‘They want me to stop being a pastor,’ Pastor Alain Toledano Valiente told us, discussing the intimidation and harassment he’s experienced over the years at the hands of the Cuban authorities – including his home and church being demolished twice. The pressure has increased in recent months, but he’s courageously refusing to give in.

Across Chile, Cuba, Colombia and Mexico, members of religious minorities like Pastor Toledano Valiente experience discrimination, abuse and worse because of their faith. Our Latin America team works hard to document these cases, to offer support and solidarity to those affected, and to bring about real change through advocacy. Find out more about Latin America at csw.org.uk/latam

Sunday 1 March

In August Pastor Aarón Méndez Ruiz, the director of a Christian migrant shelter in Mexico, and his colleague Alfredo Castillo de Luna were kidnapped and forcibly disappeared. Pray for the return of the two men, for authorities to conduct a full investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.

Monday 2 March

Twice destroyed – never defeated. Pastor Alain Toledano Valiente, a prominent leader in the Apostolic Movement in Cuba, has experienced repeated government harassment over the years, including his church and home being demolished twice. Pray for a breakthrough in his case as we continue to advocate for him.

Tuesday 3 March

Much of our information comes from local partners on the ground who document religious freedom violations, often at great personal risk. Thank God for their courage and dedication, and pray for their protection.

Wednesday 4 March

Due to the government’s control of communication lines, getting information into and out of Cuba can be difficult, and can compromise the security of our partners. Ask God to keep his hand of protection over everyone we are in touch with.

Thursday 5 March

A simple lack of awareness of human rights is behind many of the situations we see. Pray for opportunities to train local authorities, as well as ordinary citizens, in Mexico and Colombia – teaching them what freedom of religion or belief means and how to properly document human rights violations.

Friday 6 March

‘Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!’ (Psalm 118:15) Pray this verse over the Latin America team today.

Saturday 7 March

Sovereign Lord, thank you for sending us such talented, committed staff to speak up for people facing injustice for their beliefs across Latin America. Uphold them today we pray, and give them the spiritual and practical resources they need to continue their work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go to csw.org.uk/connectencourage to send a letter of encouragement to Pastor Toledano Valiente.

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