Last month during Holy week in Egypt local Christians in two villages came under attack during violent protests by Islamist extremists to prevent the construction of a church building.
In response a team from the Christian ministry Help The Persecuted went to provide much-needed support for these believers who were grappling with the loss of their homes and livelihoods.
STRICT EMBARGO: This report cannot be broadcast in the Arab world.
Source: www.htp.org
SCRIPT:
A few weeks ago, it was Holy Week in Egypt. This Christian holiday is often a time of tension and unease in the Middle East, resulting in violent clashes and protests from Islamist extremists who oppose the presence of Christians in the region. This came to a head in two Christian villages in Egypt, where Islamist extremists attacked local Christians and led violent protests to prevent the construction of a church building.
In response a team from the Christian ministry Help The Persecuted went to provide much-needed support for these believers who were grappling with the loss of their homes and livelihoods.
Team member Bashar says it was incredibly humbling to meet with Pastor Darius as he prayed for forgiveness for his attackers:
(Pastor Darius prayer)
Let this bad experience be redeemed by your Lord to grow the church and help us move forward.
In the name of our Christ Jesus, protect the people of the church and restored our broken spirits.
Please restore what has been damaged and taken away. Give us prosperous and peaceful days ahead of us.
In these Holy days, please restore and rebuild all relationships and empower us to forgive those who trespassed and damaged us.
Bashar shared how they were able to visit several local Christian families to hear their stories, pray with them, and distribute emergency lightning funds:
“And it was some sort of a relief to see the pastor dedicated wanting to help the village. He lives in a city close by 35 minute drive, but he comes to the village every single day to be with the people, to be with the church members, to the family that he calls family right now. Such a wonderful man and he took us right around the village and we were introduced to the families that were crushed by what happened. Some of them shared about the experience and how terrifying it was for them, for their kids”.
Mother shares her story:
“I went inside, closed the door, and turned off all lights. They kept pushing the door wanting to break in. I had to silence my daughter so that they won’t hear us inside. It was so terrifying.”
Their team joined them in a powerful time of worship, where they full-heartedly praised the Lord in spite of so much loss.
Help The Persecuted remains committed to standing with these brave believers in Egypt to help rescue, restore, and rebuild their lives.
Peter Wooding reporting for the Global News Alliance.
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