Thank you for continuing to accompany us

I arrived with my family in the USA as a refugee on 18 August 2016 and despite the challenges of finding my way in a developed society, I feel a security that I did not have in Cuba because of the persecution to which I was directly exposed. But I have not lived a single day in the USA in which I have not prayed or done anything for Cuba.

In the USA, I continue my ministry and shepherding a small church of Hispanic immigrants. Also, in addition to continuing my intense work in social networks, I produce my own radio program that is transmitted to Cuba twice a week through a shortwave radio station. My program is called the same as my blog ¨Cuban Confessor¨ which I have written since September 2010, and now also with the facilities that exist in the USA I managed to publish in printed book format. I receive listening reports from my program in all the provinces of Cuba. Thanks to the radio, I now have more reach than I had before. And living in Cuba it was impossible to have even a minute on the radio.

My contacts with CSW, and other organizations that promote religious freedom, not only empower me, but also the brothers who remain on the island and whom I now serve as a bridge. These relationships are facilitating workshops and seminars inside and outside of Cuba so that believers know and can better defend themselves and others.

The networks that I left established in Cuba provide me with constant information that enable me to prepare reports, such as the one I wrote for the Patmos Institute about violations of religious freedoms in Cuba in the last four years. This report fulfilled the requirements demanded by the High Commissioner in Geneva for the Universal Periodic Review to which Cuba will have to present itself in May 2018.

Since my departure the situation in Cuba has worsened – to continue living there now I would be imprisoned or dead. The news that I receive daily shows me that religious persecution increased. But I am sure that God hears the prayers and that our work is not in vain. I believe that God is the most interested in Cuba being free; and that this will happen soon.

Exile may be preferable to death or imprisonment, but it is still a sad condemnation. Suffice it to say that since I left with my family in Cuba, I have not kissed my mother again. Also, despite being outside of Cuba, I remain a target for the intelligence services of Cuba, and even being away, I am still in danger. I still need your support and your prayers.

Thanks for continuing to accompany us!

Pastor Mario Félix Lleonart Barroso