October of 2020 we contacted the brethren in the Dominican Republic (DR) about the possibility of sending a substantial amount of food from there to Cuba. We had been told the needs were great in Cuba. The Dominican brethren immediately accepted the challenge. Modern communications enabled all parties to find out what was most needed.
The Dominican brethren worked very hard to acquire items at a reasonable price. In some cases the purchases were made from other believers who wanted to help. It was an enormous job. We are indebted immensely and express our gratitud for all their hard work.
The shipment was finally made and approved after tedious and detailed interaction with the Cuban authorities. We wish to thank the Cuban authorities for their help and willingness to allow this shipment to go forward.
The sisters in the two pictures above are what we feel had the most powerful effect on the entire effort. They had an all night prayer meeting prior to the items being shipped. Then after the receiving of the goods (February 2021) they had an 11 pm to 2 am time of thanksgiving to the Lord for His goodness.
While these pictures only represent a small image in your mind, the impact in the hearts of the Cuban believers was immense. There were hundreds of pounds of food items, hygiene products and paper products. Items that are impossible to either buy or believers there would be able to afford.
It is the generosity of believers in the Dominican Republic, Canada and the USA that has made this possible. The Lord allowed it all to pass through customs without any tariffs. One brother in Cuba told us that he was exhausted for 2 days after distributing a great deal of it. But, it was well worth it to see the tears of gratitud. The cost in hard manual work, the finding of a truck to pick up the merchandise, the acquisition of the products in the DR, the many phone calls and trips made to ports was not small, but the Lord provided the funds and perserverance and He receives the credit.