Harvest Connection Impacts Christian Leaders in Egypt

AIMS News: Posted 8/1/2005

An evangelist, "Moses" had walked down the streets of a village in a Christian sector of Egypt dozens of times. Although many of the villagers had been registered as Christian at birth, many did not know Jesus Christ personally. He began to sing old hymns from the Egyptian Orthodox Church. About 50 people gathered around, singing along and clapping. After a few songs, Moses shared the Gospel and introduced them to a personal relationship Jesus Christ.

Many Christian leaders have been involved in ministry, especially in satellite television which is very popular in Egypt. However, very few have made initiatives to reach out to the unreached around them. But several ministry leaders would like to see that change.

"These leaders are involved in all aspects of ministry, but they want to come together for something new that will make a difference," said "Philip," AIMS Team Strategy Coordinator, who recently taught Harvest Connection to 30 ministry leaders in Egypt. "The Harvest Connection really opened their eyes to see the unreached reached in their own country and other nations."

After the seminar, several of the leaders shared their desire to combine their ministry efforts and begin reaching out cross-culturally. Christian festivals in villages like the one Moses visits often attract more than just the Christian population and provide an opportunity to share the Gospel in a safer environment.

One of the strongest Christian populations in the Middle East, Egypt has a Christian heritage that dates back to the Apostle Mark, who evangelized the entire nation in one year. The Egyptian Orthodox Church dominated Egypt until the Arab Muslim Conquest of 640 AD. Since then, Islam has gained momentum and eventually took over the government, making evangelism to people who are not registered Christians illegal.

Philip plans to return to Egypt in 2006 to follow up on their ministry efforts and provide them with more training opportunities.