Lydia Bush

Charismata Chapter

DOK Liason to Cuba

All eight of our missionaries piled into a taxi in Matanzas this morning to visit our dear sisters in Christ from Los Arabos and Zorilla DOK Chapters. As we pulled up to La Trinidad Iglesia in Los Arabos Father Juan Carlos and all ten Daughters came out to the front of the church to welcome us! It was hugs and kisses with much joy❣️  

After we brought in the suitcases, we were escorted to what we thought was lunch— sandwiches on wonderful Cuban rolls and fresh watermelon, pineapple and papaya. Our drink choices were TuCola, watermelon juice, and pineapple juice.  There was also pure water from a purification system that their sister companion church,  St. John’s in Tallahassee, helped them to build.

After “snacks” the Holy Spirit gathered us together in the sanctuary. Bishop William Skilton, Father Juan Carlos, and Pam Runyon were introduced by Deacon Phyllis. We began our gathering with singing “Caminar Cerca de Jesus”—To Walk Closely with Jesus! Three young musicians played the keyboard and sang. These musicians are incredible and are writing a Cuban Mass for The Episcopal Church.

Father Juan Carlos is the Priest for La Trinidad in Los Arabos as well as St. Peter’s and Cristo Rey in Zorilla. He welcomed us to their church and spoke about the history of The Episcopal Church in Cuba and the three churches he now serves. The Episcopal Church was started in 1883 in Matanzas. Within a decade or two Iglesia La Trinidad was opened. The mission of the “Trinity” of churches that Father Juan Carlos serves is to provide all who are in need with food— both spiritual and physical. And now they have pure water available for the children of God.

Each amazing Daughter introduced herself and talked about their multiple ministries. They serve their churches by making altar linens and liturgical vestments and providing hospitality— feeding the poor and hungry, visiting the sick, and comforting the widows ... and much much more. This Trinity of churches helps each other in their heartfelt journeys.

Pam Runyon, International Assistant Chair and National President 2012-2015, was introduced by Bishop William Skilton, International DOK Chaplain. As she began, the entire room was brought to tears as she most eloquently expressed how The Spirit of God’s Love was overflowing in her heart. Pam’s presentation focused on The Daughters of the King. She spoke about her own journey as a Daughter after providing our Order’s history. DOK was begun by one woman two years after The Episcopal Church arrived in Cuba. Our DOK Mission is to serve, pray and to evangelize, which is exactly what our Daughters are doing, and so much more. As Pam ended her talk, The Holy Spirit sparks continued to fly as we learned how we as Daughters serve God and His children throughout the world.

The musicians began to play the fast Cuban music...and we danced together in the sanctuary! All of us were clapping and smiling with the Joy of the Lord shining brightly!  The Los Arabos President led the way as we danced in a line around the church!  

And finally, it was time for the Daughters to receive their crosses. Their tears and smiles said it all!  Words were not needed as we hugged and celebrated them as Daughters of The King. Pam spoke in Spanish in her presentation to the Daughters. I cannot express what it meant to our Sisters having one of their own from the National Order here to talk to them in their native language.

But that was not all. Ann Thompson and I were ready to give them all the wonderful goodies from our Florida chapters — St. Luke’s, St. James, St. Mary’s chapters and from Pam’s North Carolina Chapter at St. Alban’s and the International Committee. There were three suitcases full of gifts for each of them — spices, soaps, toiletries, pain relievers, sunblock, lipgloss, nail gear, and protein bars. And there were more gifts as a grab bag...feminine hygiene products, T-shirts, towels and washcloths, tuna, chicken, soups, as well as the beautiful DOK tote bags. They were thrilled!

Our generous hosts were so very kind and fed us dinner before we left for the day!  They transformed the sanctuary by moving the pews around long tables...and all the brothers and sisters ate together as one!  

Dios es Bueno✨todo el tiempo❣️Amen