Cuban Catholic Activist Caridad Caballero Goes Into Exile

By Michael Ireland
Senior International Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

MIAMI, FL (ANS) -- Cuban human rights defender and independent journalist, Caridad Caballero, arrived in Miami yesterday following the sudden announcement earlier this week that she and her family were going into exile.

Caridad Caballero Batista (Courtesy CSW).

According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)www.csw.org.uk  Caballero, a member of the Ladies in White, the Sakharov Prize-winning non-violent protest group, was consistently targeted by Cuban state security because of her work as an independent journalist.

In a media update, CSW says that Cuban authorities particularly targeted her religious faith, blocking her from participating in any religious activities at the Jesus Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in the Pueblo Nuevo neighborhood of Holguin.

CSW reported that each week since the beginning of the year, Caballero’s home was surrounded by state security agents. She was frequently detained in prison, along with her husband and son, for the duration of Sunday morning mass. In addition, she was barred from attending weekly Bible studies or confirmation classes. Her baptism and confirmation into the Catholic Church on Easter Sunday had to be postponed when once again she was thrown into prison.

CSW said Caballero was among hundreds of Catholic dissidents who were imprisoned for the duration of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI in March. Her unexpected departure comes at the same time as the Cuban government continues to deny Protestant pastor Omar Gude Perez permission to leave the country, despite an offer of asylum in the US made last year.

CSW explained the experiences of Caballero and Gude Perez are part of a sharp increase in religious freedom violations in Cuba this year. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has recorded more than 60 such violations, some involving large groups of people, in the first half of the year.

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas, CEO said: “We are pleased that Caridad and her family will now be able to practice their faith in freedom in the United States. However, it is important to keep in mind the circumstances which led to their exile.

“It is imperative that the international community holds Cuba to account and insists that religious freedom and other basic human rights be upheld. In addition, we continue to urge to the Cuban government to issue Pastor Gude Perez an exit visa as soon as possible.”

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organization working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, emailkiri@csw.org.uk  or visit www.csw.org.uk

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** Michael Ireland is the Senior International Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can make a donation online under 'Donate' tab, then look for 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' under 'Donation Category' to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Newswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior International Reporter

Cuba's reforms bring hope amid austerity

Seminar on stewardship in Cuba
 (Photo courtesy FARMS International)

Cuba (MNN) ― All across Cuba, entrepreneurs striking out on their own as locksmiths, plumbers, electricians and the like. They've always existed, but operated on a smaller scale, illegally, in the informal economy.

When Cuba implemented its own austerity measures, they were denounced as "draconian." The cuts were painful. However, Joseph Richter with FARMS International says, "What I saw and what was described to me about what it was like, even a year ago, was very dramatic because now you see small businesses popping up along every street and small restaurants and small enterprises that weren't even heard of just a year ago."

In the past 24 months, Cuba's communist government has announced a series of economic openings intended to ease its announced plan to trim the country's bloated government by 1 million jobs and to make the government leaner. A lot of  jobs disappeared, along with the safety nets. Richter says, "What really impressed me was the work ethic of the Cuban people and their excitement about this new opportunity to work for themselves, to gain a profit and to help their family. They see a much brighter future."

FARMS was in Cuba to provide instruction, but they could also assess what was really going on and plan for more future work. Very little vocational training has been made available for Cubans as they transition into the marketplace.

Richter explains, "We were there to train people in economic stewardship, as far as the church is concerned--the whole issue of giving and tithing and how the church can be strengthened through families that prosper and families that give generously to their local church."

The reforms include expanded self-employment, a liberalization of rules surrounding family-run restaurants, greater flexibility for Cuban farmers to sell their products, Richter notes. "The government now is leasing land, or allowing farmers to lease land from the government, to produce crops and animals and those types of things that can be sold on the open market."

Most of the 181 newly allowed self-employment categories involve things like beauty salons, barber shops, plumbers, and other service oriented work. "This is a big change in Cuba. We need to be wise, we need to be thoughtful about the opportunities there for the Christians, and also the opportunities there for us to pray for our brothers and sisters in that country."

