New Church Development in Egypt - July 2022 Update
It Takes a Village
After decades of difficulties and hesitation to build churches or renovate the old ones, the Egyptian church is now able to build in a massive way. Many building projects are taking place in different parts of the country. A great example is a church in a village in Upper Egypt called Kalandol. This church is very old and has a building that has been there for almost 100 years without any kind of renovation or reconstruction. Peter Gamal, a new graduate from the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo, was sent to pastor this church. Miraculously, he managed to get a license to rebuild the church — and the entire congregation is involved in the project!
Families, including the elderly and young children, are contributing to the building. Some kids even gave their own savings for the church. The little ones are also encouraging everyone with their joy and hope. Even the village community around the church is helping: a young man with Downs’ Syndrome began to carry cement when he saw the pastor was trying to do so. His efforts encouraged others to jump in. The local Coptic Orthodox priest collected 5,000 Egyptian pounds (about $260) from the people of his church to give to the new building and a Muslim sheik personally gave 1,000 Egyptian pounds for the project.
With the concrete foundation finished, the new church is becoming a reality. Although it is hard work for a young pastor like Peter to be responsible for such a project, he depends upon the grace of God and the generosity of the body of Christ. Throughout its history, this village church has produced more than eight pastors and there are many generations to come to serve the Lord and build His Kingdom. We praise God for Peter’s call to this remote, impoverished place and pray that the finishing of this humble building will be a lighthouse for a community in need.
To the glory of God,
Dr. Tharwat Wahba
Egypt Mission Consultant for The Outreach Foundation
Professor of Mission, Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo
The Outreach Foundation works closely with the Pastoral and Outreach Ministries Council of the Synod of the Nile which has identified three areas in which God is calling the church to pursue outreach: 1) revitalization of village churches, some centuries old and primarily in Upper Egypt 2) planting new churches in urban suburbs and 3) planting churches in the new “satellite” cities. The Council works closely with the ETSC which is producing excellent students who are called and equipped for ministry in a remarkable season for the church’s mission.
Read more about New Church Development in Egypt HERE.
Read more about the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of New Church Development in Egypt. All gifts of any size are welcomed. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.