Voice of the Martyrs: Cuban Pastor Detained

The information below is from Voice of the Martyrs. I wish I did more for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Every week I received a VOM email update and pray for believers around the globe who are suffering because they believe in Jesus. Today's update was particularly sad as it told of the death of a Vietnamese saint. But today was different too in that it gave instructions on how to support a Cuban pastor. So I am reprinting (w/o permission) the information on how you can help this brother in chains for Christ: From Voice of the Martyrs: (VOM sources) Pastor Carlos Lamelas remains in La Villa Marista Detention Center, where his weight and blood pressure continue to drop to unhealthy levels. He was arrested in his La Lisa neighborhood home in Havana, Cuba, by five security policemen on February 20th, for allegedly aiding refugees to emigrate illegally. Officers searched his entire home, confiscated his computer, printer, personal files and other office items. No formal charges have been brought against Cuba's former President of the Church of God, as the police-appointed "instructor" has still not briefed Carlos on the reason for his detainment. It is widely accepted Pastor Lamelas was targeted by the Castro regime ever since he refused to sign (and sing) government rhetoric sent to him in a document more then three years ago. Christians were urged to follow suit "if they wanted to be on the safe side of the government." He didn't, and was thrown in prison twice before his latest arrest when he was falsely accused of working for the CIA and of being a counterrevolutionary. Carlos' wife, Uramis Lamelas, is only allowed to visit him for 15 minutes every Monday morning while three policemen sit around them to limit their conversations. The meetings take place at La Villa Marista Detention Center in the La Vibora area of Havana's Arroyo Naranjo borough. The pastor's 12-year-old daughter, Estefania, has only been allowed to visit him once, and his 6-year-old daughter, Daniela, is continuing to pray for his release. Pray Pastor Lamelas' physical condition will move the prison authorities to allow his release. Pray Christians worldwide will pray and write letters to encourage Pastor Lamelas with the knowledge that many are praying for him. Pray God will move in love and power with an outpouring of His Holy Spirit on the whole country of Cuba. To encourage Pastor Lamelas and his family, his wife may receive letters addressed to: Uramis Frometa Salvat de Lamelas 220 No. 6910 Entre 69 t 71 La Lisa, Habana, Cuba Tel: 011-53-7-260-0200 To write a letter of advocacy, call or e-mail on Pastor Lamelas' behalf, contact: Cuban Interest Section Swiss Embassy 2630 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Tel: (202) 797 8518 Fax: (202) 797-8521 E-mail: Informacion1@sicuw.org Or directly send a letter of encouragement to: Carlos Lamelas La Villa Marista Detention Center La Vibora, Habana, Cuba