New Church Development in Egypt — January 2023 Update
Editor’s note: In November, a team from The Outreach Foundation made a trip back to Egypt (the second one in 2022) and traveled to the south of the country, not far from the border with Sudan. This southernmost Presbytery of the Synod of the Nile is geographically large, but the Presbyterian churches are few — but not for long, as a vibrant church planting initiative is on the rise here. Rev. Kimmy Briggs (on her fourth trip with Outreach), reflects on a day of visits to a country rich in culture and history — and in opportunities for the Good News!
Sometimes All You Need to Do Is Show Up
By Rev. Kimmy Briggs First Presbyterian Church, Lewistown, MT
Today, we loaded our bus for another long drive, this time on the agricultural road through an endless string of small villages and speed bumps before arriving at the village of Edfu. We began with a visit to the Edfu Temple, enjoying its beautiful scenes and rich history.
We then made our way through town to the church at Edfu, where we were warmly welcomed by its members and quickly ushered around a table for a feast reminiscent of a family Thanksgiving dinner. Following a delicious lunch, we gathered in the sanctuary to hear from Pastor Rami about the ministry of the church of Edfu. Pastor Rami reflected on the past and present ministry and then concluded with a word of thanks for showing up to visit. Edfu is far from other churches and places that visitors often visit. And yet, we showed up.
We came and shared a meal together. We came and gathered for a moment of worship. We came and fellowshipped together.
We showed up.
And there is power in showing up.
We spent much of our trip showing up to simply be with people. It often doesn’t seem like enough, perhaps like we should be here building a church or working at the mission hospital, but showing up, the ministry of presence, is enough. There is power in being with people.
After all, isn’t that what God did for us? When we could do nothing for ourselves, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us.
The Outreach Foundation works closely with the Pastoral and Outreach Ministries Council of the Synod of the Nile which has identified three areas 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 Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo, an Outreach partner, 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.
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 to help support the planting/revitalization of Presbyterian churches in Egypt. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.