Cuban authorities in the city of Santiago de Cuba are pressuring religious leaders to sign an agreement regarding the demolition of their church. The Assemblies of God church, led by Pastor Faustino (Fausto) Palomo Cabrera, located in the Abel Santamaria neighbourhood of Santiago de Cuba, was demolished by authorities on 30 October.
The demolition began at approximately 7.30am when Cuban State Security, accompanied by heavy machinery including bulldozers, attempted to clear the area. According to Cuban independent journalist Ricardo Fernández Izaguirre, the church belongs to the legally recognized Assemblies of God denomination. Footage of the demolition has emerged on Facebook.
During the demolition, Pastor Alain Toledano, a prominent leader of an unregistered denomination, the Apostolic Movement, was physically apprehended by the police whilst filming the attack. He was taken to the Motorizada Police Station, where he was held alongside two other members of his church, Adrián Arza and Félix Daniel González, incommunicado for nine hours.
CSW sources report that Pastor Palomo Cabrera, and the Assemblies of God Regional Superintendent José Martínez were taken away by members of the Department of Physical Planning and other government officials at approximately 9am in the morning of 2 November. It is believed that the authorities are applying pressure on Pastor Palomo Cabrera and Superintendent Martínez to sign a document saying that the demolition of the church was legal. Local sources also report that the authorities are attempting to charge Pastor Palomo Cabrera for the use of the machinery used in the demolition.
Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide
- Pray the church building being demolished will ignite unity amongst the members and not crush their commitment to Christ in any way.
- Pray that many who saw the footage of this dreadful event will rise up and pray for the Cuban State Security.
- Pray the Lord will continue to build his church whilst facing restrictions.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Oh Heavenly Father, Please shine Your Light of Truth upon all the actions taken against my brothers and sisters in Christ and the demo of this church. Expose it for the whole world to see that justice will prevail. Protect those arrested and set them free!! Give them courage and boldness that comes from the Holy Spirit within. Forgive those who have participated in this horrible act and lead them to become church “planters”. In Jesus Name Amen & Amen!!!!
Yes Father! Amen and Amen.
Father God, you say in your Word that you will build your church and that the gates of hell shall not prevail. Yeshua any attack on your church, is from the very gates of hell, this scripture speaks of. So we claim this scripture for the pastor, the flock and all christians in Cuba. That despite this attack from the enemy, they will be able to rebuild their church, and be a continual witness to those in Cuba who do not know you. That Lord many will come to know you as a result. May your blessings be upon those in Cuba who are being persecuted for their faith and trust in you.
In your name Yeshua we pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, head over the Church, we pray for the Assemblies of God church, led by Pastor Faustino (Fausto) Palomo Cabrera, located in the Abel Santamaria neighbourhood of Santiago de Cuba, and for Pastor Alain Toledano, a prominent leader of an unregistered denomination, the Apostolic Movement, and two of their members Adrián Arza and Félix Daniel González who have suffered at the hands of the Cuban Authorities. We grieve the loss of this building but know that you live in the hearts of your people. Strengthen your people in the face of persecution and give them courage and grace to remain steadfast, and testify to your rule over all and your death and resurrection on behalf of all. May your Holy Spirit convict those opposed to the Gospel and deliver them from the evil one leading them to new life in Christ. All this we ask to your glory and the progress of your word.