Pamela Runyon

International Assistant Chair

Past U.S. National President 2012-2015

International Chaplain Bishop Bill Skilton, his wife, Debbe, and I were delighted to join a trip to Cuba sponsored by Charismata Chapter and their church, St. Luke’s, in Live Oak, FL. In 2013 Charismata Daughters introduced The Order at St. Luke’s companion church, Iglesia Fieles a Jesus in Matanzas. This was Debbe’s and my first trip to Cuba, but Bishop Bill was born in Havana and lived here until he was 17!

The primary purpose of this trip was to meet with the Daughters in Cuba and bring food and supplies to them and their churches.  The trip was organized by Deacon Phyllis Doty, Charismata DOK Chaplain, Lydia Bush, Cuba Liaison, and Ann Thompson. Also traveling with us were Laurie Linsley and Bill Kosty, who was our official photographer.

The 8 of us met up in Ft. Lauderdale Airport and flew together to Havana. We were detained in immigration for about an hour but when we made it through we were overjoyed that all 13 of our large suitcases carrying food and supplies were intact and waiting for us. Thanks be to God!  Mother Tulia, the precious, dynamic priest at Fieles a Jesus, was waiting for us outside with the transport she had arranged after the original bus broke down. We gave thanks that all of us, the luggage, plus 2 donated wheelchairs fit into the two vans that transported us to Matanzas! 

The drive to Matanzas took over an hour and I got my first real glimpse of Cuba. I had heard about all the old cars from the 50’s and before, but it was still a surprise to see them.  Many are beautifully painted in the original colors and I even spotted my family’s old 57 Buick!  Although some have not been restored many have been painted in every color of the rainbow. There was not a lot of traffic on the road to Matanzas — mostly classic cars, bikes, motorcycles, and horse drawn carts carrying people and sugar cane.

We arrived at Fieles a Jesus to a warm welcome from Mother Tulia’s husband, Osmani, and their 2 darling daughters. The wonderful parish cook, Xiomara, (who told me later that she is a Daughter in her heart) had prepared a delicious welcome meal for us — soup, chicken, rice and boniatos  (white sweet potatoes). This was an extravagant offering, considering the difficulty they face in obtaining food. We brought a lot of food in our suitcases and hope that we will not be a burden to these wonderful, welcoming people — all of whom have quickly become family.

After dinner we were shown to our rooms. I am sharing a large bunk room with just Lydia and Laurie and I was surprised by the amenities. Thanks to Mother Tulia’s and Osmani’s hard work and donations from their companion church, St. Francis, Dallas, we have AC at night and our own bathroom!  This is luxury I did not expect.

The other wonderful, unexpected blessing we are enjoying is clean water. Several years ago, members of St. Luke’s, Live Oak, installed an extensive water filtration system in the church. It is also available to local people and about 100 families a week come here to get clean water.  I was told that because of this, the overall health of the community has improved greatly. Thanks be to God!  And thanks to all the loving hearts and willing servants who are His hands and feet in Cuba.