Urgent Prayer Needed for Those Facing Persecution in Egypt
Reports out of Egypt this week are alarming, with escalating attacks on the minority ‘Coptic Christians’ in the country. The Associated Press published yesterday that an assault this past Sunday night on this group protesting over a church attack has set off riots that drew a mix of Muslims, Coptics and the police. Most of the 26 people killed in this most recent wave of violence identify themselves as Coptic Christians.
Once a majority in Egypt, this community now only makes up about 10% of the 85 million residents in the country. Over the years, they have experienced limited rights and persecution in Egypt. Optimistic that their situation might improve after the Egyptian revolution earlier this year that removed Hosni Mubarak from power, the resulting lack of authoritarian rule seems to have paved the way for Islamist fundamentalists to increase in hostility and violence towards practices they consider “un-lslamic”. There have been numerous and escalating attacks in the past several months, including churches being set on fire, murders and riots.
Please join us in praying for the victims of ongoing violence in Egypt. Pray specifically for the Lord to comfort the families affected directly by this attack, as well as for peace, safety, wisdom and courage for true disciples of Jesus in Egypt to stand strong and to grow in their faith.
The Joshua Fund is active in supporting ministry training for evangelical pastors and leaders in Egypt, and our team is aware of the incredible danger these men and women face daily for their declaration of faith.
Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. – Acts 11:19-20
Read the complete Associated Press Report.
Photo: UPI/Mohamad Hosam
