The conditions there are difficult. Especially for the children. Very few have enough to eat, can get needed medications or have access to clean, safe, and filtered water. Yet the people were incredibly warm, welcoming and generous. Our group has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to help the communities we joined with during our trip in the Guantanamo providence, the poorest area of Cuba
. Water, medications, medical equipment (like thermometers), food and bikes seem to be the most critical needs. Our first project and milestone is funding a water filtration system that will benefit the whole community of San Antonio del Sur. For $1000, a whole community can benefit. The residents of San Antonio del Sur have a high prevalence of kidney stones because of the water. It is not filtered and has a high mineral content causing painful kidney stones and other ailments. Often times, the churches are used as community centers. Currently, one of the churches desires a renovation to accommodate more people. Many now stand outside during services. Another one of the missions would like to purchase a house to meet in for study and services. We met numerous people who have manageable medical conditions (at least by our standards) that can’t get medications or equipment. For instance; two young girls, one aged 2 and the other 12, have asthma. Neither family can afford a nebulizer machine, ($29.99 on EBay). The basic medications of albuterol are not available even though they have a prescription. Another has high blood pressure, but no way to monitor it. Yet another has a condition that requires Folic Acid ($1.94 at Target) but cannot get it in the pharmacies in Cuba. The physicians can't get replacement supplies like stethoscopes, thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, and other essential diagnostic tools. Can you imagine, a physician, trying to treat patients without basic tools? Bikes may sound like a luxury, but they actually represent a way to attend school or university. Having a bike may open up employment opportunities for many families. There is very little private transportation available and when you make $10-14 a month, paying for transportation is very difficult. For $140-180, a bike could make a huge difference in the life of a family. For $2000 we could purchase a motorsbike for longer trips. There is a limited amount of jobs in Cuba…one of the ways a family supports itself is to raise animals such as pigs or chickens. For $200-500 a family can become self-sufficient. If you are inclined, our campaign is: https://www.gofundme.com/7bc9xcfg. Even a small amount will help. Passing up a coffee at Starbucks once a week for a month will fund a Pastor’s salary or buy a month worth’s of food for a family of 4. There are no administrative fees…all the donations go directly to the communities in Guantanamo, Cuba. Most people desire to help, they just haven’t been asked or know where to direct their efforts. Thanks for considering these amazing and strong people, communities, and churches.
