Humanitarian aid to Cuba

TheHelpers for Christ International team would like to thank everyone for their support in making our missions trip to Guantanamo, Cuba, on October 26, 2024, a success.

Our departure from Jamaica was preceded by the failure of Cuba’s power grid for a week, the fourth such occurrence for the year. This, coupled with the onslaught of Hurricane Oscar that also landed the week before our arrival, only served to aggravate the already fragile situation facing the country.

Prior to Covid-19, the people would usually receive a monthly ration from the government, but that has been greatly reduced since the pandemic ended. These shortages in food and basic supplies are felt even more keenly in instances where people may have a little money but there’s just no food available for purchase.

It took us a year to plan this missions trip and we believe it was all orchestrated by the LORD to have us in Cuba at just the time the people needed assistance the most. From start to finish, we could see Him at work. Check-in at the Norman Manley International Airport proceeded smoothly even though we were taking over 300 pounds of goods to distribute. At Santiago de Cuba airport, it was the same. Passing through customs in Cuba, one should prepare for intensive checking, but when the officers saw what we had in our possession, they thanked us profusely and sent us on our way undisturbed.

Armed with food, medication, and toiletries, and most importantly, the Word of God and His love, we became Jesus’ hands and feet as we moved amongst the people, with assistance from our Cuban-based team member, Pastor Julio Pérez. 

Pastor Julio did an excellent job planning all the activities for the local aspect of the trip. Responsible for mapping our daily agenda, he led us from house to house where the need was greatest. We were able to pray for the sick and bless them with supplies, and many persons were led to Jesus and received healing and deliverance.  

Approximately 40 families, consisting of an average of five per family, were fed and ministered to by the team.  There were times when we felt overwhelmed by the needs of the people, but just the way they expressed their appreciation for the assistance we gave strengthened us to pray even more earnestly that God would take their five loaves and two fish and multiply them, and replenish their stock of oil and flour every time they used them.

As a team, we continue to intercede for the persons we met in Cuba, like:

–           The bedridden lady whose son was her caregiver. Because he was unable to work consistently, she was often in dire need. As the tears of gratitude rolled down her face, she praised God for sending help.

–           The pregnant woman expected to give birth shortly and we were able to give her maternity pads which she didn’t have.

–           The young lady who contacted us recently to say that every night when she’s brushing her teeth, she thanks God for her toothbrush. 

–           The retired pastor and his wife who were unwell. We prayed with them and their family, encouraged them with the Word, and blessed them with some supplies.

            Something shifted in us to see the pastor crying while expressing his appreciation to God; his and his wife’s countenance lifting as we believed the LORD for their healing.

We thank God for using us to serve the poor and needy in Cuba and ask that you remember that beleaguered nation in prayer.

We look forward to our next trip when the Lord will once more open the door and give us the grace to shine light into the darkness again, tangibly helping people to experience the love of Jesus Christ. 

Helpers For Christ International is a Jamaica-based NGO, birthed in 2020 with the mandate of reaching the vulnerable in the nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, using the vehicle of humanitarian aid.  They can be contacted at operationfeedcuba@gmail.com, 876-798-4404.