Rock for a cause to help this local ministry support Cuban communities, May 15 at Saturn

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At first glance, Birmingham and Cuba may seem worlds apart. But thanks to local ministry, The Overseas Initiative (TOI), exciting connections are happening across borders. 

We caught up with Junior Board members who’ve visited Cuba to learn how these two places are forming a powerful bond.

Read on to learn more about TOI’s second annual fundraiser, featuring live bands and more at Saturn on May 15.

What is The Overseas Initiative?

If you haven’t heard about TOI, we’d love to catch you up on what the organization is all about and how it’s making an impact.

Here are a few key things to know:

• It’s a Birmingham ministry founded in 2022 by local pastor and author George Shamblin + his brother Keith.
• Its mission is to empower Christians so they can become beacons of hope + opportunity across Cuba.
• It provides necessary resources for the people of Santa Clara, Cuba + surrounding villages, raises funds for churches to micro-finance small business loans for individuals + partners with the local seminaries to host Bible + leadership training for pastors.

Impacting Birmingham + Cuba

TOI may have begun its journey only three years ago, but it is quickly growing and creating positive impacts on both Birmingham and Cuba.

A few things the organization has achieved include:

• Developing new relationships with local Cubans in Birmingham + beginning plans for a community Cuban supper club + other outreach events. 
• Funding 7 successful small businesses in Cuba with a goal of launching 9 more this year!
• Creating successful partnerships with hospitals in Santa Clara, Cuba with strategic plans to expand into surgical hospitals, infertility clinics + offer healthcare mission trips. 
• Becoming partners with other Birmingham-based nonprofits, such as Grace Klein Community, Lifeline Children’s Services + Christian Medical Ministry of Alabama. 

2025 marks TOI’s first Junior Board

This year marks TOI’s first-ever Junior Board, a team of local young professionals who help the organization through fundraising and event planning and more

Through TOI’s annual mission trips to Cuba, several group members have had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and gain valuable perspective. 

We asked some of the Junior Board to tell us what stood out most during these trips. Here’s what they told us:

Caroline Knight

“I’ll never forget walking into a Cuban makeshift hospital. In the hospital, we had the privilege of caring for the sick, both physically and spiritually. We offered clean water to those in need, which met an immediate physical need, but also served as a powerful image of the gospel: living water that cleanses and fully satisfies. 

I’ve been a nurse for three years now [in Birmingham], and the memory of that day continues to shape how I approach my work. The experience in Cuba didn’t just change the way I see missions; it transformed how I live out my purpose in everyday life.” 

Connor “Pocket Change” Curtis

“I will never forget having the Cuban people open their homes for us to stay in on our trip. We would eat breakfast with them every day and see what their lives were really like. Many are living in massive poverty, but they are an incredibly joyful and kind people.”

Ryan Campbell

“We’re not trying to be the superheroes in someone’s story. Instead, we aim to be trusted partners offering support, encouragement and resources that allow for a more wholesome and sustainable life.

This mindset has changed how I view service here in Birmingham. It’s not about swooping in with quick solutions. It’s about building authentic relationships, listening and lifting up others so they can thrive long after we’re gone.” 

Attend TOI’s annual fundraiser at Saturn Birmingham

To further its mission, TOI’s Junior Board is hosting its second annual fundraiser on Thursday, May 15. This is a great way to mix and mingle with organization members and learn more about TOI’s impact on Birmingham and Cuba. Plus, it’s going to be a fun night!

Here’s what to expect at the event:

• Live music from local bands The Purple Zeros + Meet the Next
• Full bar with optional TOI souvenir cup
• Silent Auction
  • Bidding begins here on May 1 and ends after the event on May 15. 

Event details:

• When: Thursday, May 15 | Doors open at 6PM, Concert begins at 7PM
• Where: Saturn, 200 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: $25
• Tickets | Available online + at the event

To learn more about TOI, visit their website or contact Molly McLain, Director of Operations at molly@theoverseasinitiative.org.

Get your tickets now to The Overseas Initiative’s annual fundraiser at Saturn on May 15.

The Overseas Initiative would like to thank its sponsors: Lamar and The Sheffield Group.

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