‘Yes, I am afraid for my life. But God is in control. God is stronger than the [Department of State Security]. God is the King of Kings.’
This is what 20-year-old Iván Daniel Calás Navarro shared on social media after Cuban State Security interrogated him in September 2023.
It was his first official summons, but Iván Daniel believes he became a target when he started sharing his faith on YouTube at the age of 14 and began working as a youth leader a few years later. Surveillance of him increased after the 2021 peaceful protests, when new social media regulations were introduced.
Read the full story in our blog: forbinfull.org
Sunday 10 March
Iván Daniel was asked to sign a document agreeing not to criticise the authorities or post ‘counter-revolutionary’ ideas on social media – but he bravely refused. Pray that he and other independent communicators would be protected from further harassment and pressure.
Monday 11 March
Incredibly, Iván Daniel asked if he could pray for his interrogators, their families, and for Cuba. Let us follow his example and ask God to move in the hearts of Cuban State Security. May they turn from injustice and work to uphold fundamental freedoms for all.
Tuesday 12 March
Pray for the release of all who are unjustly imprisoned following the peaceful protests of 11 July 2021. Among the religious leaders are Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo, Donaida Pérez Paseiro and her husband Loreto Hernández García.
Wednesday 13 March
Give thanks that ‘roundtable’ discussions on freedom of religion or belief could take place across Cuba in November. It was encouraging to see leaders from a wide range of religious groups coming together to call for change – despite huge pressure from State Security.
Thursday 14 March
Luis Eugenio Maldonado Calvo and Pastor Alejandro Hernandez Cepero are two pastors who were temporarily detained ahead of November’s roundtables. It was a targeted act of intimidation to stop them from attending these important discussions. Give thanks for their courage and pray against any further targeting.
Friday 15 March
At the start of 2023, all our documenters had been forced to flee Cuba. We asked you to pray for new contacts to step into the role of researching violations of freedom of religion or belief. Praise God that this prayer was answered! Continue to pray for the safety of all CSW’s documenters and advocates working on Cuba.
Saturday 16 March
Father, thank you that you are still present amid the injustice faced by so many across Cuba. You see and care about every person. Strengthen every religious leader and human rights defender who works tirelessly to amplify the voices of those being targeted for their beliefs. Amen.