A number of Christian churches in Egypt have been attacked by radical Islamists. According to Mounir Sobhy Yacoub Malaty, the pastor of First Baptist Church of Cairo, two Baptist Churches have been attacked also.

The Baptist Church in El Minya was damaged partly, the Baptist Church in Ben Mazar, Minya, was entirely damaged. Under the first attack the Ben Mazar Baptist Church lost its outside sign. The local pastor and his family who lived in the church building managed to escape and found shelter in the neighbour’s home. During the next attack the radical Islamists broke into the building, robbed it, burned down its sanctuary, the office and the school classes. According to pastor Mounir Malaty, attacks to Christian churches have not stopped until today.

In spite of extreme difficulties and devastation of the country, “God has used the response of the Christians who call to forgiveness to the attackers as a witness to our neighbors. Non-Christians are impressed and talk and write about the uniqueness of the Christian spirit”, says pastor Mounir Malaty.

As the violent unrest in Egypt continues, pastor Mounir Malaty calls on his fellow brothers and sisters to pray

• that the nightmare of blood shading might stop;
• for God’s protection on his people especially in Southern cities of Egypt where the conflicts and attacks have been severe;
• for the mourning families who lost people regardless of their background;
• for Christians of all churches to get over their fear and receive God’s assurance of peace and joy in their lives;
• that the Lord may provide for those who lost their businesses to start over;
• for the church to see this time as a time to share with their neighbours the only sure source of security;
• for pastors and leaders to be able to take the right decisions concerning church schedule, programmes and activities;
• for the political leaders of the country that are working under severe pressure.