The opportunities are exciting. For one thing, says Richter, "There is more and more openness to help from the churches. This is something that will be a matter of prayer and a matter of thanking the Lord for because still, the country is under a lot of restrictions."

The time spent in the oppressive atmosphere has created spiritual hunger. The Church is growing, therefore, the Gospel is getting out.   Hope means Cuba can think about its future. "It's changing fast, and in a good way, I think. We're not concerned so much about  the political situation there; we're more concerned about the freedom in the church, and we're praying that God would just keep that door open."

Human Rights Organization Calls for Investigation into Attack that left Cuban Pentecostal Pastor Brain Damaged

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

"Ladies in White" are under
 the siege of the Castro
 regime 

SURREY, ENGLAND (ANS) -- A human rights organization is calling for an investigation into a violent attack on Pastor Reutilio Columbie, 41, of Shalom Christian Center in which he suffered brain damage.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is reporting it is believed that the Feb. 6 assault was the result of the pastor's decision to challenge the arbitrary confiscation of a church vehicle by the authorities.

Columbie bought a truck from a local resident five years ago, and modified it to transport members of the Pentecostal church in Moa, Cuba.

CSW said in Dec. 2011 it was suddenly confiscated by the authorities and apparently returned to the original owner, who has family ties to an individual in the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party.

CSW said the Central Committee is the same entity which holds authority over all religious matters, including registration of church property and vehicles, through the Office of Religious Affairs.

CSW said when the pastor protested the confiscation of the church vehicle and began the process of filing a formal complaint to prove ownership, the family began to receive anonymous phone calls telling them to stop or he would pay the consequences.

CSW said on Feb. 6 Columbie left his house intending to travel to the capital of Holguin Province to file the complaint, but was found unconscious on the street a few hours later and taken to the hospital. He cannot remember anything about the attack, but the only thing missing from his possession were the papers related to the vehicle.

Columbie suffered severe inflammation of the brain as a result of the attack.

CSW said Columbie is now recuperating at home with his wife Maida Perez and their three children, but still struggles with speech and memory. His daughter says he is also frequently nauseous and dizzy. The family was promised an investigation into the attack, which never materialized. They have now been told that too much time has passed for any investigation to be pursued.

CSW's Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said in a news release, “CSW calls on the authorities to conduct a full investigation into the violent assault on Pastor Reutilio. The theft of documentation relating to the ownership of the church vehicle raises questions about the motives behind the violent assault on the pastor. Cuba lacks legislation to protect religious freedom and guarantee church property.”

Thomas added, “This, combined with the fact that all religious matters are dealt with by the Office for Religious Affairs of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party (CCP), rather than regular judicial channels, leaves religious groups and leaders vulnerable to abuse and with no means to appeal decisions. CSW continues to call for the establishment of a legal framework, independent of the CCP, to regulate religious affairs.”

Christian Solidarity Worldwide works for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

For further information, visit www.csw.org.uk.

 

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Jeremy Reynalds is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, a freelance writer and also the founder and CEO of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, http://www.joyjunction.org He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. His newest book is "Homeless in the City." Additional details on "Homeless in the City" are available athttp://www.homelessinthecity.com. Reynalds lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information contact: Jeremy Reynalds at jeremyreynalds@comcast.net.

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** You may republish this story with proper attribution.

Sharp Increase in Religious Freedom Violations Ahead of Pope’s Visit to Cuba

By Michael Ireland
Senior International Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

Cuban leader Raul Castro under
pressure to improve religious freedom.

CUBA (ANS) -- A UK-based Christian human rights watchdog is expressing concern at an apparent increase in religious freedom violations ahead of Pope Benedict XVI’s planned visit in May.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) www.csw.org.uk  says that since January 1, the group has recorded 20 separate incidents of religious freedom violations, compared with 28 in all of 2011.

CSW says some incidents involve a number of people, up to 30 in one case. Religious freedom violations range from preventing people from attending church services, to the seizure of church land, and official harassment, beatings and imprisonment of church leaders. 

In a media update, CSW says that a number of Catholic human rights activists, primarily affiliated with the Ladies in White movement, have been arrested or violently prevented from attending church services.

