“There is just something so different and special about Cuba.”
George Shamblin has said those words many times, and they capture much of what first inspired The Overseas Initiative. In 2022, George and Keith Shamblin founded The Overseas Initiative after witnessing the fervent faith, joy, and perseverance of Cuban Christians. There was something unique about the way the Cuban Church continued to worship, serve, and share the Gospel despite the challenges around them. They knew they wanted to do more than simply visit Cuba—they wanted to come alongside its people and its churches in a meaningful way.
From the beginning, the vision was about more than bringing resources to Cuba. George’s understanding of healthy ministry was deeply influenced by Toxic Charity and When Helping Hurts, which challenged him to think differently about what it means to help others. Rather than creating dependency or approaching ministry with the mindset that we have all the answers, George believed that true help begins with listening, building relationships, and partnering with local believers.
That philosophy became foundational to The Overseas Initiative. We believe the Cuban Church is strong, faithful, and uniquely equipped to serve its own communities. Our role is not to come in and do ministry for them, but to come alongside them—to encourage, equip, and support the work God is already doing through the local church.
One of the ways we put this philosophy into practice is through our microfinance program, which provides seed funding for Cuban entrepreneurs and small businesses. We believe that sometimes the most meaningful help isn't a handout—it's an opportunity.
Think of it as “Cuban Shark Tank.” Entrepreneurs present their business ideas, and selected entrepreneurs receive the capital they need to get their businesses off the ground. These businesses can create income, provide jobs, strengthen families, and contribute to their communities.
But the impact doesn't stop with the first loan. The entrepreneurs repay their loans, and those repayments become the seed capital for the next generation of Cuban businesses. One investment can continue working again and again, creating opportunities for more Cuban families and entrepreneurs.
This is at the heart of what The Overseas Initiative hopes to do: invest in people rather than simply provide for people. Through capital, encouragement, accountability, and relationships, we seek to help Cuban entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and strengthen their communities.
Whether we're supporting a local church, encouraging a pastor, or helping an entrepreneur launch a business, our goal remains the same: to come alongside the Cuban people in ways that strengthen what is already there rather than create dependence on what comes from outside.
There really is something different and special about Cuba. We believe it is the people—their faith, their resilience, their generosity, and their love for Christ. We are honored to walk alongside them and to be a small part of what God is doing through His Church in Cuba.
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