Well, I guess some people will like to hear about our camel ride in the shadows of Giza's pyramids, or maybe something about what the Nile river looks like, but Egypt confronted me with something a little more significant. It came in the form of a question that was placed on my heart during our last couple of days, and it sounds something like this: When last has 'going to church' been a decision of laying down your life in order to experience just a little bit more of Him? And when I say "laying down your life," I'm not speaking of the very distant figure of speech, but an up close reality of being in life threatening circumstances.
I'm sitting in a gathering of Egyptian Christians that make my heart want to cry in shame about our nonchalant ways back home. We have forgotten what it means to live out our faith in the sight of death. Here, I have been reminded by some brave and courageous followers of Christ, amidst true adversity, that it means far more to know Him than to live a long and prosperous life.
My amazement grew as I listened to the stories shared by those at the head of the gathering. Stories of serious persecution, physical attacks, even the loss of a few lives along the way. But still they stay true to their faith and the practise thereof. Still they sit around a table, enjoying life's smallest gifts along with some silly jokes.
For "Now to Him who is able..." (Eph 3:20) is far more important than all the difficulty.
I also want to tell you about the way that you'll meet complete strangers in the busy streets of Cairo. A conversation will start off quite hestitantly, for both parties understand that one should choose your words wisely in public. However, sometimes, within a couple of minutes, both parties realise that they are fighting for the same side, so only then can you share who you are and what you are ACTUALLY doing here. How can I describe that feeling of fellowship, praying with your eyes wide open, extremely aware of who walks by or might be close enough to hear. But the joy that is shared is completely unique! The love that flows is, well - real.
I will forever cherish the time spent in this vast country. From sand dunes and palm trees to the overwhelming city of Cairo, there is just too much to mention. But somewhere in between those two worlds lies a very unique gem which I do want to mention. It's called Garbage City. It is literally something like you have NEVER seen before!
When we went to visit the Mokattam Cave Church (where we were also blessed with a free 200m zip-line adventure), we travelled through this maize of garbage. Everywhere you look trash is stacked in heaps and loaded onto trucks or vans. It literally feels as if though you are driving through a dumpster. But in between all of the rubbish, a society exists - a city that lives and breathes... with people all over. There are so many little shops that are run on street level. Young men and women work tirelessly to gather and sort materials whilst the older men sit on the porches drinking tea. What a crazy concept. Yet intriguing like nothing I've experienced before! And to think that the Christian population had to survive by means of this industry (when they were cast out and persecuted), only adds to its wonder.
To reflect on our time here, I'd have to say that God provided a soft landing for our team as we kicked off the year's travels. We were given the opportunity to become quiet and listen to His voice. We could make peace with the fact that we have now officially been torn from home. For some this was a pressing matter, whilst others have started to flourish in the new world that we have entered. One thing, however, is undoubtedly clear - God is constantly at work in and through us, so I can only be excited about the sharpening process that is taking place. We thank Him for His absolute provision and fix our eyes on the next part to which He has called us.
There is merely one World Wonder, and He is called Christ. He speaks every language and binds them together with one - the language of love.