Arson a 'small price to pay' for Egyptian pastor

(Photos courtesy SAT-7)

Egypt (SAT-7) ― Days ago, SAT-7, a Christian satellite television service to the Middle East and North Africa, aired footage of Egyptians worshipping in the remains of the Evangelical Church of Beni Mazar.
Located in the town of Minia, it was one of over 80 Egyptian churches targeted in violent attacks during August. This special episode aired as part of the SAT-7 program, "My Church."

Dark smears mark where flames licked the outside walls of the church building after arsonists set it ablaze. The charred hull of the interior is crumbling and peeling where wood and paint previously existed. Singed wiring hangs loose from the ceiling.

On August 14, Rev. Hany Jacque received a phone call notifying him that angry rioters had broken in the door of the church. For seven hours, the rioters stole furniture from inside, broke the glass windows, and burned the church's books, including its Bibles. They also looted and burned its community services building next door, which had provided medical and financial assistance to all the residents of Beni Mazar, regardless of their religion.
Rev. Jacque reflected on the destruction, "The Church is not walls and buildings. The Church is us, the people of God. They burned and destroyed the building, but it will never be possible for them to burn and destroy the Church because the Church will remain forever. If this was the cost for the God's people in this place, that's alright. Pay it, because God's people must always speak the truth.... This is a small price to pay for us to speak the truth."

During the service aired on SAT-7 this week, congregants filled the desecrated building with songs of praise and the words of Scripture. Congregants sang, "Jesus, we bless Your name." They joined hands and prayed that God would accomplish His will in the Church. The song leader encouraged the congregation, saying, "The joy of the Lord is your strength...God's glory in the midst of the Church is a sign for what is coming in the land of Egypt. The Church will be filled with glory."

Rev. Jacque preached a message from Haggai 2. He read encouragement from the Word to the congregation, saying, "‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the Lord Almighty." Toward the end of the service, Rev. Jacque asked Church members to forgive the rioters. He quoted what Jesus said of His attackers on the cross: "They know not what they do."

The Reverend emphasized that while they would have a new building, it was just as important that all things become new in their hearts and their thinking. Another church member closed in prayer, saying, "We turn our eyes today from our surroundings to Your lordliness.... Lord, we pray today for everyone who wronged us, with all love: for each one who extended his hand with an axe, for each one who extended his hand with fire, or stole from the Church."

Attacks targeting Christians intensified after former president Mohamed Morsi was removed from power.

Dr. Terence Ascott, SAT-7 CEO, reflects on the response of Egyptian Christians: "It is evident that the almost universally non-violent response to these attacks (the worst assault on Christians in Egypt for almost 600 years) has greatly impressed many Muslims. This has been a very public turning of the other cheek by the Christians of Egypt and a very public act of obedience to Jesus' injunction for His followers to 'love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you' (Matt 5:44)."

Some Christians are leaving Egypt in hopes of economic opportunities and security, but there is also a spiritual revival taking place among those who remain. Programming Manager George Makeen, an Egyptian citizen, is optimistic about the new opportunities that the revolution brings. He says, "People try to find ways to co-exist and live together, as they now feel responsible for their safety and their future. There are still drastic troubles of lack of trust and misunderstandings, but I think we are moving forward toward knowing and respecting each other."

Makeen sees improvements in education as the key to a brighter future for Egyptians and believes a SAT-7 program could shed light on this. Current public school curricula do not provide an accurate presentation of national history or teach the components of a democratic system.

Given the opportunity, Makeen would also arrange for SAT-7 to do more filming in rural areas to raise awareness for the problems residents outside the cities face. In the meantime, SAT-7 provides a broad platform for reaching and teaching Arabic speakers throughout the region with Christ's message of hope and reconciliation.

Overcoming persecution with the Egyptian church

(Images courtesy SAT7)

Egypt (SAT7) ― On July 3, when millions of discontented Egyptians toppled their president (again), current affairs show Bridges was prepared with episodes addressing implications of the week's events. In fact, Bridges had been airing episodes discussing the June 30 protests before they even occurred.

The producers of Bridges felt it was important to continue live broadcasts throughout the summer. At the SAT-7 studio in Cairo, host Dr. Ehab Kharat interviewed politicians and social activists, asking them to discuss the challenges that would face Egyptians in the coming months. Some of the topics they addressed were the poor state of the economy, the prevalence of corruption, changing the constitution, and holding elections.
In the weeks following President Morsi's ouster, angry Morsi loyalists attacked over 80 churches, burning many to the ground and killing a child in front of her church. They also looted and attacked Christian business establishments, apartments, and schools. In some instances, Muslims stood by their Christian neighbors to protect them and decried the attacks.

