Pastor Beaten and Threatened with Death

Pastor Octavio with his girls
Pastor Octavio with his girls
Dr. Octavio Rios Verdecia, minister with the Assemblies of God in Cuba and pastor of the Words of Life Church in Havana, Cuba suffered an attempt on his life on December 19.  Verdecia was leaving his house when he was approached by Eduardo Valdes Oliva. Oliva had attacked a Baptist church several years before and had served time for various criminal activities.  Oliva began beating Verdecia with a police stick and attempted to stab him with a knife.  He also smashed bottles of homemade wine against the doors of the church. After Verdecia gave a statement to police, they arrested Oliva only to release him seventy-two hours later.  Oliva immediately continued his campaign against Christians by attacking another church with stones.  Still on the streets, Oliva has vowed to "complete the work" he has begun. Pastor Verdecia has said he is prepared to die for Christ, if necessary.

Some of the members of the congregation
Some of the members of the congregation 
Cuban believers are asking us to urgently pray for Pastor Octavio's safety. Pray that he will be allowed to continue bringing the gospel to his city. Pray that Eduardo will see his own sinfulness and turn to Christ. Ask God to open the eyes of the authorities to see the danger that Oliva presents to local believers. Pray for pastors in Cuba who face increasing threats and physical opposition to the message of Christ.

To read the full report from VOMC's Cuban source, click here for the Spanish version or here for an English translation. 

For more information on the persecution facing Cuba's Church, click here.

  • Country Information

    Population
    10,985,974 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    White (64.1), Mullato or mixed (26.6), Black (9.3)

    Religion (%)
    Christian (58.9), folk religion (17.6), none (23.2)

    Leader
    President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez (since 2018)

    Government type
    Communist state

    Legal system
    Civil law system based on Spanish civil code

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Cuba

    Ask God to provide wisdom to Cuba's church leaders, specifically requesting that they will exemplify grace toward all governmental authorities  while remaining bold in their presentation of the Gospel.

    Pray for the salvation of the current governmental leader, Raúl Castro, as well as those who work under his leadership.

    Pray that the believers of this country will not fear government reprisal but live in unconditional surrender to the Lordship of Christ.

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Cuba News

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    Photo: CSW UK

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