NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS, SAME GRACE / by rachel sanchez-parodi

We look forward to a new year, encouraged by what we were able to accomplish in 2021 and expectant of what God has in store for us.
Good used our organization and your generous giving to touch so many lives in Cuba—and it was definitely a challenging year of the Cuban people. This year, we are filled with hope and look forward to God’s guidance as we continue to support the people in Cuba

Last year, the spread of COVID and political turmoil exacerbated the already meager medical supplies and rapidly increasing inflation In 2020 Cuba had 11,863 COVID cases, but the number quickly grew to 966,004 cases in 2021. This rincrease was beyond what the healthcare system was equipped to handle; hospitals quickly became short on beds, oxygen, and medications to treat patients. This medical crisis coupled with astronomical inflation led to political unrest in the island.

Disposable masks ready to be reused after washing and drying on a clothesline

In 2021 we were able ship 22 boxes of medical supplies, equipment and medication to 12 communities in Cuba. This was possible thanks to your donations and Medical Missions International in Fresno California who donated the medical supplies. Those boxes, totaling 429 pounds traveled nearly 8,000 miles for 6 weeks, and by God’s grace every single one arrived untampered with to its destination.

Aliento Cub also partners with other pastors and they donors to serve the people in Cuba. In 2021 we procured an additional 102 pounds of medications shared with 6 other communities in rural Cuba.

These shipments have been a blessing to many—especially at a time when COVID medications are virtually non-existent.

Sample of medications sent to Cuba

Additionally,changes in government regulations in November 2020 prevented anyone in the. United States from sending funds directly to Cuba. This definitely put a wrench into our plans, but by God’s grace, we were able to find other channels of safe delivery. Through trusted partners, we were able to continue the financial support of all the communities and pastors we had committed to.

For example, the community farms project in Mayajigua that you help us support was able to continue operations. This farm provides local families with vegetables like rice, corn, beans and protein such as pigs and chickens—all for free! In a time of scarcity and ever-increasing prices, the farm has become a lifeline for many. Six others communities also receive funds for food, transportation, and emergencies. This is especially important for the elderly and people who are ill. We were able to provide mopeds and a motorcart to three pastors to facilitate their ministry

This year we are renewed with hope for the people in Cuba. We need to continue to support them with medications, transportation and financial support so they can continue spreading light and goodwill.

Thank you for your continued support; many are surviving on the food, medicine and everyday supplies that we are are able to provide with your donations. Above all else, please continue to pray for Cuba.

Peace and grace to you.