Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: October 30, 2021
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. (Psalm 103:6)
Spend some time today reflecting on Psalm 103, which reminds us that God is working for justice for all. We pray that God would be quick to help all those living under oppression in Cuba, including Pastor Alain Toledano Valiente, Pastor Yarian Sierra Madrigal, Pastor Yéremi Blanco Ramírez, and Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo.
‘He is not a criminal; he is a man of God.’
Pastor Lorenzo’s wife, Maridilegnis Carballo, was told on 22 October that the Cuban government is trying to impose a 10-year prison sentence on her husband. Pastor Lorenzo is currently being held in a maximum security prison for peacefully participating in the protests of 11 July.
Maridilegnis said: ‘He is not a criminal; he is a man of God. I am very afraid for his life… and even now he is in a situation where he is totally unable to defend himself.’
Pastor Lorenzo has been subjected to terrible treatment in the months he has been detained, including a brutal attack in which he was beaten, urinated on by guards, and lost a tooth. The need to pray for his protection and release is greater than ever.
Other pastors in danger
If the Cuban authorities are able to imprison Pastor Lorenzo without repercussions, this could signal further danger for other pastors who speak up for freedom in Cuba.
Please pray in particular for pastors Yarian and Yéremi, who have been threatened with imprisonment if they engage in any activity perceived by the government as critical of the system. On 21 October they were forced to sign an ‘Acta de Advertencia’ – a legal document justifying their arrest and imprisonment in the case of potential future crimes.
We also lift up Pastor Alain Toledano Valiente, who has experienced a great deal of intimidation and abuse over the years. Recently, he been repeatedly harassed by police and threatened with a pending criminal investigation.
In summary, please pray:
- That God will protect Pastor Lorenzo from further attacks at the hands of prison guards or dangerous inmates, and strengthen him by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- For increased pressure on the Cuban government to drop all charges against Pastor Lorenzo, and release him without condition.
- For an end to the threats and harassment of other pastors in Cuba, including Alain Toledano Valiente, Yarian Sierra Madrigal and Yéremi Blanco Ramírez.
- That everyone in Cuba would be free to practise a religion or belief of their choice.