Today, the elections have begun in a post Mubarak Egypt. It is the first time that free elections have been held within the country for over 60 years. Leading up to this vote, it has been a year marked with violence, protests, demands, with hopes and fears for the future of this great country. The conservative Muslims do not see this simply as "the Arab Spring," they see this as the "Muslim Spring." They see this as an opportunity to move a somewhat secular country to become more conservative within Islam, to the point as some hope, radicalization. Today every radical Islamic group is represented in Cairo. This comes on the heels of continued news of anti-Christian activities within Islamic groups. It is caused great concern for many Christians, and yet there is great faith in the Lord for His watch care upon this country.
As we look at the elections, there are several hopeful signs on the horizon within the political field for the Christians and against the Muslim Brotherhood, and other more radical conservative Islamic groups. "The Free Egyptians Party," created after the Mubarak ouster by communications billionaire Naguib Sawiris, has set itself up as the polar opposite to the Islamists and allied itself with two smaller left-wing parties - the Social Democrats and Tagammu. With this position they are taking, there are hopeful signs in pre-election polls, showing they are doing well the secular intelligentsia and with Christians who fear a loss of rights within a more conservative Islamic government.
Why do we at Indigenous Ministries in the US and Middle East, see Egypt as a key to the Middle East in seeing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ shared in this region? Egypt is known to be one of two pillars within the Middle East, and the Islamic communities. The statement is "As Egypt goes, so goes the Middle East." If you're a history buff as I am, you will see that great military and political leaders over the last three millenniums sought Egypt as the key to controlling all of the Middle East. It is also interesting to note that only second to references of Israel, Egypt is spoken about more in Scripture than any other country, and the Lord's heart is for the people of Egypt.
Example: Psalm 87, speaks of Rahab, the poetic name for Egypt as the country along with others that acknowledged the name of the Lord. In fact the Psalm goes so far as to "register the People's" of Egypt, as those who were born in Zion. God had a place in the lineage of Jesus Christ to come from Egypt, and now in these last days, I believe that Egypt will go through first difficulties and challenges, and then will be a pillar of the witness of the Lord Jesus Christ to the Muslim world as spoken about in Isaiah 19.
I'm asking that you would pray today for the beginning of the elections that will replace the government of Egypt. Today begins a three tiered voting process of the lower house, scheduled for today and tomorrow for the first tier, then the second and third will take place in December and January. The conclusion of the voting process will be in July of 2012 for the President of the country. As I've had the privilege of being in Egypt several times this year, beginning in February during the times of the protests against Pres. Mubarak, I have seen the military doing a good job of holding the peace within the country. I would ask that you would continue to pray for those who are watching over the country during this transition time.
What can we do?
Pray; God is in the position of hearing and answering prayer. We are asking that we would fit in with His plan and purpose as we uphold our brothers and sisters in Christ, and also many Muslim friends before the Lord in Egypt.
Partner; in the last eight months Indigenous Ministries has been partnering with our national brothers and sisters in seeing seven church plants established in the upper, or southern part of the country take root. The result of this is that over 1,400 people have trusted Jesus Christ as their personal savior in the last 8 months. Each one of these churches has a congregation of 200+ new believers, and some of them are topping over 500. The cost to support an Egyptian church planting Pastor is $500 a month for two years. At the end of this time this church will be able to support her pastor, and will again partner with us and also with in denominational ministries for the furthering of church planting work within the country. Partner with us with $50 or $100 a month or a full $500 to support one church planter per month, through Indigenous Ministries.
Participate; we have two trips planned to travel to Egypt In 2012, and if you are interested in non-tourist ministry travel into this country, please contact me. For further understanding as to how to partner with us, please contact our ministry office, or me personally for details.
Thank you for bringing the country of Egypt before the Lord in your prayers, our many Brothers and Sisters in Christ in Egypt, are very appreciative of your standing with them today, before the Throne of Grace.
Proclaim: If you are interested in having one of our Indigenous Ministries staff members coming to speak at your church, or a retreat, or other meetings in 2012 regarding this topic please contact me or our Ministry office.
God Be With You
John W. Cook
Executive Director
Indigenous Ministries