‘Being different is considered a crime and something to be crushed.’ That’s what Sara told us, reflecting on her experiences as a Muslim in Cuba. She’s a talented artist who has experienced significant pressure from the government because of her faith – including illegal searches of her home, being forced out of her job, and being humiliated when she was giving birth in hospital. Read her story in her own words on p.16 of Response magazine.

Across this Caribbean island, the authorities use all kinds of tactics to harass and discriminate against people of all faiths and beliefs. All religious groups are targeted to varying degrees, usually tied to levels of perceived lack of support of or cooperation with the government. Find out more at csw.org.uk/cuba

Sunday 25 July

Sara said, ‘I am afraid that if I wear a head covering, I will just continue to be humiliated and I do not have the strength.’ Pray that she will be strengthened for the daily struggles she endures.

Monday 26 July

Pray that the harassment of Sara and her family will cease completely, so that she and her husband no longer have to worry about their daughters’ safety.

Tuesday 27 July

Today, spend some time thanking God for the extraordinary courage of human rights defenders and journalists like Yoel ‘Yoe’ Suárez.

Wednesday 28 July

In 2020, Yoe was taken blindfolded in an unmarked car to an unknown location, and interrogated by State Security agents. Ask God to protect him from any future attempts to intimidate him into giving up his work reporting on human rights issues.

Thursday 29 July

‘Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.’ (Luke 10:33 NLT) Thank God for all those who have compassion on and work for justice for people of other faiths.

Friday 30 July

As the COVID-19 pandemic forced churches across Cuba to shut their doors, the government took advantage of the situation and there have since been two confirmed cases of churches being demolished. Pray that these congregations would soon be able to find a new building, so that they can gather again when it’s safe to do so.

Saturday 31 July

Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of hearing Sara’s story and learning more about the reality of life for Cuba’s religious minorities. We ask you to protect her and her husband and daughters from any further intimidation and harassment, so that they are free to live their lives in peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

下载本周祈祷日记的可打印版本。.

¹ Name changed to protect the author.