May 17
Ann L. Thompson
Charismata Chapter, Live Oak, FL

As I sit in the entry way to Iglesia Fieles a Jesus today I am reminded of my first visit to Cuba and to this church almost six years ago, and I am overcome with joy for all that has transpired through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is my third visit to Fieles a Jesus.

Prior to the 2013 visit we prayed to be guided to find ways to minister in the name of Jesus, despite our limited Spanish and lack of knowledge of the needs. Lydia Bush, Marie Bryan and I were to make the trip, along with Deacon Phyllis Doty. Deacon Phyllis is the Chaplain of our chapter and the three of us are Daughters.

We wondered and prayed about introducing The Order. We were able to get DOK materials in Spanish to take with us. We asked each of our DOK sisters to think of one word that explained what The Order meant to them and we shared these words with the ladies in Cuba. Deacon Phyllis spoke these words to them in Spanish. Watching the expression of the ladies as they recognized what they were yearning for was a revelation to me of the Holy Spirit at work.

Deacon Phyllis went on to explain about the study for The Order. The ladies began to shake their heads and said “No, no.”  She asked them why not. They said they could not read English and we told them we had materials in Spanish. The room became quiet and there were tears in their eyes and then joyous dialogue among them. Then all of us were crying tears of joy when they were reminded that women all over the world were praying for them.

After we arrived this week, I  observed people coming with large jugs to get clean, fresh water to carry home to their families. The need was seen on our 2013 visit and a water purification system was designed and constructed by a member of St. Luke’s in Live Oak, FL, thanks to generous donations from our parish family and community friends.

In each of our trips to Cuba, a major part of the mission is to bring the UV lights and filters needed for the water filtration system. These supplies cannot be obtained in Cuba. In addition, we bring food, hygiene items, over-the-counter medicines, supplies for construction at the church and supplies for worship. All these items are in very short supply or are not available at all. There is currently food rationing and widespread food shortages.

We were able to bring 13 fifty pound suitcases filled with these items. The food and supplies were generously donated by Daughters in our area, Hickory, NC Daughters, our church family, other Episcopal churches, the DOK International Committee, and friends. The suitcases were opened and sorted with Mother Tulia’s help this morning, and it was like Christmas in May. Most of us in the U.S. could pick up the items we brought on a routine shopping trip, but these suitcases full of necessities will help provide for this community for months to come.

Thanks be to God for all who have helped sustain this ministry!