Egypt: Anti-Christian violence provokes military
28 Oct 2011Egypt’s military prosecution has summoned two Egyptian activists for questioning over the Army’s attack on a mostly Christian protest two weeks ago. This is another indication that the Army is seeking scapegoats for the violence that killed as many as 28 people. The two activists, Alaa Abd El Fattah and Bahaa Saber, were due at the military prosecutor’s headquarters Tuesday 25th for allegedly inciting violence, but their summons was postponed until this Sunday, after Mr. Abd El Fattah returns from travelling abroad.
Pray: that Egypt’s military will take responsibility or hold accountable the troops that ran over and shot peaceful Christian demonstrators. (Is.32:16-17)
More: http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/anti-christian-violence-provokes-egyptian-military
Egypt: Alexandria clashes
23 May 2013At least one Christian died and dozens were injured in clashes between Muslims and Christians in Egypt's Mediterranean port city of Alexandria on May 17th. Christian resident Sherif Sedky died of a heart attack during clashes, though some observers claimed he died of injuries. Fighting reportedly erupted late Friday when a Coptic man allegedly sexually harassed a Muslim woman. Soon after residents were firing birdshot and throwing Molotov cocktails at one another. There were also reports that more heavy machine guns were used, but those allegations could not be confirmed independently. Coptic Christians who comprise 10% of Egypt's mainly Muslim population and have complained attacks have increased over the past two years following the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak. The leader of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church recently criticized the country's Islamist president over his handling of recent deadly sectarian violence, giving Islamist militants a free hand.
Pray: for the Egyptian Christians to be a witness to their neighbours. Pray also for missionaries facing the growing threat of persecution to stand strong in their faith
More: http://www.christianpersecution.info/index.php?view=12281bombings-1-2938703
Senior al-Qaeda operative, Saif al-Adel, who is believed to have led al-Qaeda after Osama bin Laden's death was detained on Wednesday after arriving from Pakistan. He is on the FBI's most-wanted list with a $5m reward for his capture. The FBI said, ‘al-Adel is thought to be affiliated with the Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ), and is believed to be a high-ranking member of the al-Qaeda organisation’.
Pray: that this may be the beginning of many prayers being answered for justice and future peace in the region. (Ps.7:14-17)
More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/02/2012229112459825101.html
Egypt: A vulnerable nation
16 Nov 2013The Suez Canal transports Middle East oil to Europe and the West. Egypt also has a major oil pipeline. If both were to be closed by riots or terrorism oil prices globally would inflate. The Sinai is a haven for al-Qaeda-inspired terrorist attacks on the gas pipeline from Egypt to Israel and Jordan. It has been used as the launching point for armed attacks on civilians travelling in Israel’s south and is a launching point for rocket attacks at Israel. Violent clashes are rocking Egypt; heavily-armed terrorists are waging a campaign against the government and allied nations; a sizable minority is suffering on-going attacks. Egypt stands on the brink of a civil war or at the very least sustained civil unrest and sectarian violence. The confrontation between the military and radical Islamists led by the Muslim Brotherhood is not expected to end well. The Brothers (the original modern Islamic terror group and the ideological source of both al-Qaeda and Hamas) are in no mood to negotiate or compromise. See also:-
Pray: against Egypt’s complete collapse and for the Lord to make Himself known to the Egyptians. (Is.19:19-22)
More: http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/dispatch/article/egypt-unraveling/
Egypt: A spiritual battle
18 May 2011
Reports of Christians and Muslims working together guarding their neighborhoods during Egypts’ protests and violence, and an internet image of Christians linking hands to protect Muslims as they bowed in prayer, was remarkable in a country where Christians are often persecuted. Revolution gave Christians opportunities to share the Love of Jesus. However, Sheik Yusuf al-Qaraawi, Muslim Brotherhood (MB)leader called ‘Theologian of Terror’, returned from exile and addressing a vast crowd in Tahrir Square called for ‘war against Israel and a takeover of Jerusalem.’ Within weeks the MB have quickly formed a political party and some are saying they are now preparing to take control of Egypt without having to use force. The MB murdered Egyptian Prime Minister Nokrashi in 1948 and attempted to assonate President Nasser in 1954. President Sadat, ‘promised the Brothers shari’a would be implemented as the Egyptian law’ and released all Brotherhood prisoners. Then Sadat was assassinated by the MB after signing a peace treaty with Israel in 1979. Pray: God’s intervention in these dangerous and confusing situations, for Egypt, Sudan and Gaza Strip to be protected from their manipulation and control. (Ps.92:9)
Egypt: A difficult path to change
17 Feb 2012Parliament spent its first week with riots taking place just outside the main chambers. The Muslim Brotherhood will reveal the names of a coalition government when it forms a new leadership. That move is causing Christians concern. The optimistic view of what the new Egypt will look like for Christians has changed. The General Assembly of the Parliament wears full beards and Christians are saying, ‘For the first time in Egypt we see Muslim Prayers in the Assembly. Because of this, we know that lots of suffering will come, especially because the leadership says they will begin using Sharia law to rule the country. In Egypt at the moment there are many poor people who steal to eat. They can't cut the hands off of millions of people, so they said that when we recover economically, they will implement Sharia.’
Pray: for community development groups that are noted for their open Gospel content to be protected throughout these times of change. (Ps.17:8)
More: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/16825
A mob of over 3000 Muslims have attacked Copts in the village of Kobry-el-Sharbat (el-Ameriya), Alexandria, Egypt. Coptic homes and shops were looted before being set ablaze. Two Copts and a Muslim were injured. The violence started after a rumour was spread that a Coptic man had an allegedly intimate photo of a Muslim woman on his mobile phone. The Coptic man, Mourad Samy Guirgis, surrendered to the police for his protection. Father Boktor Nashed from St George's Church in el-Nahdah, said that a meeting between Muslim and Christian representatives was supposed to take place in the evening in Kobry-el-Sharbat. But, by 3 pm a Muslim mob looted and torched the home of Mourad Samy Guirgis, as well as the home of his extended family and three homes of Coptic neighbours. A number of Coptic-owned shops and businesses were also looted and torched.
Pray: for the believers as they go through transition within the nation and that they will find opportunities to live and work together without conflict. (Pro.10:12
Egypt: 100,000 Christians have left since March
04 Oct 2011In a pattern that follows the exodus of Christians from several Middle Eastern countries a reported 100,000 Coptic believers have left Egypt since the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. The report on emigration of Christians was sent to the Egyptian cabinet and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces warning that this emigration has been prompted by the escalating intimidation and attacks on Christians by Islamists. Emigrating Copts from professional and business classes are not prompted by their need for work, but from fear of the hard line Salafists. Constitutional amendments and Salafist intention to implement Hudud laws (Sharia-based punishments, which include capital punishment by sword/crucifixion, stoning, amputation and flogging). Copts also have to pay the jizya (tax paid by non-Muslims to the state) because they are not first class citizens and can never enjoy full citizenship rights, or obtain sensitive posts. Also churches are being attacked and Christians killed.
Pray: for protection and provision for Egyptian Copts and through a future of hope within a democratic constitution. (Pr.23:15)