Some people in Egypt are talking about the possibility of another revolution + Tamaroud ('Rebellion') has just claimed over 22 million signatories in the petition for President Morsi to step down. However, there is another important story at a local level.
In many parishes and villages in Upper Egypt there is an amazing witness of Christ's love for all. Earlier today I visited villages near Assiut and met with priests and sisters working with and for everyone. One priest - call him Fr J - was hugged and greeted by a Salafist in his village. Fr J also has many Muslims come to his church on feast days of Our Lady - "for they love Mary" he told me. Fr J is invited to Muslim funerals and weddings. Elsewhere I met Sisters who visit the poor, enable children who are working in the fields to go to kindergarten and are respected and loved by Muslim villagers.
This is the Gospel of love - which reaches everyone through care for the poor, the vulnerable and those in need.
Sister B said: "We are always in need of prayer. Christians abroad should please always remember and think of Christians in the Middle East."
The mission of the Church is alive at the level of the people and their witness challenges and encourages us. As Bishop Kyrillos William of Assiut said: "It is our mission to show love for God and for the people of our country, Egypt."
Please remember all the people of Egypt and Christians in the Middle East in your prayers this Sunday.
Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need
Assiut, Upper Egypt
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