The routine and systematic targeting of religious leaders in Cuba escalated during 2021. Religious leaders are often subjected to fines, threats, harassment, and, in some cases, arbitrary detention. These leaders. and Christians across the island desperately need our prayers. In Philippians 4:6, it says, ‘in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God’. Let us lift prayer, petition and thanksgiving to the Lord for the nation of Cuba this week. Find out more at csw.org.uk/cuba

Sunday 13 February

Reverend Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo was detained when nationwide peaceful protests took place on 11 July. In August he was transferred to Boniato Maximum Security Prison, notorious for its terrible conditions. At the time of writing, Pastor Lorenzo is being held in a maximum-security prison, where he has been beaten and assaulted. On 20 and 21 December, Pastor Lorenzo was put on trial, along with other protesters, and is still awaiting sentencing. His wife, Maridilegnis described the trial as, ‘two days in which the truth did not prevail’.

Monday 14 February

Pastor Lorenzo’s wife, Maridilegnis Carballo, and their son, David, have both been threatened for speaking to international human rights organisations about the pastor’s detention. Pray for peace and protection over Maridilegnis and her family.

Tuesday 15 February

Pastor Alain Toledano Valiente, who leads the Emmanuel Church in Santiago de Cuba, has been threatened with a pending criminal investigation and subjected to continual harassment for several years. In November his adult daughter, Esther, was summoned for questioning. Pray protection and resilience over Pastor Alain and his family, and other church leaders across Cuba who are repeatedly threatened, harassed and targeted.

Wednesday 16 February

Reverend Ibrahim Figueroa Fonseca is serving a nine-month prison sentence. In June he attempted to make a complaint about an unfair, extremely large increase in the electricity rate for churches and was subsequently detained. Pray for Reverend Figueroa and all of those detained unjustly, that the Cuban government would grant their immediate and unconditional release.

Thursday 17 February

We are seeing seeds of change in Cuba. Many religious groups have publicly condemned the government’s use of violence against peaceful protestors and have called for the release of those who have been unjustly imprisoned. On 15 November, some Catholic priests and nuns peacefully protested in different parts of the country despite threats against them. Praise God for their courage. Pray for protection over them.

Friday 18 February

‘I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.’ (Ephesians 3: 17-19). Pray these verses over Christians in Cuba today, that they would know the love of God that surpasses knowledge.

Saturday 19 February

Father God, we thank you that you are sovereign over all peoples and nations. We lift Cuba to you today. In your power would you bring breakthrough. Lord, protect the prisoner, bring peace to the fearful, and change the hearts of rulers. Strengthen Christians in Cuba through your Holy Spirit we pray. Amen.

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