The group says that Caridad Caballero Batista, her husband and 19 year-old son have been barred by the authorities from attending Catholic catechism classes and participating in any other religious activity since January 8.

The group goes on to say that on March 4 Batista and her husband were on their way to Mass when the police, led by a State Security Officer called Yordanis Martinez Leon, took them to the police station, where they were treated roughly and detained in a badly ventilated cell for three hours.

CSW said: “The cell was full of mosquitos, with only a hole in the floor to use as a toilet. Six other women in Holguin city were also prevented from attending church services.”

According to CSW, a Baptist church in Yaguajay, Sancti Spiritus Province, is facing the threat of losing their property.

CSW states that local authorities claim that the church land was nationalized in October 1980 and they are planning to turn over the church property to two state owned companies. The pastor, Yuri Castellanos, and congregation, with the support of the denomination, which owns the church, are calling for international support in their case. The historic church building belonged to the Western Baptist Convention prior to the Revolution.

CSW adds that the pastor of a Baptist church, linked to the same denomination, in Alamar, Havana has been repeatedly fined exorbitant sums of money, equivalent to several months’ salary, since December, because his church building is not registered. However, officials refuse to process his case, and as a result, the church is in danger of being forcibly shut down. The pastor and his family have also been forced into hardship as a result of the exorbitant fines.

CSW states that Francisco Rodriguez, pastor of Cristo Rompe las Cadenas Church, also in Havana, has been harassed by the authorities in recent weeks, including threats of physical violence.

The group says: “The church is also not registered, but it is also part of the Western Baptist Convention. It is thought that the church’s ministry with vagrants and delinquents, who are mostly young people, has brought the pastor to the attention of the authorities. A member of a Cuban rap group which is openly critical of the government is also reported to be attending services at the church.”

CSW explained that the Western Baptist Convention is, together with its geographical counterpart, the Eastern Baptist Convention, the second largest Protestant denomination in Cuba. The denomination operates legally but is not part of the Cuban Council of Churches.

CSW added that large growth in all denominations and severe government restrictions on expanding or building new church facilities has resulted in the mushrooming of “house churches” linked to legal denominations and registered churches. The Second Baptist Church of Alamar and the Cristo Rompe Las Cadenas church are examples of these unregistered churches which are part of a larger, legally recognized denomination.

“The Cuban government systematically applies pressure to religious leaders to expel and shun individuals linked to dissident and human rights groups. Church leaders who reject government interference in the church and who refuse to expel these individuals are particularly persecuted,” CSW stated.

CSW’s Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston said: “CSW is deeply concerned at the sharp increase in reported cases of religious freedom violations in Cuba. Our figures are not exhaustive; however they are an indication of a trend which our contacts have confirmed is affecting Christians of all denominations. In the run-up to Pope Benedict XVI’s visit, it is apparent that the Cuban authorities are conducting a crackdown on religious freedom, and this must not be allowed to continue unchallenged.”

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organization working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

__________________________________________________________

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, emailkiri@csw.org.uk  or visit www.csw.org.uk.  

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** Michael Ireland is the Senior International Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can make a donation online under 'Donate' tab, then look for 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' under 'Donation Category' to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Newswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior International Reporter

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** You may republish this story with proper attribution.

Cuban blogger blocked from travelling abroad

Yoani Sánchez

The Cuban government must reform an arbitrary exit permit scheme that affects all Cubans and is used to punish freedom of expression, Amnesty International said yesterday (6 February) after a prominent blogger was again blocked from travelling abroad.

On 4 February, Cuba’s migration authorities denied blogger and activist Yoani Sánchez an exit permit (white card or tarjeta blanca) for the 19th time in four years. As on previous occasions, no reason was given for the decision.

The well-known author of Generación Y had been invited to speak in Brazil’s Bahía state on 10 February at the premiere screening of a documentary on freedom of expression in Cuba and Honduras. Brazil had already issued her a visa to enter the country.

Javier Zúñiga, Special Advisor to Amnesty International, said: “The Cuban government’s repeated denial of exit permits to critics like Yoani Sánchez can only be seen as retaliation for the expression of their legitimate political views and activism.

