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 […]
Students’ biggest challenge – September 2014
The summer holidays are almost over. Students at Bethlehem Bible College (BBC) are getting ready to begin their new term of Autumn 2014. It has been such a long and hot summer; the students have been on holidays for three whole months; whilst teachers have spent some of our time preparing lectures. There will be new faces, new courses and […]
Loving our neighbours in a Ramadan summer – July 2014
July 2014“Friska… friska…” That’s what you’ll inevitably hear on the shores of Alexandria. “Friska” is a popular wafer and honey treat commonly sold on Alexandria beaches. It’s summertime! Summer is family time for Egyptians. Extended family members usually enjoy travelling together to the various resorts throughout the country. From the North Coast Mediterranean Sea with its beautiful turquoise waters to a […]
His Spirit is with us – June 2014
June 2014“When you strip it of everything else, Pentecost stands for power and life. That’s what came into the church when the Holy Spirit came down on the day of Pentecost.” – David Wilkerson, The Cross and the Switchblade Two events gave a fresh and powerful impetus to the disciples of Jesus after their Master had died on the cross. The […]
A president’s inauguration: joy and questions – June 2014
“Tahya Masr,” Arabic for “Long live Egypt” is the phrase I heard repeatedly as I stood in the long lines awaiting to cast my ballot for Egypt’s president. A statement fuelled by hope, driven by patriotism, and unashamedly declaring a clear intention to vote for El-Sisi, who chose “Tahya Masr” as a very clever campaign slogan. Three long election days […]