Cuba

Challenges for Prayer

There are over one million Cuban refugees (legal and illegal) living in the USA, mainly from the white middle and upper classes and predominantly Catholic. Pray that they will not be victims of the temptations offered by the “free” society they sought so desperately. Pray that the Cuban diaspora might also find Christ and have a redemptive influence on their nation of origin. Pray that their faith might shape their views and approaches to their home country.

Christian help ministries for prayer:

a) Bible distribution – the need remains urgent as church growth outstrips supply. Over one million copies of the Scriptures have been printed in-country on the Cuban Bible Society press, and many thousands are imported every year. A new easy-to-read Spanish Bible will help make the gospel more accessible to many, but it is still difficult for many Christians to get a Bible. The need for the state-appointed Council of Churches to approve Bible translations limits options and prevents good translations from being available.

b) Christian literature has been extremely hard to acquire for years and is an intense need. As the church and its leaders grow, more materials are needed. More can now be imported, but permission for local printing is difficult to obtain. Pray that the wide range of Spanish-language resources would make its way into Cuba.

c) Christian radio remains an untapped potential. Although a cumulative 878 hours per week are broadcast, almost all of it is over shortwave, which is very hard to receive as shortwave radios are illegal in Cuba. Some FM Christian radio can be picked up from other Caribbean islands. Local Christian broadcasting is still not permitted.

d) Music is a core aspect of Cuban culture and identity. Raising up and training Christian musicians and worship leaders is hugely strategic. Some prominent musicians have become believers, increasing Cuba’s exposure to the good news.

     For an additional 7 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.