“Those fighting for freedom of expression, association, and movement must be authorised to leave and re-enter the country without arbitrary restrictions, and the Cuban authorities must end other tactics used to clamp down on peaceful dissent.”

Cuban President Raúl Castro has yet to follow through on changes to migration policies promised as part of a series of reforms announced in 2011.

Yoaní Sánchez’s blog covers daily life on the island and the many restrictions placed on Cubans’ enjoyment of political and civil rights.

Her peaceful political activism is highlighted in Brazilian filmmaker Dado Galvão’s new documentary, Connection Cuba Honduras.

After the Cuban authorities’ most recent decision to prevent her from travelling, Yoani Sánchez expressed her frustration via Twitter:

“I feel like a hostage kidnapped by someone who won’t listen or give explanations. If all this effort helps to shine a light on the migratory absurdity we Cubans are trapped in, then it was worth it.”

The blogger’s work has earned her numerous prizes overseas, but the Cuban authorities have repeatedly blocked her from attending the award ceremonies.

[Ekk/4]

Your support can reach Cubans for Christ

Mayeling handing a CD with our
 programs to a radio listener in
 Havana, Cuba.

Cuba (MNN) ― Between 1959 and approximately 1990, the Cuban government operated under the assumption that there was no God. In fact, they went out of their way to keep God out of society.

Executive Director of Spanish World Ministries Daniel Sandoval says that couldn't last, especially when Cuba's economy went into a tailspin following the fall of the Soviet Union. That opened incredible opportunities for Spanish World Ministries to impact Cuba for Christ.

Today, Sandoval says Spanish World Ministries is beaming programming into Cuba through radio. "Even though there are no Christian stations in Cuba, we have a powerful and mighty God. For around 33 years, through Trans World Radio, we've been reaching Cuba."

Sandoval says ministry not only happens on the air, but off the air through their national Cuban missionaries. He says, "As our missionary receives those addresses from the radio listeners in the different parts of Cuba, as the Lord supplies the funds, our missionary travels to visit those radio listeners."

Churches are now allowed in Cuba, so the Spanish World Ministries programs are important. "There are no churches in the places where they live. Our programs are their only source to grow in their spiritual lives."

Cubans are also coming to Christ "either because they heard the program, or because of the visit from our missionaries who explained to them in a clear way how to establish this relationship with God through Jesus Christ. So certainly, God is reaching souls in Cuba."

Getting the missionaries on the road is an important part of the ministry. Unfortunately, lack of funding is preventing that.

"10 trips a year would be wonderful. But sometimes we have to limit it to three or four trips to various parts of Cuba because of the budget. So, right now, we're praying the Lord will provide $5,000."

That funding will allow Spanish World Ministries missionaries to travel at least five time per year. Currently, it takes up to two years to visit someone.

If you'd like to help Spanish World Missions with a large or small gift, click here.

‘Cuban Christians Taking Back What the devil Has Stolen’

The Little Old Man Who Cried In Cuba 

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

HAVANA, CUBA (ANS) -- For many, Cuba is an island of mystery and for some Christians, a place of persecution.

A Cuban worshipper

The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and soon became a territory of Spain. In 1898, the U.S. claimed Cuba during the Spanish-American War. However, in 1902, Cuba gained its independence. The Cuban Revolution occurred between 1953 and 1959, which removed Fulgenicio Batista and installed a government run by Fidel Castro, who declared Cuba a socialist state in 1961. Castro remained in power until falling ill in 2008, at which time he relinquished control of Cuba to his brother, Raul Castro.

Back in April of 2009, President Barack Obama said that the United States wanted a “new beginning” with communist Cuba and was willing to work with its government on issues ranging from human rights to migration and the economy, and lately I have had memories flooding back about the first time I visited the island some years ago.

It took place when I was still living in the UK, and I had taken Bibles into Havana along with a team of Christians.

After a night’s rest in a government hotel, we set off to take our “precious cargo” to a downtown Havana church to hand over to the pastor so he could distribute them across the island.

