Pain and Victory for the Church in Egypt – Open Doors Re-Blog

Pain and Victory for the Church in Egypt – Open Doors

“The powerful presence of the Holy Spirit could not be mistaken. At one end of the building several people saw white pigeons flying over! Could this be a special sign of affirmation of His presence? While stories of healing from sicknesses were shared around, it was undeniable, the Holy Spirit was there.” – an Egyptian Church Leader

The nightly news often shows crowds of angry, desperate Egyptians protesting in the streets of Cairo.

Lacking the most essential needs of life – jobs, shelter, security – Egyptians are lining up for bread for their table, gasoline for their cars, and more. Many experience water and electricity cuts. Police forces appear to focus most of their efforts on guarding people and  places related to the Muslim Brotherhood, while doing very little to secure or protect citizens.

“We hear frequent reports about car hijacking, armed robberies, kidnapping for ransom, buildings set on fire, protestors blocking rail lines and major highways,” says an Egyptian church leader. “I stand back in pain and wonder; is this really my country, Egypt!?!”

What makes the situation even gloomier are the attacks on churches and Christians. Recently, in Khusus Village, while mourners carried the remains of their dead, the procession was attacked by a mob. Police arrived too late. The attacks resulted in not only 7 deaths and dozens of injuries, but also added to the escalating tension rising throughout Egypt.

“Where do we take our pains,” adds the leader. “Is God still in control? Is there a reason why He allows these attacks to come on His children? We may not have an answer, yet, what is clearly evident is that He is preparing His children in Egypt to a big victory and a grand harvest.”

In a historical meeting held on Feburary 18, church leaders from various denominations, came together and launched “The Council of Egyptian Churches.” Sponsored by Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patrarch of the See of St. Mark, is someone who sees this as a turning point in church unity.

Then, forty days later, on March 29, an evangelical church hosted a prayer meeting at a large conference facility in the desert, located 160 miles north of Cairo. Approximately 7,000 Christians, from various denominations including the Orthodox and Catholic churches, showed up for the three-day event.

Pastors and priests representing all denominations were given the opportunity to share and motivate the crowd who had gathered in the facility. Hundreds of thousands, and maybe millions, watched via satellite and the internet. One session was especially powerful when several leaders on stage washed each other’s feet.

Although not new to Egyptian Christians, what was new was the deep spirit of love, humbleness and sincere asking for forgiveness of one another. “I could not hold my tears!” exclaims the church leader. “The powerful presence of the Holy Spirit could not be mistaken.”

kChurch leaders agree that in the midst of the turmoil, God is preparing His church, and bringing His children together for a great harvest. A Christian leader shared, “We see a lot of people crossing from darkness into the light of Jesus, and a lot more are on the way!”

Matthew 5:15-16 reads, “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The church leader adds, “I want my light to stay shining so people can see the way to Jesus!”