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The Purple Zeros' 30th Anniversary Reunion for Missions

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Propagate the Gospel.
Provide Humanitarian Relief.
Proclaim Christ.

who we are

The Overseas Initiative

The Cuban Church continues to grow in the midst of poverty and hardship. The Overseas Initiative (TOI) desires to see it become self-sufficient, self-sustaining, and ultimately, self-sending.

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Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision: We want to empower Christians so they can become beacons of hope and opportunity across Cuba.

Mission: We desire to see Cuba transform from within: by giving pastors, laypeople, churches and seminaries a boost towards self-sufficiency, self-sustainability and ultimately becoming self-sending.

Values: We value the Word of God and The Great Commission as our directives.

Calling and History

The Overseas Initiative was founded in 2022 by George and Keith Shamblin. Seeing the fervent faith of Cuban Christians compelled them to form an organization for the exclusive purpose of serving and supporting the Cuban Church.

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Church

Ministry Model

The Problem:

Access to basic household care products and necessities is limited due to limited supply within the country and import restrictions.
Basic economic principles are not taught or widely understood by the Cuban people.
Churches are losing members at a staggering pace as desperate people flee for the hope of a better life in other countries.

The Solution:

Through coordinated product drives and the purchase of shipping containers filled with non-perishables, TOI can provide resources for the local churches to distribute to congregants and citizens. The Overseas Initiative intentionally works through the churches so that the Cuban people see their church actively working-not Americans fixing their problems.
One key element of TOI’s mission is seeing the Cuban people thrive through the success of the Cuban Christians. By offering training in Biblical principles for stewardship and business, citizens are equipped to begin supporting themselves and improving their daily lives.
Partnering with local Cuban churches, TOI is able to provide seminars, studies, and conferences in order to equip church leaders, and pastors through discipleship ministry development and personal discipleship of the Cuban Christians. Under the direction of local pastors, we are able to partner in ministry to preach the gospel to non-christians throughout the province of Villa Clara, working to grow the Cuban Church and ultimately the Body of Christ.

Goals/Opportunities

Through your support we endeavor to:
Provide humanitarian aid via new hospital partnerships, dispersion of community provisions, and educational in-roads.
Promote Biblical literacy through leading student ministry conferences, church discipleship intensives, and proclaiming Christ to others under the leadership and guidance of Cuban pastors and churches.
Produce financial literacy through Biblically-focused fiscal stewardship training and microfinance/small business initiatives.

Get Involved

Included list of supplies needed as well as some of our opportunities:
Mentorship: Mentor a Cuban starting a small business.
Fundraising: Volunteer at fundraising events, such as our Annual Concert.
Leadership: Serve on committees or apply for the Jr. Board (ages 22-40).
 Humanitarian Trips: Visit the country - sharing resources, teaching at conferences, or supporting existing in-country activities.
 Supplies: Gather and donate helpful and necessary supplies for Cuban families.
Board Member Image
Brett Bussman
Senior Vice President, GM (AL, FL)-Tractor and Equipment Company
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Joseph M. (Max) Campbell, Jr., CPA
Partner-Haynes Downard LLP
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Johnny Garlington
President-B.L. Harbert, US Group
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George B. Shamblin, Sr.
Co-founder
Pastor/Author-The Center for Executive Leadership
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G. Keith Shamblin, Sr., CIC, CRM
Co-founder
Senior Vice President-McGriff

Jr. Board Members

Jr. Board Member
Daniel Ashford
Jr. Board Chair
Ryan Campbell
Jr. Board Member
Jr. Board Member 2
Connor Curtis
Jr. Board Member
Will Draper
Jr. Board Member
Caroline Knight
Jr. Board Member
Dorsey Shamblin
Jr. Board Member
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Molly McLain, Ed.S.
Director of Operations
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Niurka González Morales, M.D.
Director of Cuban Relations