According to Operation World, out of Egypt’s population of 84 millions, 10.8 millions declare themselves to be Christians, of which 3.3 millions are evangelicals, who are growing numerically almost three times faster than the population at large.

This is happening in the face of persecution and has much to do with the Christian reaction to it. Coptic Bishop Angaelos says:
“When it comes to crimes perpetrated against us, there is only one way forward, and that is to forgive. If we don’t forgive what do we have? Retaliation, resentment and anger, but no solution and no closure.”
And of course, this is what sets Christianity apart, both as a worldview and as a faith. Forgiveness is part of the Christian DNA.

A Bible Society tract published shortly after the killing of the 21 Coptic Christians by ISIS was circulated widely in the country, and underscores how openly Christian material circulates in today’s Egypt. Also at the Arab world’s largest book fair in Cairo, held from January 28 to February 12, 2016, which drew 2 million visitors, the call of the Gospel resounded. Injeels, Arabic New Testaments, were available for the equivalent of 13 US cents. A DVD of the Jesus film was available for free to every curious observer.

“There has been a great response to our presence at the fair,” said Henain Ibrahim of Spiritual Service for Publishing (SSP), one of at least a dozen Christian publishers. “Though we do not target Muslims, as the great majority in Egypt it is natural they have been the majority of our customers as well.” By the end of the fair, SSP
had sold more than 7,000 Testaments and given away more than 17,000 copies of the Jesus film.

Source: Joel News International; Revival Media

Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 3:6

APRIL Praise God that, through the work of the Bible Society, and other agencies, Scripture is more accessible than ever, especially to young people. PRAY WIDER for the gospel seeds that have been sown to find good soil and for an even greater exposure for the gospel in the media, particularly through literature and satellite TV.