My parents, Alfred and Ann Wooding pictured by their beloved River Mersey

As we were doing this, a little old Cuban man came running towards me. I was startled as he was the image of my father, the Rev. Alfred Wooding, back in England; small and wiry.

“You’re the one,” he said rapidly. “I knew you would come and pray for me!”

My father’s gray-haired double, his eyes moist with tears, continued, “Yes, I had a dream that some visitors would come from abroad and that one of them — you— would pray for me so that I would receive a special blessing. It was your face I saw in the dream.

”

I put my arm around his frail shoulders and began praying for him. As I did, I spared a thought for my father, who was some 4,000 miles away. At the time, he was retired and living outside of Liverpool with my mother, Ann. Sadly, since that time, they have both passed away.

A packed Cuban Church

Now here I was in Cuba, at the beginning of a new chapter in my life after many years in journalism in London. It was 1981 and I had walked out on my career with Britain’s tabloids, to begin to serve the Lord through my writing.

Suddenly the old man was sobbing deeply. Several other believers joined with our team of Bible couriers for a time of prayer. Soon another Cuban began weeping and for thirty minutes the two cried like babies.

At the end of this moving prayer time, the elderly man wiped his tears and then thrust his arms around me and hugged me tight. I don’t usually make people cry, and I was quite taken aback by what had just happened.

“Why are you so unhappy?” I asked him as he continued to hold me tight.

“I’m not unhappy,” he said as he loosened his grip, “These are tears of joy. You are the first believer from England to come here in the past twenty years to encourage us. You don’t know what it means to us to realize that we are not forgotten!”

It was at that moment, that I realized that God had put a new call on my life – to help persecuted Christians, like those living in Cuba.

Dan and Norma Wooding with Cuba believers

When Norma, my wife, and myself, started ASSIST some 25 years ago, the first country we visited was Cuba and we began a sister church program where we started linking Cuban churches with those in the United States. (Unfortunately, we no longer have this program.)

I fell in love with the Christians of Cuba and I went back two more times to bring more encouragement and Bibles.

But after I returned to my new home in Southern California after my third trip, I received a huge shock that I had been banned by the government to ever visit the island again.

A friend of mine had been arrested during a trip to the island and was eerily shown my business card by a member of the secret police who asked him if he knew “this person.” My friend didn’t answer the question, but was then told, “If you ever meet him, tell him that if he tries to come back to Cuba, he will be immediately arrested because of the bad stories he has been writing about us.” I guess in some ways that was a badge of honor as it seemed my stories had got under their skin.

Still, I am comforted with the news that the church there is still growing.

The headline of a fascinating story written by Nick Miroff for National Public Radio (NPR), was “Cuban Christians Taking Back What the devil Has Stolen.”

In the story, Miroff wrote: “At the height of Cuba's militant atheism in the late 1960s and early '70s, religious believers were fired from their jobs and sent to labor camps for ‘re-education.’ That kind of discrimination officially ended more than 20 years ago.

“Since then, the number of evangelicals in Cuba has grown from roughly 70,000 to more than 800,000 today, out of a population of 11 million, according to the Rev. Marcial Hernandez, president of Cuba's Council of Churches.”

“‘We're taking back everything that was given away to the devil,’ Hernandez says, explaining the appeal of modern evangelical Christianity, with its rollicking music and passionate sermons, in contrast to the more staid practices of the Catholic Church and traditional Protestant denominations. ‘Televisions used to be considered devil boxes,’ he says. ‘Telephones were the Antichrist. Universities were the devil's lair, even beaches.’”

Miroff added, “On Sunday afternoons at one church in Havana's Marianao neighborhood, hundreds of university students sing and sway at a special youth service. Jorge Ortega, a pastor at the church, explains the restrictions that churches still face. ‘We can't have services in public stadiums or invite foreign preachers to give sermons. We can't have Christian schools. But we can minister in hospitals, and spread the word of God in public places,’ such as parks and buses, Ortega says.”

Now that I can’t go back there, I am hoping and praying that as things begin to open up there, more and more Christians from America and other countries will visit the Cuban believers to not only help them, but to learn vital lessons from them on how they have been able to stand so strong despite so many years of persecution. They can teach us in the West so much! 

