Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: August 22, 2020
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong…Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: he will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” Psalm 37:1, 5-6
There are so many promises in scripture that it is God who determines the steps and paths of the righteous. In the opening verses of Psalm 37 we’re reminded not to worry or be concerned by those who are evil, but that our focus is to do good, trust in the Lord and commit our ways to him. As we pray for Yoel Suárez this week, let’s use these verses as the anchor for our prayers and trust that as Yoel commits his ways to the Lord and ‘does good’ he will enjoy safe pasture.
Yoel Suárez is a Christian and independent journalist in Cuba. He writes about human rights issues, particularly religious freedom abuses, and this makes him a target for the regime. He told us, “I have been 'regulado' (under an indefinite travel ban) since February and I cannot leave the country. This is for political reasons, because I have covered violations of religious freedom in Cuba…It is really painful that covering issues which are uncomfortable for the government resulted in a punishment of this kind.”
Yoel had applied for two scholarships outside of Cuba, but the travel ban imposed on him means that his application cannot even be considered. Worse still, there is no means available for him to appeal the decision.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Yoel has been detained and interrogated by State Security agents six or seven times, and has been restricted from reporting on the Christian community or religious freedom issues during the pandemic.
In summary, please pray:
- That the travel ban on Yoel would be lifted unconditionally and that the restrictions on his work would be removed.
- That the travel ban on around 250 activists, journalists, religious leaders and artists would also be lifted.
- For an end to the harassment and targeting of those who speak out or write about topics which are ‘uncomfortable’ for the Cuban authorities.