Salafi party selects new leader; parliamentary elections forthcoming

Egypt (MNN) ― Egypt's new constitution seems to have everyone on edge.

"There's a lot of fear, a lot of anxiety," says Rex Rogers, president of SAT-7, a Christian satellite television ministry to the Middle East and North Africa.

According to Rogers, vague wording could spell trouble for religious freedom.

"Though the regime says the constitution protects the right of churches to exist, it's rather ambiguous…they just don't buy into the idea of a pluralistic and free society," he says.

"So Christians come back, and SAT-7 comes back and talks a great deal about human rights, and freedom of worship, and respect for all people."

Factor in yesterday's election of a new hardline Islamist leader, and believers could face even more challenges in the days ahead.

"There are more Christians in that country than the rest of the Middle East combined," Rogers explains. "So as Egypt goes...it affects the entire Middle East. It's a great concern for those of us in the West, too."

A 58-year-old Muslim cleric, Younis Makhyoun, was chosen in a consensus vote to lead the Salafi Al-Nour party, Egypt's largest ultraconservative Islamist party. Makhyoun was also part of the Islamist-dominated constituent assembly that drafted the new constitution in early December.

The upcoming parliamentary elections are forefront on the newly-elected leader's mind. According to Makhyoun, Egypt's next parliament is "the most dangerous and most important" in the nation's history because its goal will be "to purify all laws from whatever violates Sharia."

The Salafi party was founded by a group of hardline Muslim clerics shortly after the 2011 Arab Spring which overthrew longtime leader Hosni Mubarak. Rogers says some believers miss Mubarak's heavily-biased rule.

Why?

"Because they have stability, some degree of protection, more senses that they were at least able to exist," Rogers explains. "Now, they're not sure where it's going, and whether or not this Arab Spring can turn into a so-called Christian Winter."

Ask God to protect Christ-followers, and pray that more people would find salvation.

"The bottom line is: they need Jesus, just like anybody else...and that's the difference," says Rogers. "You change the future of the Middle East...one heart at a time."

That's exactly what SAT-7 is trying to do through their programming.

"We talk about the Word of God, we talk about Christianity, and we try to give them the voice because it's an encouragement," Rogers says. "When you're a minority… it's very important to know that others are aware of you, care about you, reach out to you in prayer and fellowship."

Rogers says they also try to speak Truth into Middle Eastern culture.

"We try to emphasize Christian ideas without becoming political: Christian ideas of reconciliation, respect and love for others, forgiveness, peace -- those are Christian values."

You can participate in sharing the life-changing message of Jesus Christ with the people of the Middle East and North Africa, too. Just click here.

Egyptian in 'Second Day of Rage'

(Cover photo by Sharif Hassan.
Story photo by MA3T, file footage Egypt protests 2011)

Egypt (MNN) ― A potentially ugly confrontation is brewing in one of the Arab Spring countries.

Friday August 24 has been dubbed Egypt's "Second Day of Anger." The actions of President Mohamed Morsi 12 days ago fueled the tensions.Open Doors President and CEO Carl Moeller explains, "There's a lot of disaffection among Coptic Christians about the one-party de facto situation in Egypt with the Muslim Brotherhood being the primary winner of all the elections and everything that has gone on--the power that's being consolidated in the presidency right now."

Fearing a turn toward an Islamic state, Moeller adds, "Many in Egypt, including secularists and evangelicals, also feel like the Revolution has been stolen, and so they're calling on people to take to the streets in opposition to this 'one-party man' show, they're saying, which, in effect, could be highly confrontational. "

Hostility ratcheted up a notch when the top Sunni Muslim cleric issued a fatwa. His decree labeled demonstrators as "infidel," which essentially legitimized the killing of protestors who were marching in the nationwide rallies.

Christians say all they want to do is restore the objectives and accomplishments of Egypt's historic January 25th Revolution. Being on the streets will be dangerous in two ways, Moeller says. One: if there is a violent response to the demonstration, and two: "As the Muslim Brotherhood, they've called for people to stay home. Those that come out in the streets are obviously singling themselves out as not participating in the Muslim Brotherhood, not listening to their agenda, and it could be violent against, what is essentially, the Christian community."

