Photo from Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Pastor Omar Gude Perez, who has been held in detention in Cuba since May 2008, is facing false charges of "illicit economic activity and falsification of documents," according to an April 17 report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide. The original charge of "human trafficking" placed against Pastor Perez was dismissed in March due to lack of evidence. The State prosecutor has requested a seven-year prison sentence be given to the pastor, who is currently imprisoned in the city of Camaguey. According to local Christians, Pastor Perez has been targeted by authorities because he is one of the main leaders of an unrecognized denomination. Other leaders and members of the denomination have also faced pressure from government officials.

Pray that the charges will be dropped. Ask God to provide for and protect Pastor Perez's family. Pray that Cuban believers will rejoice in the opportunity to grow in Christlikeness through the ongoing opposition they face (James 1:2-4).

To find out more about suffering Christians in Cuba, click here.