New Hope for American Prisoner in Cuba?

A visit to Cuba this week by two U.S. senators has brought new hope to 65-year old Alan Gross, the former USAID contractor imprisoned in Havana for the past five years.

Send. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Tom Udall, D-N.M., met with Gross and Cuban government officials. Both senators expressed optimism that Gross may be freed, although they admitted his release may not imminent.

In December 2009, Gross was arrested and charged with undermining the Cuban government. He received a 15-year prison sentence. Gross had provided members of Cuba's Jewish community with internet equipment and the Cuban government accused the USAID of using him in an effort to foment an anti-government uprising.

In exchange for Gross, the Castro government apparently wants to secure the release of three Cuban spies imprisoned in the U.S..

Gross is reportedly in ill health--both physically and mentally. In past reports, we've told you about his growing despondency, and in my most recent interview with his wife Judy, she revealed that her husband refused to meet with U.S. State Department officials. Apparently he  felt the meetings resulted in nothing more than false hopes.

Keep praying for Gross--that the recent visit to Cuba by senators Udall and Flake will lead to a breakthrough in his five year ordeal. Pray that Gross will return home to his wife Judy --just in time for a joyous Chanukkah celebration.