People are nervous, dreading the potential chaos that could erupt and drag on. "Who knows what tomorrow holds? In something like this, the Church can easily be the target of the anger of a mob because it represents sort of 'opposition' to what's happening politically," he adds, but that's where prayer comes in. "The Church is praying that this protest, this demonstration, remains peaceful. [They're praying] that, on the Christian side, they are not going to do anything to provoke or overly antagonize the government. They're praying that the government shows great restraint in allowing this protest to take place."

The scenario is vague. There could be a swift, irrevocable response. The response could be delayed, or there may not be an official response at all. Moeller says the last time the Christian community was silenced, the end result was not a squashing of faith, at all. In fact, he says marginal Muslims have been drawn to the message of Christ. "The need for Bibles, the desire for Bibles, training, Muslims coming to faith in Christ: those numbers are all way, way up. A lot of the overt Christian ministry has been reduced somewhat because there's difficulty in carrying on programs if there's no infrastructure and no security to carry them out."

Crackdowns would only slow things down, but not stop the advance of the Gospel. The question is: how extreme will the response be?

Egypt is holding her breath, on her knees. Will you join her? Our Featured Links Section has more.  

Egypt's new president makes history again

(Photo courtesy of Jonathan Rashad)
President-elect Morsi.
 (Story photo courtesy SAT7)

Egypt (MNN) ― Egypt's first-ever democratically-elected president, Mohamed Morsi, has already made history.

Now, he'll do it again by appointing a Christian vice president as one of his first acts. He will also choose another vice president who is a woman.

The Islamist figure, a Muslim Brotherhood leader, promised to ensure rights of minorities. Farid Samir, the Executive Director of *SAT-7's studios in Cairo, says despite the show of good will, "Although most of the promises that he had made are positive, it's not the promises. [Minorities] had fears of being treated as second-class citizens."

In a May 12th speech at Cairo University, Morsi said, "The Koran is our constitution, the Prophet is our leader, jihad is our path, and death in the name of Allah is our goal.

"   

However, the greater concern for Christians came from a report Monday from Iranian state media. Samir says, "They're afraid of following Iran's regime because the first announcement he made, he said, 'We want to restore our relationships with Iran.'"

According to the semi-official Fars news agency, Morsi views a renewal of diplomatic ties with Tehran as a way to achieve "strategic balance" in the region. Samir says nobody is sure how far that renewal will go. "They have two armies. One army is the official army, and the other army is to protect Islam and to protect the regime. So we don't know if this is what he means by 'following the Iranian regime' or learning from that."

Then, in what seems to be an about face, Morsi's policy adviser this week emphasized that Egypt "definitely" would not be an "Islamic Republic."

Meanwhile, Egypt's courts suspended a ruling that said the military could arrest citizens, forcing the military back from what was perceived to be a move toward martial law.

What does all this mean? It seems it's an effort to allay fears of sharia, jihad, and religicide. Samir notes, "We can't forget that this Muslim Brotherhood didn't just start now, but it was there for 80 years, working underground. But now, it's official." There's good reason for concern. "There is a lot of fear, also, about seeing the same violent acts against Christians, but this time, with legal coverage."

Christians may face losing more of their voice, more rights, and possibly, face more trouble. Reports of widespread evacuation have already begun to file in.

The greatest concern: who will Morsi be to believers after the "honeymoon" period is over? Samir says, first, "Church leaders are trying their best to strengthen the faith of people trying to talk about higher authority of God over any humans, and that God's will is over all that's happening."

Then, SAT-7 studios in Cairo began offering a forum for viewers. Samir explains, "We started a current affairs show called 'Salt of the Earth,' bringing hope, encouraging Christians to share in the community."

The events of the past few weeks have revealed serious divisions in society, and many Egyptians are stunned. Samir adds that the uncertainty has had an interesting effect on ministry. "They'll talk about our role as Christians in the region, and the important thing is that the churches are full of people now. The same day that they announced Morsi as president, the churches were full of people. They seek God more now."

As an organization that does not take political positions, SAT-7 supports viewers by teaching how they can apply Christian principles to everyday life. In this case, says Samir, "We need this to be effective. We include a dialogue between denominations, and between Christians and Muslims, also."

