So as you all know there was a bombing that took place in Alex on New Years Eve at a Coptic church. I was abroad at the time and found out a day later about the event. It was heartbreaking to hear such an act took place. 23 families lost dear loved ones. Coming back into Egypt and arriving at the airport, it was just different. I am not even sure how to describe it. I was a little worried about getting back in and such. I knew security would be higher than normal. When I came through the airport at about 8:30pm no one was waiting for any of the passengers. I went through security and out the front doors and that is where you find a mass of people waiting. As soon as I got outside I just had this uneasy feeling, I mean I am used to the stares by now but it just felt different coming into Egypt this time around. On my way home on the main streets I saw people who are holding riots because of what took place. There was a lot of anger after this tragedy not only from the Christians but also the Muslim community. Over the next several days I heard of things that unfolded. Sometimes He uses tragedy to bring good. On the Coptic Christmas Eve service they had "bring your Muslim friend to church" day. Only on this day could you invite a Muslim to come with you to church. So all across Egypt there were churches filled with non-believers. Praise Him for that!
I also had a friend who attended one of these services and she told me that someone who was completely covered (You could only see her eyes) came up to her and said "We are here to support you, we do not agree with what happened." So you have people uniting through tragedy. I read articles about how the Muslims were the human shields at the service and I have talked to a few people that said they did it to raise awareness that not all Muslims are alike. Some say they are doing it just for show and they didn't really mean it. But whatever the case non-believers were in church that week, He used this for good. If one person is saved because others had to go through tragedy that already believed, though how to say, it was worth it.
The day after I got back it was time for me to attend service again. Approaching the building you could see extra security measures being taken. Extra officers and barricades up so no one could park anywhere near the church. Up to this point I had only heard about things going on and I didn't think too much about what it meant to attend church here after the fact. But I was walking to church and this fear just came over me. I am human and I do worry sometimes. I started thinking "What if this happens again and it is our church this time?" The pastor actually brought this subject up at the beginning of service. We spent time in prayer and we prayed for not only the victims of this tragedy but also for our own fear. It made me feel that I was not the only one who was a little fearful. I do know that He is in control; He knows how long my shadow is cast over my life and knows when it ends. I cannot dwell on what might happen and worry about the future. I have to trust that He holds the future and whatever happens is His will.
At life group this week and in service we talked about counting the cost of carrying the cross. Someone brought up that this event that occurred really makes you think that living here and going through some of these things “That I can actually die for Christ.” Something that I never really thought much about in the states. Attending a Christian church here in a foreign country can actually be dangerous. Who thinks of that every day, I know I sure don’t. But know it is in the forefront of everyone’s mind right now. Nothing is going to stop me from attending church here, however it did make me want to stop attending the Arabic Coptic church that I go to about once a month but like I said before He knows my future so it should not come into my decision making about whether I should continue going to a local church here or not. Prayers for safety are always good
J Love you all and I hope you continue to read!!!
