‘A choice of exile or prison is no choice at all…’ – Anna Lee Stangl, CSW’s joint Head of Advocacy

Over the past year, countless religious leaders, human rights defenders, political dissidents, journalists and artists have been forced into exile by the Cuban government. This is the biggest migrant wave in Cuba’s history. Join us this week as we pray for strength and protection for those who remain in the country, and peace and restoration for those who have been forced to leave.

Más información en csw.org.uk/cuba

Sunday 16 October

On 25 June this year, after over 20 years of government harassment, Pastor Alain Toledano Valiente was given a 30 day deadline to leave Cuba or face the possibility of long-term imprisonment. On 24 July he arrived in the United States with his wife and two of his daughters. Pray that God would comfort Alain and his family, and that conditions will change to allow them to safely return to their homeland one day soon.

Monday 17 October

Religious leaders in Cuba are routinely and systematically targeted with fines, threats, harassment, physical attack and, in some cases, arbitrary detention. Pray for peace, protection and the strength to endure for all religious leaders who remain on the island.

Tuesday 18 October

The Cuban government is seeking to purge the country of all voices speaking out for freedom and human rights – including the right to freedom of religion or belief. Pray against this strategy, that God would frustrate the plans and soften the hearts of those in power.

Wednesday 19 October

In April, Reverend Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo was sentenced to seven years in prison on unfounded charges of ‘disrespect’, ‘public disorder’, ‘criminal incitement’ and ‘assault’. Pray that the Cuban government would grant Pastor Lorenzo’s immediate and unconditional release, and ask God to comfort his wife Maridilegnis, and his children David and Lorena.

Thursday 20 October

Loreto Hernández García is a leader of the Association of Free Yorubas, an independent religious group. He is serving a seven-year sentence on charges we believe to be false, while his wife, Donaida Perez Pasairo, is serving an eight-year sentence. Pray for Loreto and Donaida’s release and wellbeing – especially since Loreto has diabetes and hypertension, and has been subjected to severe beatings while imprisoned.

Friday 21 October

‘Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.’ (Psalm 143:8a ESV). Pray this verse over Christians of all denominations, that they would know God’s steadfast love as they put their trust in Him.

Saturday 22 October

Father God, we lift the nation of Cuba to you today. In the face of intensifying persecution and the forced exile of many, we ask for protection over those who speak for freedom and justice. Lord, give rest to the weary and strength to all of those working for a better and free Cuba. Amen.