‘Everyone tells me they are praying...but I do not receive a hug from anyone.’
Marta Perdomo is a Christian whose two sons, Jorge and Nadir, are unjustly imprisoned. They were sentenced to eight and six years respectively, for taking part in the peaceful protests of 11 July 2021.
Marta told us of the ‘immense loneliness’ she has experienced since then. She and her husband were asked not to attend their church, where they served as leaders, after the government threatened the pastor. They tried to attend other churches, but those leaders were threatened too. Stand in solidarity with Cubans like Marta and her family this week.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/cuba
Sunday 17 December
‘The Bible says to remember the prisoners, as if you were prisoners together with them,’ said Marta, referencing Hebrews 13:3. Pray today specifically for Jorge and Nadir, who have been denied religious visits and materials while in prison.
Monday 18 December
Today on International Migrants Day, pray for peace and restoration for those who have fled Cuba, seeing no future for themselves on the island. More than 300,000 Cubans have left since 11 July 2021 – the biggest wave of emigration Cuba has ever seen.
Tuesday 19 December
Pray for religious leaders who have been forced into exile, including Pastor Alaín Toledano Valiente, Pastor Enrique de Jesús Fundora, Reverend Yordanys Díaz Arteaga and Reverend Carlos Sebastián Hernández Armas. These church leaders had no choice but to leave or face lengthy, unjust prison sentences. Pray for them and their families as the adjust to life in a new country.
Wednesday 20 December
On International Human Solidarity Day, stand with Marta Perdomo in prayer. Pray that she will no longer be blocked from attending religious services, which is part of a strategy to isolate her and stop her speaking out about her sons’ imprisonment. May she find a safe, loving, and courageous community to surround and uplift her.
Thursday 21 December
Loreto Hernández García and his wife, Donaida Perez Pasairo are serving 7 and 8 years in prison respectively because of their role within the independent religious group, the Association of Free Yorubas. Pray for their health, asking God to sustain them daily, and that they will soon be freed.
Friday 22 December
Thank you for your continued prayers for Pastor Lorenzo, who remains unjustly imprisoned since 11 July 2021. Pray that God would continue to minister to the pastor, his wife Maridilegnis and their two children. Pray for comfort and strength, particularly over Christmas.
Saturday 23 December
Father God, would you renew and refresh all in Cuba who are hoping and praying for their circumstances to change. Thank you for every advocate and human rights defender working in this nation. We recognise their bravery in standing up for the rights of others, often at huge personal cost, and ask you to protect them. Amen.