Most Recent Updates
From Caribbean
Jan 2024: Showing Love Through Service
Meet Abdiel and Rebeca, two young siblings from Palma Soriano, Cuba, who, along with their family, faithfully serve the Lord. Despite their dedication and hard work, their family faces ongoing challenges, particularly concerning their health, amidst the difficult economic realities gripping Cuba.
In a country where food prices are soaring beyond reach for many hardworking families, Abdiel and Rebeca’s story is all too common. Despite their relentless efforts, they often struggle to make ends meet, with their basic needs remaining unmet.
But amidst their trials, a ray of hope shines through. Your support allowed us to provide them with essential food supplies, which they received with immense gratitude and appreciation. We are honoured to have been able to help lift their spirits during this challenging time and are grateful for your continued support.
Your continued support ensures that families like Abdiel and Rebeca’s receive the help they desperately need to navigate their challenges. Your generosity provides sustenance, hope, and encouragement to those facing adversity.
Dec 2023: Empowering Lives, Nourishing Hearts!
Step into the heart of Cuba with us, where our partners are making a profound impact on the lives of children and vulnerable seniors. Through their Kids Programs, they’re not only providing essential nutrition but also nurturing young hearts spiritually.
In Camaguey, our partners, in collaboration with local churches, hosted a special Christmas event that brought joy and hope to the hearts of children. Under the twinkling stars, 173 children from 7 churches in the area came together for a night of celebration. Laughter filled the air as they enjoyed performances, music, and storytelling. But this event was more than just fun and games. It was an opportunity for these young hearts to encounter the true meaning of Christmas. As the message of hope and love was shared, something incredible happened. Many of the invited children opened their hearts to Jesus, embracing His love and grace.
In every smile, every prayer, and every hug shared, there’s a story of hope being written. Your support enables us to bring essential supplies and hope to those who need it most, especially ailing seniors who are often forgotten.
We invite you to join us in continuing this vital work. Together, we can empower lives, nourish hearts, and spread hope to the most vulnerable in Cuba.
Uplifting Lives Through Hope and Support
Meet Jenisel, from Palma Soriano, whose unwavering faith has been an inspiration. Jenisel, along with her husband and mother, has been a steadfast servant of the Lord for many years.
Recently, she encountered health challenges, facing facial paralysis due to hypertension. This setback has impacted her ability to work as a teacher, leaving her husband as the sole provider for their family—a beautiful family of four, including their 7-year-old son and a newborn.
As a family deeply rooted in their Christian faith, they’ve always looked to the Lord for guidance and provision. In moments of need, when the weight of circumstances felt heavy, a ray of hope shone through.
When our partners in Palma Soriano visited them, offering timely support in the form of essential food, their hearts overflowed with gratitude. They thanked God for His provision and blessing and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Ministry’s unwavering support.
Your continued support enables us to be that ray of hope for families like Jenisel’s. Your generosity touches lives, offering not just sustenance but a glimmer of hope in their darkest hours.
Let’s continue being a vessel of God’s love and support. Together, we can make a difference and bring smiles to those in need.
From The Archives: Alejandro Says Gracias!
Alejandro is an 11-year-old boy from Camagüey, Cuba. His parents abandoned him, and he now lives with his elderly grandfather, who struggles with alcoholism. Their home, situated in a low-income area, presents many challenges. They can barely make ends meet, because of which, Alejandro can’t go to school regularly.
Most days, Alejandro does not have breakfast and only eats one meal a day, often not enough or of poor quality. Sometimes, kind neighbours step in to provide him with food. But then, something good happened one day. A lady from a nearby church started helping Alejandro. She has guided Alejandro, introducing him to the church and helping him open his heart to Jesus.
Through our ministry’s children’s food project, we’ve assisted Alejandro. This support has had a profound impact on him. He has transformed from a once depressed and sorrowful child into someone who now holds faith and hope in his heart.
Your support for our ministry helps children like Alejandro find hope, faith, and joy amidst challenging circumstances. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these children who deserve a brighter future.
Oct 2023
In Palma Soriano, Cuba, families lean on their unwavering faith for daily sustenance. Each day brings new challenges as mothers and fathers struggle to provide nourishment for their loved ones. It is a place where food prices soar, and scarcity casts long shadows.
Our compassionate partners in Cuba step in, bringing relief to the community and friends, sharing the burdens of these brave parents. One such family blessed by their efforts is that of Dailen and her little girl Asly.
Dailen, a single mother, gave her all every day, yet found it increasingly difficult to provide her little daughter with the sustenance she needed. Food had become a precious rarity, out of reach for many.
And then, like a miracle, your support reached them—a dose of blessings in the form of much-needed food. As they opened their hearts and their door to this provision, their faces lit up with gratitude. They thanked God, their provider, and sent their warmest greetings to YOU, the donors for all the love and hope.
This Thanksgiving, we invite you to join hands and share these heartwarming stories. Be part of the tale, be the answer to their prayers. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of families like Dailen and Asly’s.
August 2023: Andrea’s Testimonial
Hello, it’s me, Andrea!
