The Story - All by Grace Ministries
All by Grace Ministries (ABG) began in November 2001 by Phil and Suzy Armstrong. The ministry began as an outreach to preach the gospel and to meet critical needs for Christians living in Cuba. That was followed by trips to Russia to serve the Lord in orphanages near Penza Russia. But since that time the Lord has led us to expand the work in many countries.
The focus of ABG has always been to support and to partner with those who are native to their countries to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. In many countries, the pastors and missionaries lack critical support to do the work of evangelism and discipleship that the Lord has called them to do. The Lord has faithfully led the ABG team to those who needed encouragement, financial support and love.
We have been active in sending sound doctrinal materials, physical support for churches, and monthly financial support for key workers to enable the gospel to be preached with fewer distractions. Here are some of the highlights of the ABG story:
2001-2002 – Early trips to Cuba – The Lord made clear to our team from these early trips that our job was to serve and to love the Cuban Christians. We listened to them and sought to learn during the early trips. In these early years, we had to learn much about Cuba, their culture, and the challenges they face in their country. The Lord established some special relationships with Christians who were passionate to share the gospel in Cuba.
2003 – 2005 – Focus on ministry to Pinar del Rio – The ABG team built a special relationship with Pastor Juan Carlos Rojas who was at that time the pastor of the Baptist church in Pinar del Rio, one of the larger cities in western Cuba. His passion for spreading the gospel, discipleship, training others through the church’s bible institute and starting new churches in the area was in complete harmony with what ABG was sent to accomplish.
2006 – ABG becomes a certified 501(c)(3) organization – ABG was growing in its outreach in other parts of Cuba. Other Christians became aware and wanted to become involved with the ABG team. To facilitate greater support for needy Christians, the Lord led us to become certified by the IRS as a non-profit organization. This has allowed other Christians to become more involved in ABG Ministries.
2007-2010 – Growth in Cuba ministry & outreach to the Middle East – A period of rapid growth for ABG. Cuban ministry spread to other key parts of Cuba including Havana, Matanzas, Santa Clara, and other cities of western Cuba. ABG also began supporting missionaries in spreading the gospel to the Middle East.
2011 – ABG adds missionary team to China – ABG added to their team Chuck and Susan Thomas who have been fruitful missionaries in China for many years. Their vision of making disciples, providing sound biblical teaching and to support needy Chinese Christians. Chuck and Susan are continuing to be key members of ABG.
2012–2017 – ABG Increases Cuban Pastor Support – The Lord led ABG to increase support to Cuban pastors and missionaries. A ministry called Luke 17:10 began and by 2017 over 200 families were being supported full time. As a result, the gospel was preached, house churches were started and the Word of God spread.
2022 – ABG supports Christian immigrants fleeing persecution and famine – ABG became involved to assist Cuban immigrants fleeing the country due to life threatening situations. We have sought to mentor and to help the families that have come.
2018-2024 – ABG Ministries spreads to other countries – As ministries in Cuba and China have continued, new outreach and support ministries have been started in Spain, Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Zambia, Brazil, Pakistan, and a special ministry to support Christians immigrating to the US.