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For the final week of our Lent series, we’re praying for Carlos Lamelas. A church leader in Cuba, Carlos was imprisoned for four months in extremely cramped conditions with very little water. Even after being released, he had to wait five years to get asylum in the US, where he currently lives with his family. This week, please pray for Carlos and for Cuba.

Give thanks for Carlos’ bravery and strength during his time in prison and when he was applying for asylum. It was ‘a great test of his faith’: thank God that he sustained Carlos during such an extraordinarily difficult time.

Many church leaders in Cuba are still being harassed for their beliefs and are even imprisoned, just like Carlos was, in terrible conditions. We pray for God to guard and strengthen them today.

“We hold fast to our faith and we will continue to fight.” These courageous words are from Caridad Caballero, a journalist, activist and a member of the Ladies in White group – women who peacefully protest the imprisonment of human rights activists every Sunday after Mass. Thank God for Caridad’s courage and ask him to protect her today.

Government officials demolished the Strong Winds Ministry Church in Las Tunas on 9 April 2016, and threatened Reverend Mario Jorge Travieso with seven years’ imprisonment if he spoke publicly about the destruction of his church. Pray for safety for Reverend Travieso and his congregation today.

As we go to print, Reverend Juan Carlos Núñez Velázquez is facing house arrest after noise complaints were made against his church. Pray that he wouldn’t have to face this harsh and groundless punishment.

Please pray for Yiorvis Bravo Denis. He’s currently battling the Cuban government for ownership of his home, which also serves as his church and the headquarters of the Apostolic Movement in Cuba.

Lord, thank you for delivering Carlos Lamelas from his imprisonment. We know you are a God who delights in releasing prisoners and delivering justice: we pray that you would do this all over Cuba and we would see many more people set free! Amen.