In response to the horrifying attacks, Bridges sent a filming crew 700 kilometers south of Cairo to Al Dabia, one of the villages affected by sectarian tensions. Women tearfully explained that police removed them from their homes, leaving their husbands to be tortured and die. Church leaders in this particular village were crushed because their longtime neighbors stood by without helping, while Christians were attacked and their buildings looted.

George Makeen, Programming Manager for SAT-7 ARABIC, describes the powerful episode: "Testimonies of people who lost their beloved ones and who lived these hours in fear and pain were heart-breaking. In this episode, we talked about the way to social justice and reconciliation. We discussed the danger of using violence to implement political demands and agendas."

SAT-7, a Christian satellite television ministry to the Middle East and North Africa,  purposed to provide those affected with an opportunity to grieve publicly.
Rev. Dr. Safwat Al-Baiady, President of the Evangelical Churches in Egypt and Deputy Chairman of the SAT-7 International Council, has appeared on past episodes of Bridges as a guest. He notes that Christian schools and hospitals are open to people of all religious backgrounds.

During the civil unrest from the end of June through July, Christian field hospitals even treated members of the Muslim Brotherhood who had perpetrated attacks on churches. The agony of persecution created opportunities for Christians to show their attackers the meaning of forgiveness and unconditional love.

Church leaders throughout Egypt, including Rev. Dr. Al-Baiady, have emphasized that the Church is a body of people and not a building. In the face of persecution, he says, "Our purpose now is to show mercy.... We care for people, not buildings. We can restore the buildings, but we cannot restore a person who is killed or injured."

One of Al-Baiady's greatest concerns is for the young children. He asks, "What kind of children will they be when they grow up? So I say, please don't lose a generation. The children, the coming generation, will be affected by all the scenes they are watching." There are many voices trying to shape the minds of children in Egypt right now. For parents, monitoring the influences in their children's lives can begin with television in the home. As Egyptians look to stay informed and find answers about their changing nation, SAT-7 ARABIC offers a biblical perspective on events that is appropriate for family members of all ages.

Currently, the Egyptian army is fighting militants in the Sinai Peninsula and has taken off the air several television channels connected to the Muslim Brotherhood. However, Executive Director Farid Garas reports that attacks on Christians have subsided elsewhere in the country: "The attacks on churches have stopped, and security is returning to the streets. The good thing about what happened is the unity between Egyptians."

Join us in praying that God's Spirit of peace and love will unite Egyptians and empower them to overcome the persecution of past months.

More action on behalf of kidnapped Syrian church leaders

(Image courtesy SAT-7)

Syria (Vatican Radio/MNN) ― From Vatican Radio, the following statement regarding the April 22 kidnapping of two Archbishops Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim Metropolitan of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo (and also a SAT-7 International Council Member), and Boulos Yazaji Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo:

An unknown group has abducted them without claiming its responsibility until now, neither announcing the reasons for the abduction nor knowing their place.

We the Syriac and the Greek Orthodox Archdioceses of Aleppo and in coordination with our two Patriarchates in Damascus, express day after day our sadness and increasing pain about the abduction and the absence of these two eminent Prelates, and to what they represent in terms of their holiness, their local and international rank, their active role on all levels including the spiritual, the thoughts, the academic, the education and the social; but above all the humanitarian work which they were carrying within the current crisis which is engulfing our country Syria.

Today, and after one month of abduction, and despite all the prayers and the supplications in the local churches and worldwide; as well as the calls, the statements and the efforts from the Christian and Muslim organizations in the world and the international community, we renew our request for the abductees to revise their action, fear God, and release the two Archbishops without hurting their health or physical situation; and release all other abducted priests and innocent civilians. One month in abduction is more than enough for the two Archbishops. As it is painful for them in their abduction, it is also painful for all the faithful of their two communities, the people of Syria and the world. The continuous abduction of the two Archbishops is damaging the structure of Syria in its diverse components and its long history of coexistence and citizenship. Such a catastrophe will be remembered and recorded in history, likewise the devastating and the grief of Syria. Such acts will not terrify us because we are the sons of the "Resurrection." We trust that the mercy of the one God whom we all believe in, will guide the abductees and induce them to release the Archbishops without any pre-conditions, because there is no price that equals the freedom of the two Archbishops, and no condition equals their safe return to their communities and churches.

We renew our supplication and continue our prayers with solemnity to our God for the release of the Archbishops, the priests, and all those who are in abduction.

