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A Cuban pastor who has faced false accusations of illicit economic activity, falsification of documents, and human trafficking (click here for more details) has been sentenced to six years in prison, according to a July 10 report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide. Pastor Omar Gude Perez's home will also be confiscated as part of the sentence. Local Christians believe the sentencing is due to Pastor Perez's leadership in the Apostolic Reformation, a fast growing Christian denomination that is not recognized by the government. More than 20 other church leaders in Cuba have been arrested and threatened in recent months.

To learn more about the opposition facing Christians in Cuba, visit theCuba Country Report.

Photo from Christian Solidarity Worldwide

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.

Pastor Carlos Lamelas, who was absolved of "human trafficking" charges on December 13 (click here for more details), has been convicted on charges of "falsifying documents." According to a December 22 report from Compass Direct, the tribunal claims that Lamelas signed a letter that certified a man named Lázaro Leonardo Laza as an accredited worker of the Church of God without the proper verification. Lamelas was fined 1,000 Cuban pestos (CAD $52) for the new charges.

Pastor Carlos Lamelas, who was tried for "human trafficking" on December 4 (click here for the details), was absolved of all charges against him on December 13. Lamelas' lawyer, however, has advised him that he could still be fined for "falsification of documents." Thank the Lord that Pastor Lamelas' charges have been dropped. Pray that he will not undergo further persecution from Cuban authorities.

On November 22, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported that charges were proceeding against Pastor Carlos Lamelas for "human trafficking." According to a letter received from Lamelas, the trial was held on December 4 and the prosecutor recommended that Lamelas be exonerated of all charges and that there be no punishment. The case is now before the judge who may take several weeks to make a decision.

Pray that all charges will be dropped.

In February, Cuban authorities raided the home of Pastor Carlos Lamelas, accusing him of aiding emigrants who sought to leave the country. Those who know Lamelas denied this, believing he was being targeted for opposing the Cuban regime on religious rights issues (click here to read more). Lamelas continued to suffer in prison without charges until he was suddenly given a "conditional release" on June 26.

VOMC has learned that Pastor Lamelas was notified by his lawyer on November 17 that the prosecutor intends to proceed on charges of human trafficking. If convicted, he could spend nine years in prison. The trial is scheduled for December 20.

Pray that the prosecutor will recognize Pastor Lamelas' innocence and drop all charges. Pray for his young daughters, Estefania and Daniela, who are facing persecution in school because of their father's case. Pray for the continued spread of the gospel in Cuba despite increasing government opposition.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Cuba,click here.

After 126 days in custody without charges, Pastor Carlos Lamelas was unexpectedly allowed to return to his home on June 26. Lamelas told Christian Solidarity Worldwide, "Our feet are on the ground, but our hearts are in the clouds!" Overwhelmed by the support of Christians around the world, Lamelas expressed his deep gratitude to those who prayed and acted on his behalf. Unfortunately, his legal status is not yet clear, since the meaning of a "provisional release" is uncertain. Continue to pray for Pastor Lamelas and his family.

Since his arrest on February 20, The Voice of the Martyrs has been following the plight of Pastor Carlos Lamelas imprisoned in Cuba. According to reports, his wife, Uramis, is quite depressed about the situation and Carlos' poor health. Uramis is allowed to see Carlos only once a week under constant supervision. There are also concerns about the health of their twelve-year-old daughter. Pray for the family during this difficult time. Letters of encouragement can be sent to:

Uramis Frometa Salvat de Lamelas
220 No. 6910 Entre 69 y 71
La Lisa, Habana, CUBA

For the safety of the family, please refrain from any reference to the country's government in your letter. Also, please do not mention the name of The Voice of the Martyrs or any other Christian organization.

Carlos Lamelas with his wife and daughter

Notes of encouragement can be sent to Pastor Lamelas' wife at
Uramis Frometa Salvat de Lamelas
220 No. 6910 Entre 69 t 71
La Lisa, Habana, Cuba

Continue to pray for Rev. Carlos Lamelas, an evangelical Cuban pastor arrested on February 20.  According to a March 31 report from Compass Direct, he has not yet been advised on the charges against him.  He is described as "pretty discouraged" about the lack of progress in the case.  For more information on this case, click here.