Love Makes a Difference!

If you watch international news you probably heard of Tahrir Square. It’s the Egyptian equivalent of New York’s Time Square. It’s the heart of downtown Cairo, where all historic events took place.  It was also the scene for bloody confrontations that forced many businesses to suspend their services in fear of violent attacks. Well, one church did the opposite. Located right in the square, Kasr Eldobara Church opened its doors to everyone, Christians and Muslim alike.

When the demonstrators were attacked in the square and had nowhere to go, the church turned its courtyard into a make-shift hospital. Many doctors and nurses who are church members volunteered to treat people. The church’s senior pastor, Dr. Sameh Morris, said, “We were worried that the protesters would not have anyone to treat them, and we simply could not keep the church doors closed in this time of need. One of the miracles Jesus did was that he healed the sick, and I believe that it is my duty as a human being, as a Christian and as an Egyptian to help those who are wounded.”

Since all the marches happen on Fridays, Muslim needed to perform their main mid-day prayers. The church opened its doors for the Muslim people to use its restrooms in order to wash up before the prayers.  It was the first time ever for these Muslims to wash up inside a church and they were really touched by this gesture of love and hospitality.

On New Year’s Eve the church had a special service that was attended by Christians and Muslims. After the service, thousands walked out of the church holding candles and walked to the middle of the square where they sang Christian songs and the pastor shared a message about God’s love and prayed for the country.

Yes, there continue to be hate and persecution but it’s no match to the genuine love of Jesus that these Christians are showing to their fellow citizens. I believe people need to be more exposed to the Gospel, especially in regions that do not have Christian populations. The need is huge and overwhelming sometimes. We pray that our coming broadcast will sow seeds to bring a great harvest.