Pray for Cuba

In Cuba, when the power cuts out, the shelves are empty, or a car engine breaks down with no spare parts in sight, people don’t just give up — they simply resolver. This verb has become a way of life, capturing the ingenuity and neighborly attitude Cubans use every single day to overcome constant hardships. Families, neighbors, and local churches rely on their communities to share resources, coordinate transportation, and navigate economic uncertainty together as the nation debates economic reforms within its socialist political system. Through it all, Cubans maintain a strong sense of national identity and deep pride in their history and culture.

Many Cubans value the country’s low violent crime rates and historically strong investments in healthcare and education. Yet, post-Soviet realities mean navigating state control, embargoes, and decades of isolation. Shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and basic supplies have become part of daily life. Aging infrastructure and soaring inflation make necessities difficult to afford, and frequent power outages disrupt conveniences like smartphones and televisions. Politically, Cuba remains a one-party communist state that restricts free expression, assembly, and political opposition. Though citizens can now run small businesses, lease farm plots, or work for themselves, the state still controls major pieces of the economy, making most people reliant on government jobs or money sent by family members abroad.

Cuba shifted from an officially atheist to a secular state in 1992, but controls on religion have changed over time. Churches must register with the government, and unregistered groups face restrictions on property, construction, and religious materials. They can also face severe intimidation, including job loss, barred university access, utility shutoffs, and even imprisonment. Churches are under surveillance, and believers report fear of government monitoring within churches. These are continual obstacles to the spread of the Gospel. Catholicism is historically important but less active. Instead, many Cubans blend Catholic traditions with Afro-Cuban religions. However, state hostility has deepened the Cuban Church’s faith, unity, and dependence on prayer. Persecution has inspired believers to serve their communities with boldness and creativity. As a result, church growth has outpaced the availability of Bibles and Christian resources. Many pastors and ministry leaders have emigrated, creating a vital need for new leadership development.