The Overseas Initiative

The Overseas Initiative (TOI) strengthens Cuban communities
by seeding locally owned small businesses and providing humanitarian relief to foster long-term self-sufficiency.

Our Core Values

Five commitments every person connected with TOI works by, written by our team.

ONE

One Team

Collaborate, respect, and support each other, and recognize that we accomplish more when we work together.

TWO

Integrity

We do what we say, communicate honestly, and hold ourselves accountable to one another.

THREE

Walk Humbly

Take pride in doing our work well while staying humble, teachable, and willing to improve.

FOUR

Fun

We enjoy working together and have fun accomplishing our goals.

FIVE

All for Christ

Jesus is the ultimate reason we are all here and doing this.

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.

Read our full story →

An elderly man in Cuba holds a stack of meal containers

A quiet street lined with colorful buildings and palm trees in a Cuban town

Ministry Model

The Problem

Cuba’s economy has collapsed under blackouts, food shortages and a currency that keeps falling. Close to 3 million people have left since 2020, by independent estimates. Those who stay have few ways to feed their families.

The Solution

Relief that multiplies: We gift food and medicines to our partner churches. In turn, those churches distribute the provision to their neighbors, thus making them the beacons in their own communities, not the Americans.

Seed funds that get paid forward: Training first, then Cuban trustees approve seed funds. What comes back launches the next business.

Cuban-Led, American-Fostered: Cuban trustees decide who receives seed funds, Cuban pastors decide where the food goes, and Cuban teachers deliver most of the training. We supply, we mentor, and we get out of the way.

What makes TOI different

Cuban-Led and Cuban-Driven

Cuban trustees decide who receives seed funds, Cuban pastors decide where the food goes, and Cuban teachers deliver most of the training.

A Mutual Exchange of Blessings

The fervent faith of Cuban Christians is what first moved our founders to act. American business mentors now walk alongside Cuban entrepreneurs, and we learn from each other.

Healthy Missions Through Microfinance

Not a handout, but an opportunity: training first, then seed funds that are paid forward. What comes back launches the next business.

Goals/Opportunities

Through your support we endeavor to:

✓

Extend Christ’s love through our growing food ministry, providing food and compassionate care to the most vulnerable individuals and families in the surrounding communities.

✓

Equip individuals and families with Biblically grounded financial stewardship skills through financial literacy training, microfinance opportunities, and small business initiatives.

Latest from Cuba

Partnerships in Uncertain Times

How do we minister in uncertain times? Through partners and passive ministry

March 9, 2026

TOI on the Ground Right Now!

Niurka reflects on the past few months with TOI.

February 9, 2026

Christmas in Cuba 2025

Christmas Q&A with Cuban Pastors

December 1, 2025

Get Involved

Prayer: Stand with us in prayer for the Cuban Church as it faithfully serves and shares the Gospel, for strength and wisdom for our TOI team, for the entrepreneurs we support, and for freedom and hope for the people of Cuba.

Mentorship: Invest in the future of a Cuban entrepreneur by providing guidance, encouragement, and prayer as they start and grow their small business.

Financial Support: Support our mission by giving to our Microfinance Program, Humanitarian Aid Program, or General Fund. Your generosity helps us meet practical needs and create opportunities for lasting change.

Leadership: Help advance our mission by applying to serve on our Junior Board, an opportunity for emerging leaders ages 22 to 40 to engage, contribute, and help shape the future of our ministry.

Humanitarian Trips: Go and serve alongside our Cuban partners by sharing resources, teaching at conferences, building relationships, and supporting the important work already taking place in local communities.

About Mission Trips

Cuba Strong.
Cuba for Christ.