Biblical perspective helps. It emphasizes the need for an attitude of reconciliation between election winners and losers, as well as a readiness for participating in writing a new constitution. Samir adds, "Fear is not really logical, but when we give some logic, and some biblical facts, it helps ease the fears down a little bit."

In the days ahead, there is a lot at stake. Samir encourages believers to stay involved in Egypt's emergence. It's a painstaking process, and what the nation will look like on the other side remains undetermined. "Pray for protection for the staff and the facilities, for wisdom for producers, for presenters to speak the truth. Pray also...for people to read the Word of God."

*A Christian satellite and television ministry to the Middle East and North Africa.

Christians already leaving Egypt

Protesters already crowd Tahrir Square preparing for election results.

Egypt (MNN) ― Protesters are already in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt. Egypt's Presidential Election Commission announced yesterday they are delaying the results of this week's presidential election indefinitely. The commission says they're investigating election irregularities. Egyptians are in Tahrir Square demanding the results be released.

Rody Rodeheaver, President of IN Network USA, describes the atmosphere. "I'll just quote my director there. He says 'it's just crazy.' He's referring to the atmosphere. He's referring to the confusion. Everything that they thought they had gained has fallen apart."

Rodeheaver says it's not only a confusing time for the average Egyptian, but especially for Christians. He was told that most Christians voted for Ahmed Shafik. "Even though he represents going back to the Mubarak era, they were much more comfortable with him than they were with the Muslim Brotherhood."

Why? Rodeheaver says, "The institution of Sharia Law will basically stymie Egypt's ability economically, politically, and religiously to really have any kind of freedom."

While the elections haven't been announced yet, Rodeheaver says the evangelical church is already feeling the impact. "It was shocking to me when my staff person said, 'In our church, there have been over 60 people who have left Egypt to go to the U.S. to start a new life because of their fear.'"

While that is bad news, Rodeheaver says there has been some good news with all this uncertainty. IN Network has seen growth in leadership, discipleship, and evangelism training. "There has been this period of ability to do ministry unimpeded. The fear now is that that door will shut."

Rodeheaver is asking you to pray for safety for young people as they travel to and from summer camp. He's also asking you to pray for Egyptian churches. "If you're part of a congregation and all of a sudden you realize that 60 people are no longer there, that creates an emotion and psychological barrier." Pray that God will assure Christians that He is at work and that they can stand strong.

If you'd like to help IN Network share Christ, click here. 

Is Egypt on the brink of civil war?

Scene from 29 January. Photo: 3arabawy.

Egypt (MNN) ― The world expects to see some kind of violence despite the official outcome of Egypt's election. The country's presidential election results are expected tomorrow, but the country appears to be equally divided between the Muslim Brotherhood candidate, Mohammed Morsi, and the secular candidate, Ahmed Shafiq.

According to reports, protests were called across Egypt on Tuesday against the ruling military council's bid to grab new powers. Meanwhile, the United States and Britain wants a swift transfer of leadership once the announcement is made.

Tom Doyle with e3 Partners says Egypt is a tinder box. "If the situation isn't figured out soon, I mean there could be a very strong civil war that could last a very long time in Egypt. We already know that there was a whole bunch of corruption in the midst of this election, so politically it's an absolute mess."

Doyle agrees that it doesn't matter who wins the election. "Shafiq, if he's declared the winner, no question I think there's going to be riots. If the Brotherhood wins, Christians, born again believers, nominal Muslims -- all of them live in fear. And I think there will be a lot of activity, too -- a lot of protests, probably rioting -- just like we saw during the revolution."

What's Doyle's prognosis? "I think it's just beginning in Egypt to really unravel with more protests and riots and killings."

While many would believe the evangelical church is stymied, Doyle says the uncertainty has "actually accelerated things. When we were in Egypt, we were hearing stories of more Muslims coming to faith in Christ this year than in any of the Christian leaders could remember in several years past."

e3 Partners supports the church in the Middle East, including Egypt. Your support is vital to providing them the resources they need to help with evangelism and discipleship. Doyle says they also need your prayers. "Pray for boldness for opportunities. And pray that God would stem the tide -- that He would just push it back so there wouldn't be this regional war because it would be very ugly if it breaks out."

