Our story
A movement that began with medical students became a commitment to help local organizations serve their own communities.
2005
It began as Misión Renuevo
Gerson Ruiz Guity founded Misión Renuevo while studying medicine in Cuba. The first meeting brought together 17 medical students from four countries who wanted to serve communities beyond the walls of a clinic.
Within two years, the movement had grown to more than 500 students from 12 countries. Many went on to become doctors, engineers, and other professionals working in their home countries.
2009
Karen's story changed the direction of the work
During a medical brigade in the mountains of Honduras, a woman asked Gerson and his team for help buying a coffin. Her eight-year-old granddaughter, Karen, had died from hunger before she could reach the clinic.
The team bought timber, built the coffin, and carried it for more than an hour into the mountains to Karen's family.
The experience forced a difficult question: why were families still being left without basic food and care? It became the defining moment behind Mission Renewal's focus on poverty, accountability, and local action.
Learning how systems work
He studied International Relations and Diplomacy at UNITEC in Tegucigalpa and later interned at the United Nations in Geneva.
2017–2018
Building the organization
Gerson and Amy moved to the United States in 2017. Mission Renewal International was incorporated in California the following year.
Our story
Working alongside local communities.
Learn about Mission Renewal International and the people who guide its work.
The work continues through local partners
Mission Renewal supports organizations working in education, healthcare, child welfare, and family infrastructure—combining grants with clear financial oversight and practical assistance.