A Future of Desolation – or Hope?
Young Christians in Egypt are being worn down by relentless persecution. Their faith – and the future of the church – is under threat.
Baher* was just 13 when he left school to start working in one of Upper Egypt’s deadly stone quarries. His family was desperately poor, but employment options were limited because of their faith. Baher knew the quarry was dangerous – but he had no choice.
Within a week, Baher’s arm was severed in a horrible accident. Then his brother died on the job too.
Grinding, relentless persecution caused Baher to lose his education, his arm and his brother – and it destroyed his faith.
“I hated myself and I hated God. Why did He choose me to go through agony?” said Baher. “When my brother died, my heart was torn apart and I lost all hope.”
The tragedy is, Baher is not the only young person turning their back on God. In Upper Egypt, believers endure humiliation and rejection. Christians are driven into the most dangerous, low-paid jobs. Across the Middle East, persecution is robbing young people of their future.
Baher lost his arm in the stone quarry.
The faith of a generation is being crushed – and the consequences for the church are unthinkable.
Baher’s future looked desolate. But he also had another future, full of hope and purpose. It just needed someone like you to take him there.
Baher is among hundreds of quarry workers supported by Open Doors’ partners, thanks to you. Start-up funds helped him launch a sheep-breeding business and enroll in a discipleship programme.
“I blamed God for my family’s trauma, but you supported us,” said Baher. “Now we are thankful. If you had not backed me, I would not have changed. You lifted my morale and restored my relationship with God.”
Today, other persecuted Christians still working in perilous conditions in the stone quarries need your support. You can provide them with practical support to remain in their homeland and keep the church alive.
Your gifts and prayers can rewrite futures. “We stopped blaming God,” said Baher. “Now we worship him instead.”
*name changed for security reasons
Will you rewrite the future for persecuted young Christians in Egypt?
Pray
Pray for Baher as he looks forward to a future of hope, faith and purpose.
Pray for strength for all young Christians in Egypt.
Give
Your gift could help train and disciple vulnerable Christians, to strengthen their faith.