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Dan Wooding, 70, is an award winning British journalist now living in Southern California with his wife Norma, to whom he has been married for 48 years. They have two sons, Andrew and Peter, and six grandchildren who all live in the UK. He is the founder and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS) and was, for ten years, a commentator, on the UPI Radio Network in Washington, DC. He now hosts the weekly “Front Page Radio” show on KWVE in Southern California which is also carried throughout the United States. The program is also aired in Great Britain on Calvary Chapel Radio UK and also in Belize and South Africa. Besides this, Wooding is a host for His Channel Live, which is carried via the Internet to some 200 countries and also provides a regular commentary for Worship Life Radio on KWVE. You can follow Dan Wooding on Facebook under his name there or at ASSIST News Service. He is the author of some 44 books. Two of the latest include his autobiography, “From Tabloid to Truth”, which is published by Theatron Books. To order a copy, press this link. Wooding, who was born in Nigeria of British missionary parents, has also recently released his first novel “Red Dagger” which is available this link.

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** You may republish this story with proper attribution.

Cuban Pastor Issues Public Appeal After Permission to Leave Cuba for Asylum in US is Denied

By Michael Ireland
Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

CAMAGUEY, CUBA (ANS) -- A Cuban pastor and his family are issuing a public appeal to the government to allow them to leave Cuba.

Pastor Pérez with his wife Kenia before his arrest (Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

Pastor Omar Gude Perez, his wife and two children were granted asylum in the United States in July but have been refused permission to exit the island, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) www.csw.org.uk .

In a media update, CSW says that after receiving asylum in the US in July, the couple was informed by government official that they would not be issued exit visas, or “white cards”, as they are called in Cuba.

In its report, CSW says: “Following negative press coverage, officials told the family they would in fact be allowed to leave, but three months on they say they have yet to see any indication that they will be permitted to go into exile. The family told Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) that they are concerned about the long delays and contradictory messages.”

CSW explained that Pastor Gude, a national leader in a fast growing network of independent churches called the Apostolic Movement, served almost three years of a six and a half year prison sentence on trumped up charges. He was released on conditional liberty earlier this year but is prohibited from preaching or from travelling outside the city of Camaguey.

CSW went on to state that pressure on other pastors in Cuba is also increasing. Another couple, both pastors from the same religious network in Camaguey as the Gude family, have been repeatedly cited by government officials and threatened with imprisonment and forcible closure of their church. On the most recent occasion, Benito Rodríguez and Bárbara Guzmán were ordered to appear at the local Ministry of Justice on 11 October and fined 200 Cuban pesos (approximately one month’s salary in Cuba).

CSW also said that last month a Baptist pastor in the province of Santa Clara, Mario Felix Lleonart Barroso, was put under house arrest on multiple occasions. Officials warned the family that they could be a target of an “act of repudiation,” government orchestrated mobs often mobilized by officials to intimidate and attack human rights and democracy activists.

CSW’s Special Ambassador Stuart Windsor said, “We are deeply concerned at the news that Cuban officials have once again declined to issue the Gude family an exit visa. News of increased pressure and threats against other church leaders is also extremely worrying.

“CSW calls on Cuba once again, to uphold its commitments as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and to cease harassment of religious leaders. We hope that the government will also honour its promise to the Gude family to allow them to leave the country and begin a new life in the United States without any further delay.”

A copy of Pastor Perez’s appeal, in both Spanish and English, is available from the CSW Press Office.

The Apostolic Movement is a non-denominational, Charismatic, Protestant network of church groups which are outside of the traditionally recognized Christian denominations in Cuba.

CSW has documented intense government persecution of church leaders linked to the network over the past three years. More information is available in its annual report on religious freedom in Cuba, available in Spanish and in English at:
http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=report&id=128  

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organization working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, emailkiri@csw.org.uk  or visit www.csw.org.uk  

 

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** Michael Ireland is Senior Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can make a donation online under 'Donate' tab, then look for 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' under 'Donation Category' to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Newswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior Reporter

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Communism Can't Stop Christ in Cuba

The spread of the Gospel is
 advanced when pastors are freed up
 financially to focus on their ministry.
 Vision Beyond Borders sponsorship
 program does just that.