If you'd like to support the work of e3 Partners, click here. 

Egypt elections: no clear answers

Open Doors' Carl Moeller.

Egypt (MNN) ― Both parties claimed victory in Egypt's first presidential elections since President Hosni Mubarak was ousted from power. Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi said he received 51%of the vote, while secularist Ahmed Shafiq says he won with 52% of the vote.

While official vote tallies aren't expected before Thursday, President of Open Doors USACarl Moeller says, "The last few days have proven that nothing can be predicted in Egypt."

Moeller says Christians do have some assurances. He says Shafiq "would be more friendly to the Christian community. The unknown factor with the Muslim Brotherhood is, of course, that things would become far more volatile for the Christians."

While reports indicate Egypt's interim ruling military council would hand over power, Moeller isn't so sure. "The military can rightly claim that no one got a clear majority and so therefore they will continue to hold on to power until some other arrangement can be worked out."

Student revolutionaries say the revolution was stolen by Islamists. Moeller says there is some indication that "the Muslim Brotherhood has overreached in their desire to make Egypt a strongly-Islamic state. That said, it's now produced a 50-50 split in the country."

Moeller believes that will produce more unrest and discontent, especially since there's no official national constitution.

For Christians, Moeller says, "The situation for them is grim. They are either faced with embracing a regime that for decades succeeded in persecuting them, or face the prospect of an Islamic-influenced government. The only hope, of course, is in Jesus Christ."

Even though Egypt faces uncertainty, Moeller says the church is strong. "Even in the midst of all of this chaos, the spiritual openness of people to the Good News of Jesus has never been greater in this part of the world."

Open Doors supports Christians in Egypt and other nations where believers are persecuted. Your support is needed now more than ever. "There is fear among Christians. And they need a sense that they are not alone. So it's vital that we meet them in their time of need with food, clothing, and Bibles."

If you'd like to help, click here.

Election results end in arson

Mission Network News: "Egypt (MNN) ― The announcement of the official presidential candidates, following the first round of voting in Egypt’s first-ever democratic election, climaxed in an arson attack.

A mob attacked and set fire to the campaign headquarters of one of the presidential candidates, Ahmed Shafiq, on Monday night after the announcement."

Read more...

Christians poised to help revive Egypt

Egypt (MNN) ― While marches and strikes were called over the weekend on the anniversary of President Hosni Mubarak's ouster from power, Christians believe this is the time they need to be strong. SAT-7 , Christian satellite television in the Middle East and North Africa, is there providing hope.

Director of SAT-7 Egypt Farid Garas says it has been a difficult year for everyone, but especially Christians. 

However, Garas says Christians have been praying for 30 years for what has happened in the church: "freedom of religion, having revivals for Christians in churches -- in the growing church. All that was just a dream for many, but it's taking place now."

According to Garas, much of the information coming out of Egypt is violence and radicalism, but he says that's not all that's going on. "You don't really see what God is doing because the secular media [doesn't] show that. I believe God is going to do more, and SAT-7 has to be there at the front to transfer the other part of the story."

Christians have taken a neutral role in the political realm, which has positioned them to be even more effective. Garas says because of the uncertainty throughout the region, SAT-7 is making an impact. And it's growing. "One year ago, we had one live program from Egypt. This year, in the midst of all of this, we now have eight." They also air a very popular children's program.

SAT-7 is positioned well. "People are starting to seek God. They are confused, so they want to see a different angle. They are looking for comfort, for peace of heart, and this is where the prophetic Word comes through SAT-7," says Garas.

While SAT-7 would like to do more live programming, they're limited. They only have one live studio. They're half-way done with raising money for a project they're calling the Upper Room Studio. "The Disciples received the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room. From that tiny space, the Word of God spread all over." Garas hopes the same will happen from this room.

Garas is asking you to pray for SAT-7 Egypt and to help them financially as well. Click here to help. 

Protestors gather to remind government of revolution demands

Protestors in Tahrir one year later.
 (Photo by Bora S. Kameel)

Egypt (MNN) ― Egypt's military ruler has decreed a partial lifting of the nation's hated emergency laws effective today--the first anniversary of the start of the popular uprising that toppled longtime authoritarian ruler Hosni Mubarak.

