Egypt #2 - A Day of Worship and Wonder, Friendship and Fellowship
A Day of Worship and Wonder, Friendship and Fellowship
(After a day spent in Old Coptic Cairo, visiting historic churches whose roots go back to the first years of Christianity, we divided into two groups for evening worship with local Presbyterian congregations.)
By Steve Burgess
West Hills Church, Omaha, NE
A two-hour drive through clogged traffic in Cairo brought us to a vibrant congregation in one of the “satellite cities” that ring the densely crowded capital.
6 October City is a large newer metropolitan development outside of Cairo, named for a fairly recent date of significance in Egyptian history. The church itself is also fairly new, but what a powerful witness to God’s work it is. We had a few minutes to meet with the pastor, Tharwat Samir, who has served here 13 years, and some of his elders who shared highlights of their ministry: serving Syrian refugees and university students, some of whom live at the church in their youth hostel.
As the worship service began, I found myself wondering – how do you describe the presence of God? It can be a difficult task even when the act of worship is conducted in your own language. And yet, as we settled into singing and praising God in a language I did not understand, I felt my heart becoming full of joy, peace, and such a sense of gratitude that I knew it was from God. He was in this place and in my heart! And the words that came to me were from the old hymn – “it is well with my soul.”
And then Brady Clark, a member of our team who had been invited to preach, got up to speak, and the theme of his sermon was “All is well.” He went on to say that it is God and the hope that He brings us that ensures that our hearts are full and at peace. I was dumbfounded by the “coincidence” of Brady’s words, and the thoughts I had been experiencing before he began to speak. Isn’t it funny that sometimes the best way to experience the fullness of God is to get out of your comfort zone? Or maybe, that is the point. Having to rely on God, is about realizing how deeply we need him.
The evening ended with dinner at a nearby restaurant where we went a bit deeper in fellowship with our newly-made friends.
By Jeff Randall
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg, SC (WPC)
Rachel Segars, Karen Copley and I travelled to Shoubra (a suburb of Cairo) to worship this evening. Our church (WPC) began a sister-church partnership here several years ago which we nurture through regular visits and via Zoom.
We began by meeting with the elders and pastor Mohsin Nasim – they served us wonderful sweets, coffee and pleasant conversation. We toured the church with its improved construction mainly in the sanctuary. They have worked tirelessly and give God the glory for all that has been done and continue in prayer for the completion. The evening service began with joyful contemporary Christian music by the praise band, and we were most excited when two songs had several “Hallelujahs” with which we could sing along. But even the Arabic words and beat prepared us for the sermon. Rachel preached with the help of a member, Joseph, as the interpreter. The sermon was centered around Luke 10:38-42: Mary and Martha and their response to Jesus’ visit to their home. Rachel was so genuine, and we could all relate to times when we were rushing to do what we perceived the Lord wanted us to do when we should first abide in His presence.
Karen shared the communion scripture, and I offered a prayer before sharing the bread and wine elements. Such a blessing to share this sacrament with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Rachel closed the service in prayer, and we all shook hands and hugged our friends. Another reception, greetings and many photos and we were on our way to a quick dinner al fresco under complete confidence in Mourad Sedky, our local travel guide, who comes from this church! Those who know Mourad know he is quite the joker! He came through with a wonderful meal and a sweet, oriental dessert.
We arrived home to the hotel to dream of tomorrow with camel rides and pyramids – typical Monday stuff! We continue to find ourselves loving and being loved by our Egyptian brothers and sisters while praising God for this awesome opportunity!
