A light in the darkness—persecution and the Prince of Peace

In a recent update we learned that the Bible continues to inspire future generations of Christians in Egypt, even as they witness their parents’ great faith in the face of relentless persecution, violence and death.

Nearly two years ago, Marqos’ father, Baghat, was killed for his faith in Jesus. Marqos recalls how “he was forced to kneel down in the street and convert to Islam. When he shook his head [no], he was shot dead.”

Marqos was devastated by his father’s murder. Even so, his father’s faith and willingness to give his life for it sparked Marqos’ curiosity, inspiring him to start spending time with God like his father did, praying and reading the Bible daily. Marqos is now very involved in his church and his mother, Fawziya, testifies to the radical transformation in her son’s life.

“If he doesn’t understand a verse, he comes to me and asks about it,” she says. “And we pray together.” Fawziya is certain that Baghat would have celebrated the change in their son too, sharing that “this is what my husband and I have always prayed for together: that the Lord would touch [Marqos’] heart and pull him closer to Him.”

The transforming power of God’s word is evidence of the hope of Emmanuel, God with us, whose presence is shining a light in the darkness in even the most dire of circumstances and difficult places. Like Marqos and Fawziya, there are countless victims’ families who need support this Christmas so that they can receive the training, housing, food, and work they need to continue to live safely and sustainably where they are.

Your prayers for the protection and strengthening of our brothers and sisters in Egypt and other places of persecution are critical. This Christmas, your generous gift of $50, $100, $250 or more will contribute to our Maximum Impact Fund, supporting essential resources like persecution training, supplementary food packages, and safe houses, equipping our brothers and sisters like Marqos and Fawziya to persist in difficult and dangerous places as they continue to shine a light in the darkness.