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A letter from Nancy Collins in Egypt |
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December 2004
Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room
when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame? How long
will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds,
and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.
6 There are many who say, "O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!"
7 You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain
and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O
LORD, make me lie down in safety.
Psalm 4
Dear Family and Friends,
The scripture above, Psalm 4, was recently used as the basis
for worship music at Heliopolis Community Church. After the experience
Charles and I had at the Hilton Resort in Taba, Egypt, in October,
verse 8 reverberated in my soul. October 6 is an Egyptian holiday
and Charles’ school also took October 7 as a holiday, so
instead of trying to hustle up childcare for Charles for October
7-8, I decided to take a little vacation. Fellow Rhode Islander
and long time friend Tom, who lives in East Jerusalem, agreed
to meet us in Taba, which is equidistant from Cairo and Jerusalem.
Taba is on the Red Sea, and the Hilton is famous for snorkeling
because of the easily accessible coral and tropical fish. I decided
to drive, my first experience driving more than two hours from
Cairo. It wasn’t a problem. We arrived at the hotel around
3:00 p.m. and checked into our room. Tom arrived by 4:00. After
he checked into his room, the three of us spent time enjoying
the views of the Red Sea and exploring the facilities, then we
had an early supper. |
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"As a result of our experience in Taba, I know that Charles’
sense of safety and security has been damaged. We recognize what
many Americans discovered on Sept 11, 2001, and what people in
many parts of the world have long known—the world is not
a safe place."
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About 9:30 p.m., after a stroll along
the beach, Charles decided to go up to our room on the 9th floor
to watch some television. Tom and I had tea on a patio above the
swimming pool. It was a balmy night. We were chatting and people-watching
when suddenly there was an enormous burst of light and a deafening
explosion. I saw a cloud of dust sweep across the pool area. As
Tom stood up from where we had huddled on the furniture, his shirt
was instantly soaked with blood, the result of a puncture wound
near his collarbone from flying debris. My disbelief at what was
happening was immediately replaced by terror for Charles. Unable
to access the hotel because of demolished elevators and stairs,
I was forced to return to the patio area and, amidst all the chaos
and confusion, simply yell for him. Miraculously, as I learned later,
he managed to force open the jammed room door and, barefoot and
alone, descend nine flights of glass and rubble-strewn stairs, exit
from the back of the building, and walk around the building and
swimming pool area to find me. |
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As a result of our experience
in Taba, I know that Charles’ sense of safety and security
has been damaged. We recognize what many Americans discovered
on Sept 11, 2001, and what people in many parts of the world have
long known—the world is not a safe place. It has become
increasingly unsafe. Military might and economic domination, injustice,
stereotypes, misinformation, and misunderstandings in a time of
globalization have all contributed to this dangerous situation.
In this new millennium, acts of violence can occur anywhere. Anyone
can be a victim.
The day before we left for Taba I accepted some new responsibilities
with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). I am now spending half
my time with CEOSS and half with Joining Hands Against Hunger.
This relatively new program attempts to address root causes of
hunger in eight targeted countries by building networks that engage
in education and advocacy. Each country network is linked with
a PC(USA) presbytery partner. Through exchange visits and ongoing
communication, folks in the presbytery develop friendships and
in-depth understanding of their overseas partners. The Egypt network
is linked with the Presbytery of Des Moines, Iowa. So I am currently
in the middle of a significant learning curve involving people,
tasks, and network functionality. Through the interaction of network
partners, I am sure East-West understanding will grow. Perhaps
through this hands-on experience I will have an opportunity to
contribute in some small way to creating a more caring and just
world.
Many thanks to all of you who have been praying for us. I ask
that you continue to pray for healing for Charles, wisdom for
me, and justice and peace in the Middle East.
May the peace and joy of the Christ child fill your hearts during
this Advent season.
Much love,
Nancy and Charles
The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
318
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