Egypt
Imprisoned Believers Released
UPDATE: Believers falsely held in prison in EGYPT were finally released, most pending further investigations. They were arrested after the Egyptian military fired on Christians and ran over them with armored vehicles during the protest of a church demolition. Believers are thankful for the release of the innocent, but disappointed at the lack of justice for the Christians’ deaths, which are being treated as accidents caused by “neglect.”
Arrested for the Name of Christ
Mina Talaat did not attend the protest in Maspero, Egypt, but he was arrested anyway because of his faith. His mother says, "Mina was stopped by a soldier, who called a group of 20 people to come quickly, as he had found a Christian. The group beat Mina with short leather batons until his jaw was broken and he had to hold it back with his hand. He also had wounds in the head requiring 12 stitches."
Why was this man arrested and beaten for his faith?
Islamists Rising to Power in Egypt
As Islamist groups rise to power in EGYPT, Christians are concerned about increasing persecution.
Ask God to give them wisdom and courage in knowing how the church should respond to mounting pressure. “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.”
Hundreds Come to Christ in Egypt
Our ministry partner in EGYPT reports that over 400 people accepted Christ in the outreach event where they were recently working.
Praise God for His salvation! “Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
34 Believers Arrested
UPDATE: Following military and Islamic violence against Christian protestors in EGYPT, 34 believers were arrested and continue to be detained. Some of them were not even present at the protest, but were rounded up simply for being Christians.
Ask God to sustain them. “But when Christ appeared...He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.”
Christians Pulled from Homes, Beaten
Our ministry partner in EGYPT reports that in October some Christians were pulled out of their homes and beaten by Muslims.
Pray that these believers will hold fast to the gospel. “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain…”
Student Murdered in School
A teacher in EGYPT nearly choked a Christian teenage student because he wore a cross. Muslim classmates joined in beating him to death.
Ask God to comfort the grieving family. “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power.”
Mob & Army Attacks Christians
UPDATE: Christians protesting the destruction of a church were attacked on October 9 in EGYPT. Over two dozen people were killed and around 200 injured. The believers were assaulted by a mob, fired upon by the Egyptian military, and run over with armored vehicles.
Pray that the churches of Egypt will remain bold in their faith. “The Lord Jesus Christ...gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age.”
Girl Ridiculed, Excluded from School
A 14-year-old Christian in EGYPT was ridiculed and prevented from entering her school for eight days because she refused to wear an Islamic veil.
Ask God to encourage her. Pray that she will be a loving and steadfast witness for Christ. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God.”
Volatile Situation in Egypt
In EGYPT, the number of people who favor the Muslim Brotherhood’s leadership has more than quadrupled since January, according to a recent poll. Islamist threats and intimidation have driven nearly 100,000 Christians to emigrate since March.
Ask God to give believers courage and perseverance. “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
Believers Granted ID Card Change
UPDATE: Two Christian teens in EGYPT were forced to have “Muslim” written on their government ID cards because their father converted to Islam. A recent court ruling allowed them to change their religious registration back to “Christian.” Now they are exempt from Islamic classes in school.
Praise God for answering our prayers! “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
Church Destroyed
On September 30 a mob of thousands of Muslims destroyed a century-old church that was being renovated in EGYPT. They also destroyed four homes and two businesses owned by Christians.
Pray that the believers will find strength in God. “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him.”
Homes Looted, Burned
Following a dispute between a Muslim and a Christian in EGYPT, Muslims looted believers’ homes and set 8 houses on fire in August. A Christian was shot in the head and had his throat slit. His teenage son witnessed the murder.
Ask God to comfort the boy and help him to forgive. “So everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven.”
Girls Abducted in Egypt
After the abduction of a 10-year-old girl in EGYPT by a Muslim, investigation uncovered a highly organized ring of Muslims trying to sexually exploit and blackmail Christian girls ages 9-15 and force them to convert to Islam.
Ask God to protect Christian girls in Egypt. Pray that they will remain steadfast in their faith. “...our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love…”
Christians Attacked in Egypt
In EGYPT this summer Muslims sexually harassed a Christian woman and beat her husband. An armed mob looted and burned Christians’ property, taunted believers, and cursed the cross. They also searched cars, letting Muslims pass by but smashing the windshields of believers’ cars. The army did nothing to help, but instead searched the Christians’ property. Nine believers were arrested after the army found a rusted, non-functioning rifle in the harassment victim’s home.
Pray for encouragement. “This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless.”
Outreach to Muslims
Pray for our ministry partners in EGYPT, who are preparing for a major outreach to show God’s love to Muslims. Our partner praises God, saying, “God is moving greatly and we get to be part of it!”
Ask God to use the outreach to bring many to Himself. Pray for safety in this tumultuous region which has seen much Islamic violence. “But now, O God, strengthen my hands.”
Christians Concerned About Drafted Law
Some Christian leaders fear that a newly drafted law in EGYPT may be used to restrict further Christians’ ability to build new churches.
Ask God to provide places of worship for believers who need them. “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”
Christian’s Home Bulldozed
After a rumor circulated that a Christian was building a church, his home was robbed and bulldozed on June 25 in EGYPT. Muslims also raided and burned six other houses belonging to believers.
Pray that their homes will be restored. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Christians Warned to “Submit”
In EGYPT Islamic political groups are seeking greater power. A leader of one group recently said, “If the Christians want safety they should submit to the rule of Allah…” A spokesman said that “Allah’s words must rule” in Egyptian society.
Ask God to protect believers in Egypt and give them boldness. “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord.”
Church Surrounded, Christian Threatened
On June 23 in EGYPT, hundreds of Muslims surrounded a church and chanted that they would kill a church leader who was inside. Earlier this year they protested the church’s building expansion plan and demanded that the church leader be banished from the village.
Ask God to preserve the believer’s life. “The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”
Christian Girls Kidnapped
This year in EGYPT, reportedly a rising number of Christian girls are being kidnapped, forcibly converted to Islam, and married to Muslims. One church leader says that at least 21 girls, some as young as 14, have disappeared from his congregation.
Ask God to protect these girls and comfort their families. “And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”
Church Re-Opening Approved
The government of EGYPT approved the re-opening of 16 churches that had been closed down.
Pray that it will follow through on its promises and that Islamic violence will not cause the churches to be closed again. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
Church Re-Opening Protested
On May 19 in EGYPT, Muslim protesters surrounded a church as it was being re-opened. They threatened to kill a church leader. Due to Muslim opposition, the building has been closed for almost 3 years. Muslims threaten that if the congregation opens it again without their permission, the church will be demolished.
Pray that the believers will be able to meet safely. “...that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being.”
Believers Attacked, Injured
On May 14, Christians were attacked during a sit-in in front of a state television building in EGYPT. The believers were protesting earlier violence and injustice. During the protest, Muslims attacked with petrol bombs, stones, and guns. One believer was killed and scores were severely injured.
Pray for healing and protection. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
Churches Burned
On May 7 in EGYPT, crowds chanting Islamic slogans attacked and burned two churches, Christian-owned businesses, and nearby apartments. Many were injured and some killed, including a church caretaker who died in the fire. Ask God to comfort the families and friends of the victims.
Pray that they will be allowed to repair the buildings. “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ.”
