How this local ministry is changing lives in Cuba + attend a special event at Saturn, May 16

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We got the scoop on a Birmingham ministry doing big things for the Cuban people.

Check out what makes The Overseas Initiative unique, how you can get involved and details on their first-ever fundraising event on Thursday, May 16 at Saturn.

The Purple Zeros’ 30th Anniversary Reunion for Missions—event details

• When: Thursday, May 16 | Doors open – 6PM, Music starts – 7PM
• Where: Saturn, 200 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: $20
• Tickets

About The Overseas Initiative

Cuba receives food and humanitarian aid. (The Overseas Initiative)

The Overseas Initiative (TOI) is a Birmingham ministry founded in 2022 by local pastor and author George Shamblin and his brother Keith.

TOI’s goal is to empower Christians so they can become beacons of hope and opportunity across Cuba.

They do this by:

• Purchasing shipping containers with necessary resources for the people of Santa Clara + its surrounding villages
• Raising funds for Santa Clara churches to micro-finance small business loans for individuals
• Partnering with the local seminaries to host Bible + leadership training for pastors

If you have a servant’s heart and are interested in helping TOI further its mission, volunteers are always welcome. To learn more, email Molly at molly@theoverseasinitiative.org.

Some interesting facts about Cuba

If you’re like me, you may not know much about Cuba and its people.

To learn more, I spoke with Molly McLain, Director of Operations at The Overseas Initiative.

What I came away with was a vibrant image of warm and welcoming people deeply rooted in their community.

Does it remind anyone else of Birmingham?

“Cuba is one of the most relatable countries. The people are kind and greatly value blessing others.

They also love baseball, have social media, are Swifties and are up-to-date on modern culture.

It’s easy to connect with them because we as Americans share many struggles and hobbies/interests with the Cuban people.”

Molly McLain, Director of Operations, The Overseas Initiative

Here are a few things to know about Cuba:

• It’s 90 miles from the Florida Keys.
• It’s the most literate country in the Western Hemisphere with almost everyone having a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• The official language is Spanish or Cuban Spanish, but most speak English.
• The Cuban peso is approximately 33 U.S. cents.
• It’s legal to be a Christian + attend church.
• The geography includes beaches, jungles mountains + plains.
• It’s filled with historic Spanish architecture + various museums.

“There’s something magnetic about Cuba. Once you learn about it, you want to keep learning more.

Every day, I get to watch new love for Cuba spark in the hearts of Americans and new strength and pride in the lives of the Cuban people.

I am truly blessed to serve Cuba each day through the work of The Overseas Initiative.” 

Molly McLain, Director of Operations, The Overseas Initiative

What to expect during The Purple Zeros’ 30th Anniversary Reunion for Missions

TOI is based in Birmingham and Cuba. (The Overseas Initiative)

To help raise awareness and funds for TOI’s initiatives, they’ll be hosting an exciting event on Thursday, May 16 at Saturn—The Purple Zeros’ 30th Anniversary Reunion for Missions.

One of the event’s biggest highlights is the band—The Purple Zeros. 

After 30 years, this band of Alabamians is getting together for this special fundraiser to play all your favorite covers from Cheap Trick, Led Zeppelin, Prince and more.

Fun fact: TOI founder George Shamblin plays drums for the band.

He’ll be rocking on stage with:

• Jeff Trotman (bass)
• Special Guest Mary Glenn Draper (vocals)
• Will O’Rear (guitar + vocals)
• Charlie Regan (will join the band on guitar for a small set of songs)

Along with great music, there will be:

• Catering from Slice Pizza
• Cash bar + non-alcoholic options
• Donation hub
• Pop-up book shop with George Shamblin
• T-shirt sale

The Overseas Initiative would like to thank its event sponsors: The Sheffield Group, Lamar, Blackwater Real Estate, Slice and Gorrie-Regan.

To learn more + show your support The Overseas Initiative, grab your tickets now to The Purple Zeros’ 30th Anniversary Reunion for Missions on May 16.

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