Egypt is well known for its pyramids, Pharaohs and the Nile. It is a country that has barely changed for hundreds of years and at the same time it is rushing ahead to become westernised.

The current President has improved troubled relations with Israel and other Arab states. However, this delicate political balance is challenged by a rising support for Islamic fundamentalists, who have made attempts on the President’s life. In recent years Islamic extremists have also targeted foreign tourists in violent attacks in an attempt to bring their cause to the world’s attention.

Sharkeya, a remote town north of Cairo has been closing the digital divide and bringing access to the Internet to thousands of young people. Young web designers have created 1,400 websites both in Arabic and English.

The Church in Egypt has survived for nearly 2,000 years, despite times of discrimination and severe persecution! Praise God for his faithfulness in Egypt.

Pray for Egypt’s government, courts and police. Pray that they would implement laws that are fair and humane for all.

There have been Coptic Christians in Egypt for over a thousand years and it is by far one of the biggest groups of Christians anywhere in the Middle East. Pray that Coptic Christians today would be filled with the Holy Spirit and have a strong relationship with God.

Persecution of Christians is on the increase. They can face intimidation and police brutality and some of died at the hands of Islamic extremists. Pray for courage for Christians to stand firm in their faith.

Egyptian Christians could play a unique role in reaching other Muslim lands in the Middle East. Pray for vision and resources that would equip people for this strategic challenge.

Millions of Southern Sudanese have fled to Egypt from the long civil war in Sudan. Many are struggling to survive and find their way in Egypt. Pray that God would meet all their spiritual, emotional and physical needs.