Over the past two years, we have persistently advocated for Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo – an independent church leader in Cuba, who was arrested amid the peaceful protests of 11 July 2021. The following message comes from his son, David Rosales Carballo, who was detained alongside him that day*.

It is a privilege to hear David’s experience first-hand; how this long season has impacted his faith, his studies, and his hopes for the future.

We echo his thanks for all who have given heartfelt prayers and support for this courageous family – especially the hundreds who wrote a birthday greeting in October. It was a beautiful example of the global Church rising to stand against injustice. Together we will carry on the work until Pastor Lorenzo is freed.

*David was only 17 years old at the time of the protests. After he was detained, he was separated from his father and transported in a blacked-out truck while handcuffed to another prisoner.

When David’s mother, Maridilegnis, asked about her son, the authorities claimed to have no knowledge of his whereabouts.

David was considered disappeared for a week, before he returned home on the evening of 18 July. Yet while her son was still missing, Maridilegnis was forced to sign a document stating that he had been charged with ‘disrespect’ and ‘public disorder’ and had to pay a 2,000 peso fine on his behalf.

David's words

This time, with my father in prison, has been a very tough process for me and my family. But ‘with God, all things are possible’ (Matthew 19:26).

When I left prison, everything had completely changed. I had to face my father’s sentence and my family’s pain over the injustice; I was there, I saw everything. These experiences affected my heart and mind on a grand scale, and I still need healing in different areas because [the wounds] are very deep.

Thus, I had to be strong to help my mum and my sister and, together, we had to rise up and be a support to my father who is in jail.

I also had university entrance exams coming up, but only God helped make it possible for me to study the career of which I had dreamed: Automatic Engineering. Perhaps there was then a little satisfaction, because I was going to go to university.

However, as every young Cuban knows, there is no great future behind all of this. It is as if one’s dreams crumble in one’s hands, but I had faith and started the degree.

Thanks to God, I managed (with great effort) to finish the first semester with good grades.

The conditions in the schools for scholarship students are inexplicable; I would not have words to describe that here. It’s very laborious in all areas, and you become more discouraged every day to the point of no longer wanting to carry on.

This is how my dreams drifted away, but I decided to start my own business to help support my family and fulfil my dreams of having a workshop to repair and sell mobile phones. God put it on the hearts of people to make this possible, to help me with this project that is important to me. I am very grateful; it was encouraging to me, and it would not have been possible without this support.

My spiritual life was greatly affected by this whole process. Pain made me unable to see, and I questioned God: ‘Why did you allow such injustice to happen to my dad, who has served you all his life?’

It was through His love, leading me through various circumstances, that I returned to Him. Today, despite all of this, I walk in confidence, and I wait on Him.

This is also a beautiful opportunity to publicly thank brothers and sisters in the faith, who have been sending us mail during this time. All of it has been helpful, encouraging and comforting for my dad, and also for us as a family.

When I see that, despite the distance, you take the time to show us your support, I am impressed. Many of the letters are made with your hands and creativity, and that has impacted us a lot.

It has also sent a powerful message to the government: we are not alone. We have all been able to see the love of God in action – that is the perfect bond. One day, all of this will pass, but love will remain.

So, keep going.

Thank you all for each letter. 

With love, David

Pray for Cuba using p.9 of the Prayer Diary.

Send hope: Cuba is currently the biggest section in Connect & Encourage, our directory of people who have asked to receive cards and letters. Some have loved ones in prison or are in prison themselves. Write to someone in need of hope: csw.org.uk/ConnectEncourage