The move caps off a wild beginning for Egypt's first democratically -elected parliament in 60 years.

A top priority will be for the chamber to elect a 100-member panel to draft a new constitution, which will have to be put to a vote in a referendum. The next major step in the transition will be a presidential election, scheduled to be held before the end of June.

However, the changes are not going in the direction revolutionary groups wanted. They're calling for mass demonstrations against the military rule on January 25, the one-year anniversary of the uprising that eventually led to former President Hosni Mubarak's ouster. SAT-7 USA President Rex Rogers says, "There's a lot of hope tempered by realism. There have certainly been some positive changes. Things have opened up."

That's a step in the right direction, but it hasn't come easily. SAT-7, a Christian satellite television ministry to the Middle East and North Africa, has an office in Cairo. Despite the weeks of unrest, their team has kept up with the events and adjusted accordingly. Rogers notes, "We've done a lot more live programming. We've tried to interact with people's on-the-ground needs. We've tried to share with them how practical Christianity is for life, and at the same time, continue to pray because we don't know exactly which direction this is going to go."

Daily live TV shows gave an outlet for the building emotional tension. Egyptian church leaders created an opportunity to calm angry spirits, to call for peace and to explain the Gospel. Rogers explains, "We try to encourage people, we try to help them understand how do you stand up for your rights, and at the same time turn the other cheek? We try to get in and understand 'what does the Word of God say?' 'When is it right to do one thing and right to do another?' "

Even as protestors gather in Tahrir Square to remind Parliament of the revolution's demands, Rogers says, "Pray for safety, obviously. Pray for an understanding of individuals different from oneself. I mean that religiously, and otherwise. You pray for people, and have a concern those that do not believe as you believe because ultimately, you want to reach out to them."

Despite a growing sense of disillusionment that's been widely purported, Rogers adds, "Staff is hopeful. They continue to pray. They are optimistic, but at the same time, they recognize there are a lot of political tensions taking place."

SAT-7's five channels include: SAT-7 ARABIC, SAT-7 PARS (Farsi), SAT-7 TÜRK (Turkish), SAT-7 KIDS (Arabic) and SAT-7 PLUS (Arabic). SAT-7 has an estimated 15 million viewers (Intermedia research, 2009) and broadcasts in three languages: Arabic, Farsi and Turkish. SAT-7 can be viewed via satellite in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, much of Central Asia and worldwide atwww.SAT7.org.

Mubarak goes to trial

Ex President Hosni Mubarak carried
 into court on a stretcher as his trial
 resumed Monday.

Egypt (MNN) ― The trial of ex-Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resumed Monday under speculation by many that charges could be dismissed against him. Why? A recent acquittal of policemen tried in the killings of protesters. This could bring even more unrest to the nation still in search of a leader.

Tom Doyle with E3 Partners travels to the region regularly. What happens if Mubark is set free? "If he's set free, they'll be more rioting. I think it'll be worse. So you look at all the different scenarios, and none of them look like they have positive outcomes, which is kind of sad for Egypt."

Mubarak was a stabilizing force in Egypt, even for Christians. Doyle says the replacement for Mubarak's government hasn't been good for Christians. "Now that we've got the [Muslim] Brotherhood surging forward--and now even the Salafis, which is even more radical, it's not looking good for Egypt. For Christians I think it can only get worse."

However, there is good news. Doyle says many Egyptians are turning to Christ. E3 Partners was recently in Egypt to train 300 national Christians. "Many of them had been believers for only a couple of years. And, talk about a passion to get the Gospel to Muslims!"

While 85% of Egyptians believe Muslims leaving Islam should be killed, Doyle says, "Here are 300 young people getting training on reaching out to Muslims, how they are going to disciple them, how they are going to place them in house churches. It is very exciting to see these young people who have said, 'The church is the answer, and we're going to [take] Jesus to every village. We're going to die trying if we have to."

In the meantime, E3 Partners is intimately involved in training these believers. Doyle says they need your support and encouragement. "Even in these terrible political times, the church is being called out. Muslims are coming to faith in Christ. So, go to the E3 Web site and pray, and even go on a trip and work in the area, or support some of the team there."

Click here if you'd like to help.