Experiencing Egypt!
The great desert heat greeted us warmly, “Welcome to Egypt”. In Cairo we met up with a missionary, and as an introduction we got our first traditional Egyptian meal, take away, to eat on the Nile. We were also prepared for our time in a town called Qussia, where we will be spending the next ten days.
In concern for our safety, a police escourt accompanied us to Qussia. The endless desert, and a few camels and donkeys reminded me yet again that I am in Egypt, the country where Moses and the Israelites wandered through for 40 years. Since then this Biblical country has changed a lot. The remaining Christians are even persecuted and treated unfairly because of their lasting faith.
We stayed in the bishop’s house, or rather palace, and were treated like kings and queens. The youth of the church were busy with an art project on Revelation, so I helped them as they painted and drawed, shaped and cut, chatted and laughed. I made some good friends, and learned a lot from them.
In the evenings I taught an English class at the church, together with 5 other World Racers. We also went to the ERC meetings, which is the English Readers’ Club. Amongst the discussions we had, was an interesting one about freedom, what it is and if all Christians are free in Christ, even though they are slaves to righteousness. I enjoyed it so much to hear the Egyptian Christians’ opinions and views on different subjects, to share my own opinion, and to teach them English.
Our group was taken on a tour through the old monastery and church, experiencing their culture even more. Their summer program was running, so we saw the kids choirs practising their Arabic songs for the finals.
We had the privilege to attend 3 church services in the time we were there, and also to listen to two sessions of teachings from the respected and honoured bishop Thomas. It was amazing to be able to see the life and culture of these people, and to help and encourage them in their walk with Christ. God truly touched both their hearts and ours, joining us all together as a united body of Christ with the main purpose of loving and serving God.
