Ricardo Fernandez Izaguirre, an independent journalist and religious freedom advocate, was detained on July 12th, at the same time various religious leaders were being blocked from leaving the country to attend meetings in Washington on religious freedom. (See our previously posted report.)
On July 19th, the day after the symposium in Washington was finished, Richardo was thankfully released. "I was freed without any explanation -- just as they had arrested me," he announced with relief over the outcome.
Praise God for Ricardo's release, while remaining mindful of the need to pray for his protection as he continues to speak out on behalf of those suffering restrictions in Cuba for their faith.
Ethnicity (%) White (64.1), Mullato or mixed (26.6), Black (9.3)
Religion (%) Christian (58.5), folk religion (17.6), other (0.7), non (23.2)
Leader President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez
Government type Communist state
Legal system Civil law system based on Spanish civil code
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Cuba
Ask God to provide wisdom to Cuba's church leaders, specifically requesting that they will exemplify grace toward all governmental authorities while remaining bold in their presentation of the Gospel.
Pray for the salvation of the current governmental leader, Raúl Castro, as well as those who work under his leadership.
Pray that the believers of this country will not fear government reprisal but live in unconditional surrender to the Lordship of Christ.
Amparo Gallo's congregation (before pandemic restrictions). Photo: VOM USA
Following an ease of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the Cuban government announced that churches could begin meeting again in person as of Sunday, October 10th. However, two days before the restrictions were scheduled to be
In the early morning of October 30th, authorities arrived with equipment and began demolishing the Assemblies of God church in Santiago de Cuba. The church, led by Pastor Faustino (Fausto) Palomo Cabrera, belongs to a legally recognized denomination.
Ricardo Fernandez Izaguirre, an independent journalist and religious freedom advocate, was detained on July 12th, at the same time various religious leaders were being blocked from leaving the country to attend meetings in Was
The United States Department of State has been hosting a Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom event in Washington, D.C. from July 16th to 18th. Representatives from around the world have gathered together to discuss this major iss