Stay Up-to-Date

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.

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.

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