Embracing the cross – April 2015
April 2015“The people of the cross.” Remember this statement? In the words of ISIS, it was the crime of which 21 ex-patriate Christians in Libya were found guilty and worthy of beheading by ISIS a few months ago. As we approach Easter, I cannot help but once again think of those brave 21 whose faith and final cries, “Lord… Jesus Christ!” […]
The beauty of Lebanon – April 2015
I have lived in Lebanon for almost three years yet I still feel I am discovering new things every day. This morning I took a different route to church suggested by my friend and we drove by an ancient Roman aqueduct, built into the cliffs rising above Beirut centuries upon centuries ago. Only five minutes from my apartment and I […]
The ways of life and death – February 2015
February 2015“ISIS’s mission is to enforce the sovereignty of God. Christ’s mission was to enforce the sovereignty of God.” This shocking introduction to one of Dr Maher Samuel’s recent televised messages (see clip below) speaks volumes in the light of the recent regional developments and international comments. Dr Samuel went on to explain the vast contrast between the two, for while […]
One family and 100 years of crossing continents – February 2015
My family’s relationship with the tiny Mediterranean country of Lebanon is probably as long and as complicated as the history of the country itself, although our collective memories only stretch back a hundred or so years. In the early 1900s, a Lebanese man arrived at Ellis Island in the Upper New York Bay. Fleeing Ottoman Muslim persecution, Boutros Salim Aziz, […]
Bleak mid-winter – January 2015
January 2015A snow storm is coming, be cautious! Quick, get all the bread in the stores, purchase all the food you can and store everything for the next few days. It is the 7th of January 2015, and it seems that everyone started panicking having heard the news of the imminent snow storm. With no one coming or going, life all […]
Festivals galvanise ministry to region in despair – November 2014
November 2014“Jesus… Jesus… Jesus…” the song that was born at the historic prayer night on September 11, 2011 has become the theme song of any large Christian event in the country. The two largest annual Christian events were held in October this year. Thousands of Christians throughout Egypt anxiously anticipated attending Count it Right and Onething. These are two massive church […]
Friend to all – November 2014
In Bethlehem still: same beloved town, same dear place and the same fresh breeze. Autumn foliage is slowly sweeping in as leaves of the trees are turning into shades of yellow, orange and magenta. Scarves, jackets, a drizzle and the chill of a cold evening; the irresistible aroma of coffee, biscuits and freshly baked cakes inside every home; matchless hospitality. […]
Educating Egypt – September 2014
September 2014It’s back-to-school time! But are children excited about it? Unfortunately, most children tend to dread going back to school. It seems to be a universal sentiment… but why is that? School is supposed to be a place where kids learn and more importantly, are instilled with a love of learning. What has gone wrong in our education systems, in our […]