Christ Jesus... Masked by the Veil

Dearest Persons,

Today was Friday. Sabbath. And what a beautiful Sabbath it was. This morning I joined my Orthodox Christian Coptic brothers and sisters in worship near the pyramids and was overwhelmed by Christ. Often I have found myself looking for God in this city and seeing him at a distance, or all of a sudden feeling Christ and find myself in awe that, "Oh yeah, Jesus DOES live here too!" I think this is because the city is so different than anything I've experienced ever before and I have to really look hard in order to find traces of Christ in the Islamic city around me. And when I look for him, I find him... That's biblical, too!! Jeremiah 29:13-14 says - "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord. These words filled my notebook this morning in my worship and I'd like to share them with you... I think they create a good picture of Cairo and the way I have seen God over the past two weeks.

The pyramids firmly in place testify to wonder
The peoples' tongue articulates wisdom
The city is filled with a groaning and intense longing
The hurt is vast, the fear and filth widespread
Confusion is evident, Noises never cease
Yet behind the mayhem, the colors, the glory, the shame
There You are waiting to be seen
Your fingerprints are all over the goods brought to market
Your smile gleams through the spark cultural differences
Your breath flows as the smoke creates smog, seeps into our lungs and hovers around us all
Your touch is the beauty of a Welcome!, the thrill of eye contact
You paint the sky with mosque towers
Revealing Your heart of love for all who pray within
Traces of Your will are found as I look beyond me
And see a place, a people, inhabited by You
Even though it feels like you as well, are masked by a veil

May you seek God this week and may you find him, and may traces of him in our very "Christian" society cause you to just stop and praise him! And this week may you intentionally not take the freedom you have to worship Christ in America for granted.

I was struck this morning by the faith the Coptic Christians profess in that it is absolutely illegal to evangelize or spread Christ. The church I went to this morning was built 17 years ago and they had to build a wall before they built the church so that noone would know what they were building. Then one day government officials came with guns and bulldozers to knock it down and the priests stood in front saying, "Over our dead bodies will you knock this church down!" Muslims (contrary to popular ignorant American belief) do NOT like blood-shed and think that killing is unnecessary. They do, however, threaten and persecute the church here but rarely resort to killing. Finally, that day, the officials left and the church still stands today. However, to protect the church, 2 guards stand outside with guns to make sure that only Christians enter. This morning, the priest told us a story after the service about a Muslim woman who tried to come to church. The guards would not let her enter not knowing her intentions. THEY TURNED HER AWAY FROM CHURCH!!! We would NEVER turn away someone who is seeking Jesus, but they HAD to in order to protect the church. Can you imagine? This story expands on that... Several months ago a priest disappeared one afternoon and no one, not even his wife, knew where he was. 48 hours later his wife got a phone call telling her he was in a prison and that she could come and see him if she wanted. Apparently, the week before he had baptized 3 new converts into the faith, I think 2 of whom were Muslims... that is illegal... and one of the Muslims had been faking it and the priest disappeared. These Christians are risking so much... and yet still they come to church. What faith they have! Oh, to love Jesus like they do!

I really mean it when I tell you not to take for granted the worship we have in the States. We are FREE!! We do not have to fear spies, or even political unrest all around us, nor do we live in a country that doesn't recognize us as a body of believers. We are FREE! Practice your freedom with careful adoration and thanksgiving this weekend. And may you be reminded to pray for the Church of Christ that extends beyond the walls of denomination or tradition and is persecuted and struggling in all the world around you. Pray for these Christians. That they would continue in their faith midst the difficult circumstances and that they would stay strong. And pray for me, that I would have opportunity to encourage the body of Christ, the church, while I am here in Egypt.


I hold you in my heart!
In His Mighty Grip,
Your Kara Joy