Egypt #5 - Mind, Body and So Much Soul
Mind, Body and So Much Soul
By Steve Burgess
West Hills Church, Omaha, NE
We spent the better part of the day at the Synod of the Nile, hosted by the General Secretary, Rev. Refat Fathey, learning about the many programs and committees they have formed to reach out to the people of Egypt and to the world.
We heard from several of the committees about the programs and initiatives that have been implemented to help the people of Egypt to improve not just their faith walk, but their day-to-day lives as well. Of course, this is part of the legacy they inherited from the missionaries of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These missionaries recognized that saving their souls required them to minister not just to their souls, but also to their bodies and minds. So, they started schools to teach them and hospitals to heal them.
As each of the committees shared about their hopes and dreams for reaching the people, I was amazed at the number and variety of programs offered. The General Women’s Union has many programs aimed at empowering women. They also offer educational programs to help girls and young women navigate the sometimes dangerous worlds of work and social pressures. They have vocational programs, and programs for the handicapped. And the list goes on. There is the Christian Education Council that has many leadership training courses to equip the next generation of leaders, it also has education courses to help parents learn how to deal with their teenage children. The Christian Education Council provides housing and assistance for the elderly in addition to the school curriculum and summer camps for children. There is the Council of Social Services that brings help to the impoverished and offers microloans.
But perhaps the two oldest and largest programs are the hospitals (2) and schools (35) that bring medical aid and education – often to the poorest areas of cities where there are no other such institutions. Their witness to the love that God has for all people is simply unparalleled.
Even more amazing than the number and variety of programs, were the people of the Synod themselves. Never have I seen such enthusiasm, dedication, and simple servanthood as they work to advance God’s kingdom. They see that to help and love people is to serve God.
By Jeff Randall
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg, SC
Our ever-so-special team traveled to Madenet Al-Salam (City of Peace) Church (in a slum area not far from our hotel) for an evening meeting of the middle school kids. Pastor Wagdy Gamil and his wonderful congregation welcomed us with loving hearts and arms.
Ephesians 1:18 is their guiding verse and it is truly at the heart of this ministry: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.
The eyes of these people are truly enlightened as they worked through police hostility that took a piece of church land and neighbors that banged on the church walls when their worship was too glorious. In an area that is considered a severely impoverished place, they seek to share the light of Jesus and we truly experienced just that!
About 40-50 teenage students gathered with parents to sing and hear a heartfelt message by our dear Rachel that began with Mark 10:35-44. She brought a message that left us knowing that in God’s economy there are no favorites – we are all equal and of high value in our Lord’s eyes. The challenge was to open your eyes where you see less of the flaws of yourself and see yourself as the Lord sees you – one to be loved and treasured.
The pastor and people of the Church have a vocational ministry that professionally teaches sewing and the fruits of their labors helps to clothe their own families. The pastor pursues a law degree to help people in the neighborhood with legal issues. Food boxes are shared with people of any faith to be the hands and feet of Jesus. And they pray and wait in faith to purchase the adjoining lot to grow the church. In the midst of building their church, they seek to plant a new one!
The selfies, smiles, hugs, impromptu soccer game, and warm fellowship left us all feeling energized and hopeful for the future of this special congregation!
