Honoring Those Who Came Before Us
Throughout Scripture, we are called to honor and care for the elderly. Yet in many of the communities we serve, older adults are among the most vulnerable. Many struggle with hunger, illness, limited mobility, and isolation. In Cuba, the situation has become even more heartbreaking as hundreds of thousands of younger adults have emigrated, leaving many elderly men and women without family members to care for them.
At The Hands and Feet of Christ Jesus, we partner with local churches, pastors, and elder care facilities to bring practical assistance, compassionate fellowship, and the love of Christ to those who have spent a lifetime caring for others.
Food is one of the greatest needs we encounter. We help support feeding programs operated by local churches and ministries that provide nutritious meals for elderly adults who often have little or no reliable access to food. Beyond helping purchase food locally, our mission teams also bring cooking supplies and essential kitchen equipment that allow these ministries to prepare meals more efficiently.
Examples of support include:
One elder care facility we serve received an industrial-grade blender to prepare beans and other foods for residents who could no longer chew solid foods because they had lost most or all of their teeth. What may seem like a simple appliance became an essential tool for providing proper nutrition with dignity.
Access to even basic medical supplies is often extremely limited. Our teams regularly deliver over-the-counter medications and essential health supplies to help care for elderly residents, including:
These simple supplies often bring immediate relief and help caregivers provide better care for those they serve.
Many elder care facilities operate with very limited resources. Small improvements can have a tremendous impact on the quality of life for both residents and caregivers.
Projects have included:
In one assisted living facility, staff members had been washing soiled bedding by hand because their washing machine had failed and replacement equipment was unavailable. Through generous donors, we were able to purchase and ship a replacement commercial washer, easing an enormous burden on caregivers while restoring dignity to the residents.
Our ministry is about far more than delivering supplies. We spend time listening, praying, encouraging, worshiping, and sharing conversations with elderly men and women who are often lonely and forgotten. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is simply our presence—a reminder that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God.
The need continues to grow. In Havana, government-operated elder care facilities are extremely limited, leaving many elderly adults with nowhere to go. Some are living alone without family support, while others are left homeless and vulnerable.
Together with our local ministry partners, we are praying and working toward expanding elder care capacity, including supporting projects that would add additional living space for elderly residents and provide safe, compassionate environments where they can receive the care they deserve.
Every meal served, every medical supply delivered, every conversation shared, and every act of kindness reflects our desire to honor those who came before us and to share the love and compassion of Jesus Christ with some of the most vulnerable members of society.