CUBA UPDATE - MEDICATIONS and JUNE TRIP

We are preparing spiritually and physically for our first trip to Cuba since the 2020 pandemic. The pandemic changed the world. It is not only the incredible loss of life and emotional trauma brought by the virus. It changed the way we relate as a community, work, study, and lead our daily lives. The economic impact on Cuba is the worst in its history. Extreme shortages of food, electricity, gasoline, and medications coupled with a sharp increase in cost of living has been devastating. Yet, the people’s spirit to celebrate life, gather as a community, seek spiritual growth, and enjoy family is strong. People in Cuba are amazing! They are resilient! They find joy in what God has given them.

Because of your contributions, we have continued to provide funds for medicines, assistance to the elderly, and two farms that provided food to more than 2,000 individuals. There is not much we can do about inflation, electricity and gasoline. But there is much we can do to provide medicines and medical supplies.

NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS, SAME GRACE

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.

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at the limit

COVID cases in Cuba continue to grow at a rapid rate. The number of COVID cases reported is under-estimated because there is a lack of material to do COVID testing. The expectation is that the crisis will grow because of the current lack of medication to treat COVID patients and lack of sanitizer, gloves, masks, and soap. Cuba is at the limit of the capacities they have in resources and medicines

Think about this: your family and your extended family is sick with symptoms associated with COVID. But you do not know if it is indeed COVID because there is no test available. Even if you knew, the medication to treat COVID is not available. But suppose it is not COVID and the doctor wants to treat the symptoms, still the medication is not available.

Because of your generous support, Aliento Cuba has been able to send 11 boxes, each weighing 20 pounds, with medicines and medical supplies to pastors in the North central province of Villa Clara to help their communities. These boxes have antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications used in the treatment of COVID and other medications and medical supplies. It is a hope, a life line — even if it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the package to arrive. It is our prayer that these boxes arrive intact into the hands of the pastors.

We need to send more boxes — others are waiting. To participate, click the button below

“... in the long run, there can be no joy for anybody until there is joy finally for us all”
― Frederick Buechner

Together we can ease some of the pain

This month we are gathering funds, medications, and medical equipment to send to Cuba.

Currently there are no medications to be found for many diseases and illnesses such as infections, arthritic pain, fever, migraines or vitamins to supplement poor nutrition. These supplies have always been scarce, but given the current economic situation in Cuba it is now worse.

Examples of OTC Medications Needed

Desitin or other bedsore prevention cream or spray

Vic Vaporub

Alka seltzer

BenGay or other muscle relaxant for arthritis

Anti-itch cream

Omega 3,6,9

Multivitamins for adults and children

Bandages

Fever and pain reducer for adults and children

Ibuprofen

Acetaminophen

Low dose aspirin

Anti-acids

Cough medicine or cough dropsGlucosamine

You can partner with us by collecting medications and contacting me at rachel@alientocuba.org for pickup OR with a financial contribution

Doctors in Cuba are well trained, but without the appropriate medication and tools it is difficult to provide good health care. We well remember the anecdotes of surgeons without proper suturing thread or a working cautherizer among many other deficiencies; and of a pediatrician without a stethoscope, otoscope or ophthalmoscope to adequately diagnose her patients. The lack of medical tools is difficult to comprehend.

You can make a difference. We cannot do this without you.

Thank you for your support.