Cuba (MNN) ― Like a piece of gold needs pressure and heat to become pure and refined, the church is experiencing incredible growth and maturity in the midst of communist oppression. This growth is partially due to Cuban pastors' increased ability to minister to more people. Financial sponsorships have given them that ability.

Vision Beyond Borders is actively involved in the lives of pastors leading Christians in Cuba. With the help of the Christian community, they are currently sponsoring 75 pastors. These pastors have responded with how the support has helped them in times of difficulty.

One Cuban pastor reports, ""After many trials with the construction of the church building, we prayed and fasted on many occasions. And finally they gave us permission to continue. This is only possible because God opened doors."

Another pastor says, "Those saved from the first and second trimester of the year is more than 8,000. The local church has more than 4,000 members, and we continue discipling and baptizing. Thank you for supporting us and praying for us."

None of this could have been done without the financial support of Vision Beyond Borders' sponsorship program. The needs of pastors, especially in Cuba, are great. A pastor in rural Cuba will make an average of $9.60 a month. A pastor in urban Cuba will make up to $20 per month. Most pastors end up having to work multiple jobs to support themselves and their families.

We as the church are called to "bear each other's burdens. "For those of us who have so much to give, God calls us to help our brothers and sisters who are struggling. The unique and compassionate love of Christ allows us to show this love to each other as well.

To help these pastors, Vision Beyond Borders states, "We hope that we would be able to ease the financial stress for the pastor to have the freedom to build their congregation, develop new ministry outlets, and focus on their community needs."

And the community needs are great indeed. The religion accepted by most Cubans is a combination of Catholicism and witchcraft. Many are closed off to the true message of the Gospel.

Sponsorship of a pastor not only encourages them, but also lets them expand their ministry and reach more of these people for Christ. God directly uses the sponsorship of pastors to expand the message of the Gospel and draw more people into His kingdom.

The evangelism opportunities in Cuba are ripe and the harvest is ready. But the need for more sponsorships is still there. Although Vision Beyond Borders already sponsors 75 pastors, there are four times as many pastors still needing financial support.

Please pray that the church in Cuba would continue to experience growth and maturity. Pray also for the pastors needing sponsorships to have patience and rest in God's provision. If you are interested in sponsoring a pastor in Cuba for just $25 a month, you can click here.

Is Venezuela The New Cuba?

Venezuelan Church (Photos
 courtesy of Brian Russell)

Venezuela (MNN) ―Venezuela has formed a major alliance and a significant trade relationship with Cuba since the election of President Hugo Chavez in 1999.

Chavez has described Cuba's dictator, Fidel Castro, as his mentor. As the warm relationship continues to intensify, it's bringing along with it a growing sense of concern for religious freedom.

Castro's attitude toward the church has been decidedly unfriendly. However, according to Voice of the Martyrs Canada, over the last year, the government shifted away from higher profile forms of oppression to putting pressure on pastors and other Christian leaders.

The concern, says VOMC spokesman Greg Mussleman, is that because of the Chavez admiration for Cuba, Venezuela may be adopting a similar mindset and ideology. Mussleman spoke with Colonel Nelson Castro (unrelated to Fidel Castro), a Venezuelan Church leader, about his concerns. Castro's first comment was, "The church in Venezuela in the past has been very active and has done a lot of evangelical campaigns."

Then, says Mussleman, came agreement. "We don't see the more demonstrative persecution--church buildings set on fire, or people thrown into prison--but more subtle kinds of persecution that causes people to compromise."

Many church leaders have gone along with the radical socialist government or kept a low profile to avoid problems, but it backfired. Mussleman goes on to say that the current scenario is proof of that. "What you're seeing is a situation where pastors have compromised, and Colonel Castro is saying that this kind of persecution is intensifying for those who stand up and preach the Gospel."

