'We thank God for all the brothers, sisters and friends who always pray and are interested in me. Thank you for your displays of affection and Christian love... All of this lets me know that I am not alone, nor forgotten in this tribulation.’
Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo wrote these words in a letter dated 31 March. He asked us to share it with all who have supported him and his family in different ways. We hope it serves as an encouragement to keep on praying for all the unjustly imprisoned in Cuba – and not lose heart (Luke 18:1).
Find out more at csw.org.uk/cuba
7-8 July
In his letter, Pastor Lorenzo described the emotional toll of imprisonment. He explained that there is another side to himself which no one sees; a man who ‘cries at night and wets the pillow with tears, thinking about his family.’
Ask the Holy Spirit to continue drawing near – especially in moments of homesickness, loneliness or frustration. Pray for his wife, Maridilegnis, and their two children, David and Lorena.
9-10 July
We’ve seen encouraging progress in Pastor Lorenzo’s case. Give thanks that he has been allowed some day passes to visit home, and that experts at the United Nations have confirmed that there is no justifiable reason for his detention. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention also called for reparations to be made, and for a full, independent investigation.
Maridilegnis said: ‘Whether Cuba complies or not, this decision is a great victory because they have been exposed internationally and they have been unable to maintain their lies and injustices.’
Pray that the Cuban government will put the UN’s recommendations into action – releasing Pastor Lorenzo immediately and unconditionally.
11-12 July
This week is the third anniversary of the 11 July protests – when Pastor Lorenzo, Loreto Hernandez Garcia, and many other Cubans were unjustly arrested for their peaceful participation.
There have been further protests since then, including in March 2024 due to the lack of freedom, scarcity of food and electrical blackouts. These protests were met with violence and mass detentions, but thankfully all those detained were subsequently released. We know this because of the brave reporting of religious leaders, including local pastors. Please keep them in your prayers.
Saturday 13 July
‘I am sick with nostalgia, like a caged bird...eager for colours, for flowers, for songs; thirsty to hear good news, a word of human hope for justice.’
Lord God, through Pastor Lorenzo’s words we catch a glimpse of the pain of unjust imprisonment. We bring this pain before you and ask you to intervene – for Pastor Lorenzo, and many others like him in Cuba.
Lord, bring strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Amen.