Seven days ago, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan met with His Eminence Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim. Church leaders asked him to use his clout to get answers on the whereabouts of the two abducted Archbishops, find out who the kidnappers are, and secure release.

According to the news release from the Archdiocese, "His Eminence also personally delivered a private letter to the Prime Minister about what is believed to be relevant facts surrounding the kidnapping and potential whereabouts of the Archbishops. The Prime Minister, through a translator, said to His Eminence that only criminals and terrorists would even think to kidnap holy men and agreed to work toward their release. Prime Minster Erdogan clasped the hand of Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim for a few minutes and added, "Inshallah, they will be released soon."

Meanwhile, during their discussions and international deliberations about Syria, six members of the U.S. House of Representatives circulated a petition on a letter addressed to Secretary of State John Kerry asking him to prioritize the release of the two kidnapped Archbishops. So far, they have 72 signatures.

In the meantime, SAT-7's production team has been tailoring programming to allow a forum for concerns and questions regarding the situation in Syria. Staffers take the opportunity to pray with viewers as well as share biblical truth and wisdom. Please continue praying for the men's safety and release. Pray for wisdom, too, for the SAT-7 team as they address the bishops' critical situation.

Wading through misinformation on Syrian bishops

(Image of "Kermalak" host courtesy SAT-7)

Syria (MNN) ― Pressure is increasing for whoever is holding the Syrian bishops to release them.
Last week, two Christian Syrian bishops were kidnapped on their way to Aleppo--Syria's largest city--after a humanitarian trip to Turkey.

The abducted individuals are Greek Orthodox Archbishop Paul Yazigi and Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim, who is also a SAT-7 Board member.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. However, there are a number of news reports speculating about a connection with Chechen fighters. The group is reportedly allied with Nusra Front, which was merged with al Qaeda in Iraq, according to the U.S. State Department.

However, a SAT-7 Syrian co-worker was quick to note that misinformation about the kidnappers has been fast and furious since the bishops disappeared. He added that the Chechen connection was made because the bishops were traveling through an area where Chechen fighters were rumored to be.

At this point, SAT-7, a Christian satellite television ministry to the Middle East and North Africa, is taking their cues on this developing story directly from the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo.

The SAT-7 programming team is gearing the program called "Kermalak," (which means "Just For You, Syria") toward the issue, allowing believers to call in, ask questions, share concerns, and pray.

Christians account for around 5% of Syria's population. They have become increasingly vulnerable to attack and abductions in the lawlessness that has engulfed much of the country since an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad erupted two years ago.

Turmoil in the Middle East spreads

(File photos courtesy SAT-7)

Middle East (MNN/SAT7) ―Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has called for a nationwide peaceful demonstration today to condemn insults to Prophet Mohammad from an amateurish film.

The announcement followed the attacks against U.S. Embassies in Libya and Egypt. Demonstrators also attacked the U.S. embassies in Yemen and Egypt (again) on Thursday. The spreading turmoil was a response to a film they consider blasphemous to Islam.

An investigation has begun into the events surrounding Tuesday's attack on the U.S. embassy in Libya, which resulted in the death of the U.S. ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. Eight Libyans were injured in that violence.

Protests also erupted in Iraq and Iran, as students in Tehran protested outside the Swiss embassy. In Bangladesh, Islamists tried to march on the U.S. embassy in Dhaka but were turned back by police. There were also reported protests at U.S. missions in Tunisia, Sudan, and Morocco.

The film may have been the vehicle used to stir up tensions, especially in light of the September 11 anniversary. SAT-7 CEOTerry Ascott says, "That reaction is inflamed by people who have a vested interest, like Al Qaeda, in exploiting people's anger at the West. It's a bit of a coincidence, one might say, that this flared up all within hours in Egypt, in Yemen, in Libya, in other places. It seems somewhat orchestrated."

Security was being increased at U.S. diplomatic stations around the globe, but what about ministries? "There have been specific threats against, for example, Egyptian Christians in Yemen and churches and Christians, in general...anyone who is a ‘cross worshipper,' as they say in the street."

Ascott goes on to say, "It's not the people that are making the movies or the cartoons in the Western world that pay the price for their enjoyment of free speech. It is the Christians in the Middle East that bear the brunt of the reaction that inevitably comes."

Throughout the Middle East and North Africa, it's a common belief that Christianity is a Western religion. Therefore, when trouble occurs similar to what's happened this week, entities with Western connections are targeted, and that includes ministries.

SAT-7 has an office in Cairo. When asked if there was a contingency plan for the staff, Ascott first said, "We do have heavy fences and cameras and security people around our building, but it certainly would not be enough if a mob decided to attack the building."

