Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: October 21, 2023
‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’ (Psalm 23:4)
The words of Psalm 23 have no doubt comforted you during times of pain, difficulty, or trial. As we join in prayer this week for Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo in Cuba, we stand firm on the truth in this Psalm: when we walk through the darkest valley, we will not fear because God is with us.
This week Pastor Lorenzo will mark his second birthday in prison, separated from his family, having endured 27 months’ imprisonment since his arrest on 11 July 2021.
Targeted as part of a long-standing campaign against him, Pastor Lorenzo was arrested when he participated in a peaceful protest and eventually sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment. He endured inhumane treatment in a maximum-security prison before being transferred to a minimum-security prison closer to the family home earlier this year. Shortly after his arrest, Pastor Lorenzo’s wife, Maridilegnis, was expelled from her workplace because she was deemed the wife of a counter-revolutionary pastor.
Join us using the words of Psalm 23 to pray for Pastor Lorenzo and his family this week:
‘The lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.’ (Psalm 23:1)
Pray that God would meet every physical, spiritual, and emotional need that the family have. May they be reassured that God is their provider.
He restores my soul.’ (Psalm 23:3)
Give thanks that Pastor Lorenzo has been able to have more regular contact and visits with his family since he was moved to a minimum-security prison.
‘Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.’ (Psalm 23:6)
Pray that God would show his goodness and mercy through justice being served and Pastor Lorenzo being unconditionally released.