CASSELBERRY — The sounds of Cuban rhythms and praise filled
United Methodist Churches throughout the Florida Conference during
May and June when 11 members of the Monte de Sión (Mount Zion)
Praise Band from Havana Cuba played more than 15 dates on a
month-long tour of south and central Florida.
The tour was arranged through the Cuba Florida Covenant and
included a stop at the Dare to Share Jesus 2000 Florida Annual
Conference Event June 1 for the Cuba Florida Covenant Celebration
Experience, which also included a sermon by Cuban Bishop Ricardo
Pereira. Two members of the Cuban National Ballet Company
accompanied the band on the tour and performed liturgical dances.
The band played original music that was written by members of
the group, who range in age from 17 to 27 years old.
"The concert was very good, the band did a very good
job," said Sergio Jurado, a member of Community United
Methodist Church here. "They take you through worship and
praising, right into the presence of God."
Michelle Casselberry, a member of the church and a student at
Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky, said she appreciated the
sacrifice the band members make. "It was wonderful," she
said, "because they have come so far to give this message and
they risk their lives to live the gospel."
At a stop in Parrish, the band played an outdoor concert
sponsored by Parrish United Methodist Church. The event was well
received by the community, according to the Rev. Bill Payne.
Band members appreciated the opportunity to visit Florida
because they were finally able to meet "people we prayed
about in Cuba," said Israel Ortet Sardiñas, the band’s
director.
They also enjoyed the chance to share their style of worship
with a new audience, Dianel Pizarro Rogue said. "It’s a
beautiful experience," he said. "It’s a little
different from Cuba…because the people listen differently."
Despite the differences in worship style, culture and sometimes
language, Pizarro said the band was "received in love by
everyone."
