The recent release of long-term prisoners, for whom CSW has campaigned, has bought great joy. However there is evidence of increased government pressure on all denominations and greater use of short-term arrests.

This week, please:

• Lord, we give thanks for the release of Dr Oscar Elias Biscet, Pastor Omar Gude Perez, Dr Garcia Paneque and many other prisoners.
• Pray for released prisoners and their families re-adjusting to freedom.
• Pray for Pastor Mario Felix Lleonart Barroso who was arrested recently as he tried to leave home for his teaching job at a seminary.
• Pray for Pastor Omar Gude Perez and his family as they await the decision from the Cuban Government about whether they can leave the country after being granted aslyum in the US.
• Pray for Marantha First Baptist Church and its local ministry to vulnerable people. The state has threatened to close its buildings.
• Pray for pastors in Cuba who do not receive a state salary, but survive completely on church offerings or support from abroad.
• Ask God to bring about religious freedom in Cuba.