Alan Gross: Faith and Mental Torture in Cuba Prison

In recent years, you've probably heard a lot about Iranian-American Pastor Saeed Abedini. But have you heard about American Alan Gross?

For more than five years, CBN News reported regularly about Gross. He's the former USAID contractor who was imprisoned in Cuba for providing the Cuban Jewish community with internet technology.

Gross was released from prison a little more than a year ago, and he's finally speaking out about his prison experience, family, faith, and U.S.-Cuba relations.

It's always a treat to finally meet someone that you've written about, but have never met--especially when you can now refer to them as "former prisoner." And so it was when I sat down recently to finally meet and interview Alan Gross.

He looked well--having gained back some of the 100 pounds he lost due to the malnourishment he had suffered while in the Cuban prison.

Watch this video clip to find out how he's been doing since his release (he recently received a special gift), and hear Gross tell how he was treated in the Cuban prison:

And what about his Jewish faith? Gross told me someone sent cans of Costco Salmon to him while he was imprisoned. He said he shared the fish with his Christian cellmates, but only on Friday nights. That's how he celebrated the sabbath with his compadres.

He also explained that one of his Catholic cellmates joined him in a fast during Yom Kippur, the Day of Attonement, the holiest day of the year in the Jewish faith. So, how did five years in a Cuban prison affect his relationship with God? Did Gross blame Him for his imprisonment?

Watch for his response:

And check back later at The Global Lane for more from Alan Gross--especially to hear his advice for President Barack Obama and the upcoming visit to Cuba.