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The CEOSS field workers are well aware of the economic situation
in Egypt, since they spend their days working with residents of
some of the poorest Egyptian communities. In Beni Ahmed in Upper
Egypt they see how people suffer from intestinal parasites. In
Itsa they work with mothers whose infants suffer from malnutrition.
In Kom Ghorab, they know the 10-, 11-, and 12-year-old child laborers
exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals in pottery kilns and tanneries.
In Madinat El Salam, they witness the suffering of disabled individuals
shut in their homes, unable to fulfill their potential. They see
the harmful physical and psychological effects on young women
of female circumcision and early marriage. In all of the communities
they see the effects of illiteracy and work to encourage children,
especially girls, to continue their education. Praise God for
the vital work done by these dedicated Egyptian Christians in
empowering people to break the bonds of poverty and experience
God-given fullness of life. Pray that their work will continue.
During this season, I ask you also to pray for the efforts of
all those who are working for justice and peace in Palestine and
Israel—for the Israeli leaders who have the courage to criticize
the destructive policies of their government toward the Palestinians;
for the Israeli military personnel who refuse to participate in
unconscionable actions against residents of the West Bank and
Gaza; for those who are promoting the Geneva Accord and its potential
to move the possibility of peace forward; for all those at the
grassroots involved in non-violent activities and demonstrations
against brutality and terror; for the journalists and newspaper
managers with the courage and integrity to write about the reality
of life in Palestine and Israel. In the last month, activities
in all of these sectors have converged to renew my belief in the
possibility of change, the possibility that God will answer these
prayers.
Next week Charles and I will go to pick out the little shrub
that masquerades as a Christmas tree here. Closer to Christmas,
the mission volunteers and young adult volunteers living downtown
at Ramses College will come to our apartment for dinner and games.
Charles and I will have the opportunity to attend two or three
Christmas musical performances at various churches. We will do
a little shopping. Hopefully, the dirth of Christmas activities
and consumerism here will encourage us to keep in the forefront
the fast of God’s choosing, the one that will make our light
break forth like the dawn.
Blessings and peace to you all in this Christmas season,
Nancy and Charles
The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
318
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