Partnerships in Uncertain Times
How do we minister in uncertain times? Through partners and passive ministry
March 9, 2026
TOI strengthens Cuban communities by seeding locally owned small businesses and providing humanitarian relief to foster long-term self-sufficiency.
Five commitments every person connected with TOI works by, written by our team.
Two countries, one team. From Cuba to the U.S., we labor together.
We do what’s right, keep our word, and own our mistakes.
We stay humble, teachable, and willing to improve.
We work hard, have fun, and enjoy doing it together.
Our resolve is to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified.
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 →
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.
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.
Cuban trustees decide who receives seed funds, Cuban pastors decide where the food goes, and Cuban teachers deliver most of the training.
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.
Not a handout, but an opportunity: training first, then seed funds that are paid forward. What comes back launches the next business.
Why TOI works the way it does, and what the work means to the churches we serve in Cuba.
Why no American is on the ground when TOI's food goes out. 2 min.
From George Shamblin's YouTube. George is TOI's Executive Director.
Our Director of Cuban Relations on what the work means in Cuba. 50 sec.
From TOI's YouTube
A 40 foot container of food reaches churches in Cuba, and a Cuban sister in Christ thanks everyone who gave. 3 min.
From George Shamblin's YouTube
More from our Executive Director: George Shamblin on YouTube ↗ · George Shamblin on Facebook ↗
Most people who find TOI want to follow the work as it goes on. One short email a month keeps you close to it, and you can stop any time.
What Cuban churches are doing, what to pray for, and how the food and seed funds are going.
Watch your inbox for news and prayer requests from Cuba. While you wait, here is why TOI works the way it does.
Watch "Can Helping Hurt?" (2 min) ↗We never share your email. Unsubscribe any time.
Where your gift goes
TOI's Executive Director receives no compensation.
TOI's American staff is one part-time employee.
Our Board funds all overhead expenses.
We did that by design, so that 100% of donations go directly to Cuba.
The Overseas Initiative is a 501(c)(3), EIN 92-0668947. We receive no government funding, and TOI complies with all OFAC regulations.
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