“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.“ Matt 5:43-45
It is with a heavy heart that I write today’s prayers for a country so close to our hearts. As many of you have heard, 21 of our Egyptian brothers in Christ were brutally martyred last weekend by the extremist group in Libya. The pain reverberates throughout the country of Egypt and the international family of Christ. We weep with those who weep, knowing that God has a hand in all of this and will bring his divine redemption in a strong way. We are reminded that our brothers and sisters in restricted and closed countries around the world love Christ more than their own lives (Rev 12.11), and it is our duty to continue to pray for their protection from evil, to pray for their encouragement and strength, to pray for those who are still in the dark, and to live out our faith boldly in honor of Christ and in honor of our persecuted family members.
While we are confused and hurt, we must also remember that Christ has called us to love and pray for our enemies. We know that Christ alone is capable is transforming even the worst of persecutors, like Paul, into humble servants of the cross and we call on his Holy Spirit to exact justice and work wonders according to his will.
As we mourn those lost, we realize that God is still performing daily miracles in Egypt—both small and large. Join me in praying for the LIA-Egypt team. Pray that they would receive every resource required to serve God fully as they work alongside churches in informal settlements, occupied by many who have been displaced by violence or fleeing persecution.
- Given the recent atrocities, it is likely that more Egyptians from the north will move into the informal settlements throughout greater Cairo. Please pray for the pastors who serve these displaced people, that they would agents of healing and grace.
- A few weeks ago, a spontaneous demonstration took place in the El-Tawabik community. The husband of one of the teachers at the church-based school was shot and killed when he passed by the activity. Pray for general stability in the area and that the family and community will be healed.
- A large part of our ministry in Egypt is serving women who have experienced incredible physical and emotional abuse at the hands of husbands and family members. Pray that they encounter Jehovah Rophi, the Healer, and experience complete healing.
- Finally, please pray that our Egyptian leadership and Board are given great wisdom in how to respond to new challenges as they seek to offer hope and encouragement to God’s people.
Thank you so much for joining us in this meaningful prayer. God bless you throughout this week.
In Christ,
Florence
