Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: March 23, 2024
Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. (Hebrews 2:18 NLT)
In this week’s Prayer Diary, we encourage you to remember those around the world who are unable to mark Holy Week freely, or who may face increased threat and intimidation.
As we pray for safety and peace, please also pray specifically for the women in Nicaragua who will be spending Easter behind bars.
Pray for Olesia Auxiliadora Muñoz Pavon
52-year-old Olesia is a choir director who is currently in the women’s prison known as ‘La Esperanza’. She was arrested last April on false charges. Olesia was also unjustly imprisoned between August 2018 and June 2019, during which time she became known for singing hymns inside the prison.
Like several others in La Esperanza, Olesia has been denied any time outdoors since mid-January, when they used to be allowed outside once a week. They are being punished after praying out loud and with rosaries.
Conditions in La Esperanza are poor. Cells lined with bunk beds hold up to 75 prisoners, and there are shortages of drinking water, beds, medicine and medical care.
Some prisoners are held in individual confinement cells which have been altered so as to virtually seal the inmates inside.
Political prisoners like Olesia are not allowed a Bible or any writing materials, which violates the Nelson Mandela Rules. These are the rules set by the United Nations, which set a minimum standard for the treatment of prisoners.
These conditions are inhumane, and many of these women shouldn’t be imprisoned in the first place.
Please pray:
- That Olesia and the other women would be allowed time outside again and would no longer be treated inhumanely. Pray especially for their unconditional release.
- For an immediate improvement in the conditions in La Esperanza. Pray specifically that the Nicaraguan government would ensure the Nelson Mandela Rules are upheld for all, and in all prisons.
- For the safety of our documenters, contacts, and all who defend human rights in Nicaragua. Pray that they would be able to carry out their work without government interference or fear of being detained.
- That the Lord will comfort, encourage and protect every Christian facing injustice this Holy Week, in Nicaragua and around the world.