A Knock at the Door in Alexandria
A Coptic Christian father in Egypt was taken from his home for speaking up online, and we remember him as though in chains with him.
On October 5, officers from Egypt's National Security agency, posing as gas company workers, came to the Alexandria home of Sherif Wagih Fahmi, a 41-year-old Coptic Christian engineer. He had objected online to Islam being pushed in Egypt's schools, and he is now charged with publishing false information. His family can drop off food and clothes on Tuesdays and Fridays, but they can't see him or call him (The Christian Post).
The last thing Sherif told his young daughter was that he was going downstairs to settle the gas bill. Today is a Tuesday, so somewhere in Alexandria his family may be carrying a bag of food to a police station, hoping it reaches the man they love.
Scripture doesn't ask us to pity the persecuted church from a safe distance. It asks us to remember them as though we were in prison with them, because we share one body. Sherif isn't a headline from far away. He's family. And the same Jesus who stood with Paul in chains is with him in that cell today.
A prayer for this weekLord Jesus, be near to Sherif Wagih Fahmi tonight. Guard his body, steady his mind, and let him know he is not forgotten. Comfort his wife, his daughter, and his sister as they wait. Give his lawyer wisdom, soften the hearts of those who hold him, and bring him home. Strengthen every believer who is suffering for your name, and make us faithful to remember them. Amen.
One thing to do: Pray for Sherif and his family by name every day this week. Then add one persecuted believer or ministry to your regular prayer list, and consider giving to an organization that advocates for prisoners of faith.
"Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body." (Hebrews 13:3, ESV)
Source: The Christian Post