Subtle persecution keeps governments under the radar of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Rather than a direct hit, it's a campaign of discouragement. "Where a lot of the pastors now are starting to stand up and speak the truth, they're running into problems. Again, it's subtle, where people are losing their jobs, their churches, or some buildings have been shut down. They won't allow them to meet."

Mussleman notes that on the face of the issue, it looks like there is freedom. "You can have Christian radio stations in Venezuela IF you agree to some very strict regulations. One of those regulations is that you cannot speak out in any way against the government."

However, that regulation can put a preacher afoul of the law. "Some of the teachings of Scripture, in our allegiance to Jesus Christ, would be seen as an affront to the government. So if you're not close to the government and going along with what they're saying, you won't be granted a license to operate a radio station."

The same is true for those trying to keep their churches above ground. However, says Mussleman, "If you're not close to the government, or if you're in any way seen as outside of their control, they won't grant a license or permits to build new structures or renovate the  existing structures." As a result, many churches are going underground.

That's good and bad news. Castro warns, "I firmly believe that there is going to be a law passed that will modify the way churches gather, and there will be a price to pay. I think that is what is ahead."

Mussleman responds, "Pray that the church in Venezuela will mature. With persecution and the difficulty the church is facing, pray that the church will be strong, the leaders will be strong, and they will be preparing their people in what the Bible says about persecution and difficulty."

The time for compromise is over. Colonel Castro says, "Preaching the Gospel will always bring consequences, but we have to continue to preach Christ as Jesus as our King, no matter what that brings."

Cuban Pastor Receives Asylum in United States as State Interference in Church Affairs Continues

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

SURREY, ENGLAND (ANS) -- Cuban pastor and denominational leader Carlos Lamelas flew to Florida, along with his wife and two daughters, after being granted asylum by the United States government.

Carlos Lamelas

According to a news release from human rights organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the former president of the Church of God in Cuba denomination had been imprisoned for four months in 2006, and was prohibited from working legally after his release.

CSW said Lamelas was originally detained in Feb. 2006 and charged with human trafficking. His home and most of the family's belongings were confiscated by the government. CSW believes Lamelas was targeted because of his public criticism of government interference in internal religious affairs during his time as leader of the Church of God denomination. 

CSW said he was released in June 2006 after a massive international campaign, but the charges were not dropped. In Dec. 2006 he was put on trial. However, the state prosecutor failed to appear and he was found innocent. 

Despite the positive verdict, CSW said, the family home and belongings were not returned. For the past five years they have lived in cramped conditions in the one bedroom apartment of Lamelas' elderly parents in Old Havana.

Because of the work prohibition, CSW said, Lamelas and his wife depended mainly on support from family and friends.

Since Lamelas' detention, CSW said its sources in Cuba have reported a change in tactics by the authorities from overt forms of persecution, such as the destruction of churches and lengthy prison terms, towards short-term detentions and the more targeted harassment of pastors.

CSW said it believes this is an attempt to deflect international attention from the ongoing harassment of pastors.

CSW said there are also consistent reports from pastors of all denominations of government interference in church affairs, and official pressure being brought to bear against church leaders who refuse to expel families of political prisoners from their churches.

Methodist Pastor Yordi Toranzo was recently removed from his position by the Methodist Bishop Ricardo Pereira Dias because of his refusal to deny pastoral support to human rights activists and members of the political opposition.

Andrew Johnston, CSW advocacy director said in a news release, "We are relieved that the Lamelas family will finally be able to carry on with their lives free from government harassment. It is unacceptable, however, that this was only made possible by leaving the country. We know that the decision to leave their country was not made easily, and their departure is a great loss for Cuba."

He added, "CSW continues to call on the Cuban government to cease its interference in the activities of religious organizations, and to cease its persecution of those who promote religious freedom."

CSW is a Christian organization working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

For further information, go to www.csw.org.uk.

Jeremy Reynalds is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, a freelance writer and also the founder and CEO of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter,http://www.joyjunction.org He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. His newest book is "Homeless in the City."


Additional details on "Homeless in the City" are available at http://www.homelessinthecity.com. Reynalds lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information contact: Jeremy Reynalds atjeremyreynalds@comcast.net.