I wanted to share something really nice that happened to me. We live in Santiago de Cuba with my twin, mom and big brother, and my dad isn’t around. But you know what? I still feel close to God, even though I’m just a kid.
I loved our summer Bible school in Palma Soriano. Some kind people also brought us food and stuff when we really needed it. It felt like a big hug in the form of food – it made me feel happy!
Me and my mom, we thanked God a lot for this big help. It’s tough for my mom to make sure we eat well without my dad. But the kindness of these people has made things easier, and we feel more loved.
I want to say a big thank you to those who bless us. You guys are like heroes who make homes like ours feel better. Thanks for caring so much and making us smile.
June 2023: Bringing Love and Support to Families in Palma Soriano!
There are many families within the town, like the ones our partners visit every month, to whom love and support make all the difference. Meet Aurora and her little grandson, Moises, who face life’s challenges with strength and faith.
Aurora, a devoted grandmother, carries the weight of providing for Moises without the presence of his parents to support them. She works tirelessly, cleaning floors in government offices, earning a minimum wage that barely covers their basic needs. But thanks to ImpactHope and their incredible partners, their burden is lightened, and their hearts are filled with gratitude.
Through Jorge and Sandra’s Ministry, we are privileged to bring some peace of mind to Aurora and Moises. They receive selfless help and basic necessities provided out of pure love. Their lives are touched by the caring hearts of our community and the support extended by ImpactHope.
Moises, a bright and hopeful child, attends Sunday Bible school faithfully. He finds solace and strength in God’s promises. We are witnessing the incredible transformation that comes from the love and care poured into his life through this beautiful partnership.
Aurora, Moises, and the entire community extend their heartfelt thanks to God and our friends who make this work of love possible. Every contribution, regardless of size, makes a meaningful impact on their lives. We invite you to join us on this incredible journey of love and support. Your generous donation will enable ImpactHope to continue providing the necessary assistance, empowering families like Aurora and Moises to navigate life’s challenges with hope and dignity.
Together, let’s make a difference in the lives of those in need. Your support truly changes lives!
May 2023: Finding Strength in Community
We want to express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated partners, Jorge and Sandra in Palma Soriano, who are going above and beyond to bring relief and comfort to countless families in Cuba. Their unwavering dedication and selflessness are truly inspiring!
Recently, Carlos and Rosa had the privilege of visiting some members of the First Baptist Church in Palma Soriano, and what they witnessed touched their hearts deeply. Many families in the community face the daily struggle of limited and expensive food supplies, which can feel overwhelming. One of these families is Fulgido and his wife, Mirielis, who have two beautiful school-aged daughters, Estrella and Melany.
Fulgido, as the sole provider, carries the weight of sustaining their family, while Mirielis devotes herself to caring for their precious girls, especially the youngest, who has a behavioural disorder. Providing for their family has become an immense challenge for Fulgido, as his salary barely covers the essentials, leaving him unable to meet other crucial needs.
But amidst these hardships, we have seen the power of community and faith. When blessings arrive, these families express their gratitude to the Lord, and their unwavering spirit shines brightly. It’s truly remarkable to witness how they rally together, supporting and uplifting one another during these challenging times.
That’s why we need your support! ImpactHope is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of families like Fulgido’s. By donating to our cause, you can help us provide vital resources, including food supplies, educational support, and other essential needs, to these resilient families in Cuba. Together, we can bring hope and relief to those who need it most!
Join us in this meaningful journey of compassion and generosity. Your donation, no matter how small, can have a tremendous impact on the lives of these families, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
March 2023: Kids Ministry
The Kids Clubs held by Carlos and Rosa in Camaguey aim to provide biblical teachings and instructions in a loving, caring and fun environment where children can be drawn to Jesus Christ and learn to seek Him earnestly, serve Him faithfully, and share Him boldly with others.
In January, the Kids Club impacted 87 kids and 20 adults. In February, 67 kids and 27 adults participated in the activities. Carlos and Rosa also support one senior monthly with essential supplies and other support.
Your patronage has been vital for the ministry!
Feb 2023: Blessing The Community With Food
Carlos says the best reward for his efforts is a smile from these little ones!
Carlos and Rosa, our partners in Camaguey, Cuba, work diligently to serve the most vulnerable in their community. Cuba is facing a severe food crisis due to a combination of factors, including a decline in agricultural production, the U.S. embargo, the impact of climate change, etc. Cuban families have witnessed the mercy of our Lord through the support of our donors like YOU, who have been generously willing to contribute and bless others.
Jan 2023: Yolanda’s Story
Yolanda Salas is a grandmother to four children. Yolanda took her grandchildren under her wing after their parents passed away. Yolanda’s daughter earns a living and does what she can to support her. The children are very attached to Yolanda, especially little Kevin.
