After finishing the master’s
in theology in Middle Eastern Christianity at the Evangelical
Theological Seminary in Cairo, I have decided to “retire”
or, as one of the young adult volunteers said, “be promoted”
to full-time student. While working in the master’s of divinity
program at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, I’ll
also be near my two grandsons who were born while I was in Egypt.
I thank God for all these blessings.
As the actual day of departure draws near, I am gathering in
all the memories of people and their life lessons that I have
received as a PC(USA) volunteer and mission co-worker in Egypt.
Working with the people of God, I have received so much more than
I have given. As the round of farewells and parties progresses,
I think first of how much Egyptians have taught me about true
hospitality and generosity. This is hospitality with the emphasis
on total caring for the guest with the words “my house is
your house.” This is the hospitality that Jesus would have
known and experienced.
Just a couple of weeks ago, the young adult volunteers and I
had the opportunity to visit the monastery of St. Antony in the
Eastern Desert near the Red Sea coast. St. Antony and the Desert
Fathers are credited with starting the first system of Christian
monasticism. The quiet and isolation of the desert reminded me
how Jesus also went into the wilderness or the desert to pray.
Taking time to meditate and pray without distractions is another
Egyptian experience I hope to continue in the States. I hope to
find the equivalent of the desert encounter with God and to continue
to develop spiritual depth in this way.
The Coptic Orthodox Church had its start in the first century.
Tradition has it that the Disciple Mark established the church
when he visited in Alexandria. The Coptic Orthodox Christians
first persevered and endured through Roman persecutions. Next
they persevered and endured through the coming of Islam as military
power and then as political authority. In present times, the Coptic
Orthodox Church is thriving and in a period of revival. Since
it is practically impossible for Egyptian Christians to visit
Jerusalem, the Coptic Orthodox Church has stressed that Egypt
is the land that Jesus visited. The Coptic Orthodox have renewed
their early Christian practice of pilgrimages to the Holy Family
sites. The Orthodox Church demonstrates in Egypt a phenomenon
Christianity has experienced throughout Africa—that adversity
and challenges may indeed mean growth and dynamic revival. That
the easy life usually means complacency in faith is a truth I
hope to take with me to the United States.
Egypt was the land of refuge and safety for the Holy Family about
2,000 years ago, and now it has become the land of refuge for
the Sudanese from their war-torn country. Feeling the hurt and
sensing the hope of the Sudanese refugees has been a major part
of my life as a member of St. Andrew’s Church in Cairo.
I hope to take with me faith that brings hope even for those in
seemingly hopeless situations.
The Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) is our Egyptian partner.
The EPC seminary in Cairo is growing and strengthening to provide
the pastors needed for the future. The Synod of the Nile schools,
including Ramses College for Girls and New Ramses College, continue
to strive to provide quality education despite restrictions placed
by the Ministry of Education. However all the Christian churches
are fearful that they are entering an unstable and difficult period
with the gain in seats in parliament made by the Muslim Brotherhood.
Future faith and political relationships are uncertain. I will
take with me a passion for the Christians of Egypt and will continue
to work with Egyptian Christians through prayer and any other
capacity.
I hope to see all of you within the coming year as I visit you
in your homes or in your churches.
Blessings,
Carole Landess |
