"FRIENDS TO CUBA" is under the mission umbrella of GLOBAL OUTREACH MISSION. Financial support for "Friends to Cuba" can be forwarded to GLOBAL OUTREACH MISSION Box 6184 New Hamburg, Ontario N3A2K6. Mark clearly (memo or add a note) that your financial support is for "Friends to Cuba". A tax receipt will be issued. For more information contact: rbeer@golden.net
San Miguel del Padron (outside of Havana), On our recent trip (November 16 - 23rd) "Friends to Cuba" took in over 100 pairs of eye glasses and a large assortment of specific and household medications, household goods, computer parts, school supplies, adult and childrens clothing as well as substantial financial aid to aid Pastor Mayito. Pastor Mayito is also responsible for the leadership and direction for 15 outer area cell groups. With these financial resources he will now be able to concentrate on the much needed repairs and renovations to the second floor teaching and community room and to the leaders and their familes of the cell groups. On this trip "Friends to Cuba" purchased a "Classical" guitar for the church which was tested out at the Sunday evening service. "Friends to Cuba" has been assisting in the support of the "Hermana" house church for many years. This includes resources for the construction of the second floor community/teaching room, a new washroom and a cooking area. Also a variety of various needs for the church families and the local community. Numerous pairs of eye glasses, diabetic testing equipment/supplies, blood pressure monitors, various musical instruments, a full assortment of household and family medical supplies, school supplies and of course baseball equipment for the young people to play "The National Sport of Cuba". There is also the real possibility of meeting with the director of a nearby children's home once resources can be guaranteed. Contined financial support is always needed as we expand beyond San Miguel and when we evaluate the needs of the nearby children's homes. The assisting of the church leadership and families with these renovatiuons will be based on available finances. Current budget is about $2000. Our next trip is scheduled for the spring of 2012.
Matanzas Children's Home/Orphanage... "Friends To Cuba" brought in another large hockey bag(s) filled with substantial supplies to the 18-20 young people/children and staff. The children range an age from 7 - 18. Any supplies that a child in our world will need, from school supplies, hygiens items and clothing are needed. During our recent visit (November 16 - 23rd) Bob and Felipe shopped in Matanzas for much needed clothes, backpacks, sandals (17 pairs) and hygiene products. What an adventure as we went from street to street and various stores and homes of private sellers to pick out and organize all sorts of items. We also provided the children's home with a very substantial financial gift to be put towards the much needed repairs and renovations. These funds will be co-oridinated directly through Pastor Mayito and Felipe Hernandez. Cuban work crews and construction materials need to be hired all managed directly by Mayito (Cuban church) and Felipe (Cuba government). This "official" relationship is a first in Cuba! With these funds the roof will be repaired and new windows installed as well as some electrical work. It was also decided that a Cuban children's home/orphange budget/fund will be established where all future funds for the Cuban children will be directly assigned to such projects. We are looking at a second children's home near Havana. The budget for all of these current and immediate projects would be approximnately $3000 (CAN$). We at "Friends To Cuba" want to thank all of our wonderful supporters who saw the need and responded to "get it done". We ask you to continue in your support and ask that you, your family and friends; to seriously consider helping us and the children at this home and future children's homes with your regular financial support and seeing these all of these renovations completed. If you are planning a vacation to Varadero, Cuba; Matanzas is not far. If you would like to visit the children and staff on behalf of "Friends To Cuba" and would like more information on how you can help us in this project when visiting the children's home in Matanzas, please contact us at rbeer@golden.net
What is needed.....In all locations in Cuba we need working used laptops, pens/pencils, colored pencils, erasors, rulers, sharpeners, geometry sets, pencil cases, soap, toothpaste/brushes, shampoo, antibiotic ointments, band-aids, head lice shampoo, tylenol and flu/cold medicine, Omega3 vitamins, Fish Oil capsules, Vitamin C & D for adults and children. Multi vitamins for adults and children, socks, T-shirts, combs/brushes, toys and games for both boys and girls, diabetic testing strips (ONE TOUCH ULTRA BRAND), used Rogers/Bell cell phones with chargers (Rogers/Bell works best in Cuba) and "Stethoscopes" for doctors and nurses. The laptops referred to are always needed at all locations for the pastors, teachers, nurses and doctors.
Bob and Susan and the volunteers with "Friends To Cuba" take in all the supplies that they can carry in large hockey bags. "Friends to Cuba" also needs your regular financial support to help with overweight baggage costs (November 2011 cost were $180), on island travelling costs, purchase of construction materials and supplies/services and support for local pastors, teachers, children's home staff/supplies, etc. Again...if you are travelling to Cuba and would like to assist us, don't hesitate in contacting us on how you can become a significant partner of this ministry.
For more information on ways you can support "FRIENDS TO CUBA" and be a part of this humanitarian resource please contact Bob Beer at (519) 696-2508 or rbeer@golden.net