However, Ascott went on to explain that they're also being vigilant. "If there are signs of trouble, we would try to evacuate our staff from the premises before that got out of hand. But we don't have armed guards on the building to protect it from a riot."

Still, the staff is putting together programs that will address much of what has happened this week in the region.

Interestingly, the SAT-7 ARABIC team had already begun a series of programs called Forbidden, which address issues relevant to North Africa. Presenter Emad D. is a Tunisian poet and pastor. The inspiration for the program comes from John 11:35, "Jesus wept." Emad wants to show the Arab world that Jesus cares about them and weeps over them.

Emad hopes to use testimonies to demonstrate that the Church is spreading all over the world, and longs to see equality between people of all religions--with more respect for new believers. Ascott states that the program aims to overcome negative perceptions of the Church.

Another team is doing a live show on Saturday. Ascott says, "In the situation with the Middle East where there are so many agendas, so many tensions between so many different groups, we're trying to bring reconciliation through better understanding, advocacy of forgiveness, and so on--some of the things that are unique in the Christian Gospel."

Pray wisdom for the production teams. Pray for safety for the staff. Pray for peace to return. Pray for open hearts.

Egypt scolded over religous freedom issues

(Story photo courtesy SAT-7)

USA (MNN) ― This year's International Religious Freedom Report notes that sectarian violence had increased in Egypt, despite efforts by the government to ease tensions.

The report denounced "both the Egyptian government's failure to curb rising violence against Coptic Christians and its involvement in violent attacks."

Despite promises from Egypt's new leader, President Mohamed Morsi, "to be the president of all Egyptians," Christians are unsure.

Still, there are steps in the right direction, notes Rex Rogers, President of SAT-7 USA. "The new president in Egypt has extended an opportunity for two Christian leaders we know at SAT-7, to work with the new constitutional committee whenever that group finally begins its work."

That's a unprecedented move. It spurs hope. "It seems like he's followed through with his pledges of diversity and pledges to recognize Christians and other minorities in the government as it's being formed. That's quite positive, but you need to wait and see what happens."

Egypt's recent history can be hard to understand unless there's perspective. Rogers says, "When you watch something like the Middle East every day, and with things revolving so rapidly, it's like going on a diet and checking your weight every day: it goes up and down, and it fluctuates. You can be encouraged one day and discouraged the next. You need to do it once a week, and really you need a bigger perspective on what's happening in the Middle East and what's happening with politics."

At least one in ten Egyptians is a Christian. With the government leaning toward a greater reliance on Islamic principles, it's no wonder a significant part of the country has post-election jitters. There are those who are wondering about what the Christians believe, too. It's a good place for SAT-7's programming.  They're a Christian satellite television agency to the Middle East and North Africa.

Rogers explains that their teams in Cairo adjusted programming to create a public forum to handle the nervousness. "We've done live panels on issues. In particular, how Christians can turn the other cheek, as the Scripture indicates, but at the same time, stand up for their rights. How do you do that in a Christian way, and how do you balance those seemingly contradictory ideas of how to live out your Christian faith?"

Farid Garas, the Executive Director of the SAT-7 studio in Egypt, has said, "SAT-7 has played the role that it should... presenting hope through faith, encouraging people to trust God, who is in control."

As an organization that does not take political positions, SAT-7 supports viewers by teaching how they can apply Christian principles to everyday life. Says Rogers,"We simply talk about 'Who is Christ?' 'What does He mean in your life?' [We] have testimonials of people whose lives have been changed and again, we get great response. We get people contacting us in a variety of ways, talking about their new-found faith and new commitment to Jesus Christ."

Keeping Christians involved is helping to shape SAT-7 programming. It emphasizes the need for an attitude of reconciliation, as well as a readiness for participating in writing a new constitution. Interestingly, it is that approach that has kept them safe in a time of turmoil. "SAT-7 has not been directly threatened, harassed, or pressured in any way has there been any suggestion that we need to curtail what we are doing, in terms of operating as a Christian ministry."

In essence, Egypt is a country searching for hope. Wishing for change fueled the uprisings, but investing the Truth is what makes the difference. Rogers says, "Life is just difficult. You come along with Christianity in a way that they've never heard before, you come along in terms of how Christianity can make a practical Christian worldview difference in their everyday lives in addition to salvation. It's a blessing of living the Christian life. People perk up and respond to that. It is hope."

Pray that God will bring peace and justice to Egypt through those who govern this country. Pray for the church as it disciples and supports Muslim-background believers in secret. Thank God for the prayers of Christians and the increased unity between denominations.