hope” container has been for all of us, a gift of love to alleviate our needs in this very critical situation that we have in our country. Certainly, as the Foundation says: “God is working in Cuba” but certainly also the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation is a valuable instrument for Him for this work that is being done in our Cuban land. Thank you so much! And very abundant blessings from the Lord in this great work!"

By: Tania Sanchez Fonseca
President of the IMC Provincial Board

Video Above: Rev. Ezequiel Hernandez handing out items from the container to his congregation in Old Havana.

Our hearts are full of encouragement from videos like these - we are already planning our next container of humanitarian supplies, primarily food, which we anticipate will be shipped later this year. Additional details will be shared soon.

SHARING THE LOVE OF JESUS: ONE MEAL AT A TIME

6/1/2024

We are thrilled to share these heartwarming photos and video that captures the joy and hope from our recent Container of Hope shipment at the church in Havana! This touching moments is a testament to the incredible impact of your generosity and dedication. Watching the smiles and gratitude on the faces of those receiving the food reminds us all of the profound difference we are making together in Cuba.

The food has already been distributed to 220 families and 70 elderly members, impacting over 730 people so far. And there’s even more to sharing in the upcoming days…the blessing will continue to flow!

Our deepest thanks go out to each and every one of our donors. Your unwavering support and active involvement with the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation have been the cornerstone of our mission. Your steadfast dedication, contributions, and prayers enable us to continue serving God's purpose in Cuba. It is through your kindness and commitment that we are able to bring hope and sustenance to those in need.

As we continue to distribute the food and supplies from the shipping container, we are not only addressing physical hunger but also spreading the love of Jesus. Your support allows us to bring hope, compassion, and a sense of community to many. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey and for helping us make a tangible difference in the lives of so many.

Your Continued Support Makes Our Mission Possible in Cuba

Consider making a one-time or monthly gift. Monthly contributions are especially crucial as they aid in our budgeting process for current and future projects.

Perhaps your church or Sunday School class would like to co-sponsor a container with another congregation. Even partial sponsorships are greatly appreciated – every donation helps with large projects such as Containers of Hope.

Checks can be mailed to:
Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation
2121 Harper Road
Clemmons, NC 27012

Easily support ARMF by donating through Moravian Ministries Foundation’s online portal.

CONTAINER OF HOPE HAS ARRIVED

5/18/2024

As many of you may know, the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF) started Container of Hope, a new program this year. By collaborating with shipping companies and other non-profit organizations, our leadership team gained extensive knowledge about the logistics and management of container shipping.

PRAISE BE TO GOD; we are thrilled to announce that our first container has officially been received at the Council of Churches in Havana! From there, the humanitarian aid will be distributed among all the Moravian Churches in Cuba, as well as to several other denominations in need.

This container held many items, such as:

Over 20,000 lbs. of Rice, Black Beans, & Oatmeal
Clothing
Medical Supplies
Wheelchairs
Farm Supplies
Three Water Purification Systems

We rejoice and extend our gratitude to our faithful brothers and sisters in Cuba who unloaded all the items by hand. We know many friends were exhausted by the end of the day.

We are already preparing our next container of humanitarian supplies, primarily food, to be shipped by mid-summer. While these shipments greatly benefit many individuals in need, they are extremely costly, with expenses ranging from $25,000 to $40,000 or more. Without our donors, we would not be able to provide this essential service.

How You Can Help
Consider making a one-time or monthly gift. Monthly contributions are especially crucial as they aid in our budgeting process.

Perhaps your church or Sunday School class would like to co-sponsor a container with another congregation. Even partial sponsorships are greatly appreciated – every amount helps with large projects such as Containers of Hope.

Additionally, check if your employer offers a matching gift program.

Easily support ARMF by donating through Moravian Ministries Foundation’s online portal.

Checks can be mailed to:
Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation
2121 Harper Road
Clemmons, NC 27012

HAILSTORMS & FLOODING DEVASTATE HAVANA

4/1/2024

Intense storms and rainfall on March 22, 2024, caused unusually large hailstorms, downed trees, flash floods, and downed power lines. The National Electricity Union reported that more than 260,000 users in the provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and Havana were without electricity service, particularly in four Havana municipalities where more than 120,000 homes were affected.

Provincial authorities reported there were a total of 26 landslides, 148 people were evacuated to state-run shelters and 762 citizens self-evacuated at homes of relatives and friends.

The Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF) is gathering information daily on the needs caused by this disaster. Mattresses, household furnishings, personal belongings, and many other items have been damaged beyond repair. The total amount of damages could result in thousands of dollars.

Your donations can help us provide recovery efforts and help the people of Cuba meet their immediate needs. We invite you to donate and pray for the individuals affected by these storms.

Thank You to All Who Participated in the 2024 Moravian Day of Giving

3/29/2024

On behalf of the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual who participated in The Moravian Day of Giving on Tuesday, February 13. Your overwhelming support and donations to ARMF made this event an incredible success, and we are truly humbled by the generosity displayed.

For those unfamiliar with The Moravian Day of Giving, it is an opportunity for Moravians to make unexpected gifts above and beyond their regular tithe or pledge. Individuals are encouraged to utilize the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America (MMFA)’s online Giving Portal to contribute to their church, Moravian agencies, or ministries that ignite passion and resonate with their values. Timed to coincide with Mardi Gras, this event serves as a collective expression of gratitude and a commitment to make a positive impact.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering dedication and commitment to making a difference by supporting the ARMF. If you did not have an opportunity to donate during this annual event and feel led to do so, we invite you to donating to the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation by clicking here.

OUR CONTAINER HAS SHIPPED

3/8/2024

It's with great pleasure and celebration that we announce a significant milestone: our shipping container has departed Lexington, North Carolina, and is officially beginning its journey to Cuba!

This achievement marks a significant step forward in our efforts as we continue to support communities and the Moravian Church in Cuba. The contents of this container represent not just supplies, but hope, support, and solidarity with those in need and our ecumenical partners in Cuba. Your generous contributions and unwavering support have made this possible, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to making a positive impact.

As our container makes its way to Cuba, we're filled with excitement and anticipation for the impact it will have on the lives of those it reaches. We'll keep you updated on its journey and the difference it makes along the way.

THE GREENHOUSE HAS LANDED

3/1/2024

After a long delay at customs in Cuba, the greenhouse has finally landed at Aldo's farm in Camaguey.

The 90’ x 30’ structure, complete with an irrigation system, will be a wonderful complement to the rest of the farm. It will provide income for the church and jobs for the community.