What was meant to be an afternoon of prayer turned into chaos. Cries of children, screams, and the sound of stones crashing down abruptly disrupted a Christian service in Guanabacoa, Havana, leaving an unforgettable scene for its attendees.
Last Sunday, as Pastor Yoennis Cala and his wife Dayana Gómez conducted a religious service in their home, a neighbor named Pedro—a Ministry of the Interior (MININT) official and jailer at the Havana Tribunal—climbed onto his roof and began hurling stones and cement blocks at their house, according to journalist Yaiset Rodríguez Fernández on social media.
Inside, besides the pastors, were several children: the couple's kids, just 7 and 3 years old, a 5-year-old girl, and two teenagers aged 15. Fear gripped everyone present.
"They started crying and screaming. The little girl was yelling that a stone had killed her mother," recounted Pastor Gómez, who managed to record part of the attack while others ran for cover.
Chaos and Faith in the Midst of Violence
The service descended into chaos. Some congregants fled, while others knelt in prayer. Despite the turmoil, the pastor remained at the pulpit, steadfastly reading the Bible. "I could only stay there... reading Ephesians 6," he shared.
The aggression extended beyond the physical assault. The attacker's wife, identified as Olivia, issued death threats and dared the pastor to step outside, which he refused, maintaining a peaceful stance. "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal," he affirmed.
Escalating Tensions in a Troubled Neighborhood
This was not the first time the neighboring couple had disrupted services. Previously, they had shouted insults from their rooftop and blasted loud music to sabotage the gatherings. However, this incident marked a dangerous escalation.
The attack followed several days of intense religious activity. The community had engaged in four nights of vigil and street preaching, bringing in dozens of new believers.
Widespread Outrage and Calls for Action
The incident's video, shared across social media, has garnered over 119,000 views, sparking outrage among users both in and outside Cuba. Although the pastors initially hesitated to file a complaint, religious leaders from various denominations have urged them to do so.
The involvement of a MININT official adds a particularly sensitive dimension to the situation. International organizations have highlighted a growing trend of restrictions and attacks on religious freedom on the island.
In 2025 alone, the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights documented hundreds of violations of this right. Cuba continues to be flagged as a country of particular concern regarding religious freedom, akin to nations with severe repressive histories.
For the Cala Gómez family, the attack leaves a lasting impact, especially on the young children who witnessed violence that should never have invaded a place of worship.
Understanding Religious Persecution in Cuba
What happened during the attack on the Christian service in Guanabacoa?
During a Christian service in Guanabacoa, a neighbor threw stones and cement blocks at the pastors' house, causing panic among attendees, including several children.
Who was responsible for the attack, and what was their motive?
A Ministry of the Interior official named Pedro was responsible for the attack. His motives included previous tensions with the pastors and an attempt to disrupt their religious gatherings.
How has the international community reacted to this incident?
The international community has expressed concern, highlighting it as part of a broader pattern of religious freedom violations in Cuba.