Our partners in Cuba visited Yolanda to bless her with some food, provisions, and encouragement. Yolanda is a kind and gentle soul who tries her best to provide her grandchildren with a loving home. Despite their difficult circumstances, the children are happy and filled with love and joy. Today, thanks to your support, a part of this family is gathering and walking in the way of the Lord. Our partners in Palma Soriano, Jorge and Sandra, work hard to bring hope to the hopeless, encourage those in need, deliver food to the less fortunate, help the sick, share the Gospel, and minister in their churches.
Cuban families have witnessed the mercy of our Lord through the support of donors like YOU, who have been generously willing to contribute and bless others. We pray that you continue to support us.
Your support made this gesture of love possible.
Dec 2022: Love Thy Neighbour!
For every family gathering in a warm home with a tree and stockings filled with gifts, there is another family with barely enough food in their pantry.
In Palma Soriano, Jorge and Sandra are committed to reaching and serving their people, seeking to share the love of God with children, families, and seniors as they help in practical and tangible ways. They work hard to bring hope to the hopeless, encourage those in need, deliver food to the less fortunate, help the sick, share the Gospel, and minister in their churches.
For many of us, the holiday season was joyful, but a hunger catastrophe was still unfolding in Cuba. The couple decided to bless their neighbours with Christmas dinners over a couple of days and hosted them with prayers and warm, homemade food.
Your support made this gesture of love possible.
Blog Post: Bring Hope to a Broken Country
“We want freedom; we want life; we want to live, and we don’t want to [just] survive.” – These are the words of a 17-year-old in Cuba. (Source: CNA)
More than a year has passed after the historic protests of July 11, 2021, when tens of thousands of people took to the streets to raise their voices for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and a better life. The protests were over rising food costs, medical shortages and dire socio-economic conditions that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the overall economy remains dire, with long lines and rapidly increasing prices for limited goods.
September 2022: Maryam Needs Hope
Maryam is an intelligent 5-year-old girl, who grasps information relatively quickly. She is blessed with the ability to memorize long texts! But there is a grim shadow hanging over Maryam’s life…
When Maryam was still in the womb, the doctors had given her parents the grim diagnosis of failed kidneys. The couple fought for the life of their unborn child, and Maryam was mercifully born with healthy kidneys! Maryam was, however, diagnosed at the age of two with a genetic disease called Neurofibromatosis. This disease has caused a tumour in the optic nerve. The tumour is bilateral since she has a lesion on both sides of the optic nerve, causing blindness in the left eye and decreased vision in the right eye, with the risk of eventually becoming blind.
According to specialists, this disease has no treatment unless there is a manifestation such as a tumour. Maryam’s chances now depend on her quality of life, a good diet and maintaining favourable conditions around her to counteract any symptoms. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy since it is too risky to operate on the bilateral tumour.
Maryam has two siblings, two-years-old and eight months old, respectively. Amid darkness, grief and pain, YOUR support can shine a ray of hope on this family. Donate here.
July 2022: Pray for CUBA
In July, thousands of Cubans took to the streets in landmark demonstrations protesting long-standing restrictions on rights, and scarcity of food and medicines.
Homes are running for almost 12 hours without electricity daily. There’s a severe shortage of food, medicines and hygiene items.
Pray for peace, healing and restoration!
July 2022: AN OPEN LETTER FROM CUBA
Brad, our Director, spent time with our partners in Cuba this month. What he saw and experienced moved him deeply and led him to pen down his thoughts. Brothers and sisters, let’s pray for Cuba. Let’s not stop, let’s not rest, let’s not give up.
Read the letter here.
May 2022
- The economic situation is very dire, and people have to work extra hard to make ends meet. During the pandemic, our partners in Cuba: Carlos and Rosa, and Jorge and Sandra, were on the front line (and still are) working hard and intensively, bringing hope and life-saving supplies to those in need.
- Monthly evangelization activities have resumed and food programs have deeply impacted the people who are already buckling under the tough economic situation. Meagre salaries do not allow the purchase of necessary food, which is mainly sold on the black market at exorbitant prices.
- To see the impact of your support in Your support has helped children in the regions of Camaguey, Palma Soriano, and Holguin, read the updates here.
December 2021: Quarterly Update
We believe that God uses people to impact people and those who have received assistance during the pandemic have expressed the impact your generosity has made on them. You have impacted the lives of many kids, seniors, families and pastors in Cuba, particularly children in the regions of Camaguey, Palma Soriano and Holguin.
To read the updates, click here.
December 2021
- Food is becoming scarce and prices are increasing drastically as covid continues to spread within the island. Before the economic recession, 1 lb of meat was $1 USD and 5 lbs of rice was $1 USD. Now, 1 lb of meat is close to $5 USD and 1 lb of rice is now $3 USD. With the help of donors, several families were blessed with food during the last 4 months.
- Though covid cases have relatively decreased in the country, the dengue epidemic caused by the Aedes mosquito is keeping all hospitals at maximum capacity, while food and essential items continue to sell at high prices.
- In spite of being struck with COVID and related health-issues, Jorge and Sandra were able to help over 48 families in the last 4 months, with food packages that include rice, cooking oil, chicken, and beans!
- Jorge and Sandra continue to encourage the community with personal house visits, to provide support and encouragement.
