Egypt is a land that figures significantly in the story of God’s plan for the future. Isaiah 19 foretells of a day when God’s dealings with Egypt would literally change the world. Current events indicate that this “day” is upon us.
The world has watched as a revolution of prophetic proportions took hold in this ancient nation. As the revolution has gripped the people, more and more are turning to the Lord for answers to life’s questions. We are living in a day of unprecedented opportunity for ministering to a country that desperately needs what we have to offer.
The churches of the South Carolina Baptist Convention have a vision to impact the world through missions partnerships and mobilization. “South Carolina Baptists: A Witness to the World” was adopted in 2009 and began in 2010. The international locations where our convention has focused its prayer and mobilization efforts are: Delhi, India; London; REAP North in Peru; and with North African and Middle Eastern peoples (NAME). Many have answered the call to go, and we are seeing results of changed lives.
This year, the focus of NAME is turning toward Egypt. The invitation has been accepted to focus our prayers and mobilization in this country of 84 million people. Partnering with the churches of the Egyptian Baptist Convention is strategic. We will be cooperating with Egyptian churches that have an understanding of language, culture, history, and current context that outsiders can never fully attain. These churches are filled with believers who want to be used of God and see their churches glorify God in the deepest possible way. However, these churches need our help.
As believers grow to understand and love an Egyptian church, they will become increasingly burdened for the people of Egypt. They will have the opportunity to join God by encouraging pastors, modeling bold ministry, casting God-sized vision, helping develop the next generation of Christian leaders in Egypt, molding strategic thinking, and strengthening the churches for difficult days.
Contact the missions mobilization group of the South Carolina Baptist Convention for information on a Great Commission missions partnership for your church. Information is available online at www.scbaptist.org/missions or by calling 1-800-723-7242, ext. 4800.
– Editor’s note: This article was co-written by SCBC and International Mission Board staff.