Egyptian Christian Leaders Ask Believers to Pray for Country's Political Unrest Amid Times of Crisis
This weekend, millions of Egyptians will come together at the presidential palace zone in the Heliopolis district, northeast of Cairo to call for the resignation of President Mohammad Morsi, and Egyptian Christians are asking fellow believers to pray.
Over 15 million Egyptians have signed the "Rebel," (a petition of sorts) requesting the president, who has only been in office for a year, step down and make way for new early presidential elections.
"The picture of a chemical reaction comes to my mind when I try to analyze what is happening on the ground in Egypt now...liquid substances in one jar and a strong flame underneath," said Michael (real name protected), an Egyptian Christian leader, according to Christian Newswire. "The heat of the flame together with the heavy dark smoke produced of the reaction of the two substances gives a warning alert that a possible explosion in most likely to happen."
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"On one side, the Rebel movement of volunteers is working every hour preparing for the large demonstrations and related activities that are expected to sweep the country this Sunday. They are urging Egyptians who oppose the rule of Morsi and his regime to participate in the national protest. On the other hand, Morsi and his supporting parties of Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists are also working extensively to fight against the Rebel campaign by stirring up their submissive followers to attack the campaign volunteers and offices by words and deeds," Michael continued.
According to Michael's testimony, the situation in Cairo is very tense as many people are against the president. He says political talk shows are figuratively "launching missiles" at each other to see who will strike first.
Adding to the chaos, Egypt is experiencing gas, electricity, and water shortages that are distracting from major political issues, and leaving Egyptians with questions no one seems to be able to answer.
"This unsettled situation has forced many people in Egypt to fall victims to fear and panic due to the unknown," states Michael. "Sadly, a considerable number of Christians (or at least those who say they are) have also lost hope. The living church in Egypt continues to cry out on the name of the Lord, day and night, so His will should be done throughout the current dilemma. We only see hope in the assuring and comforting shining face of our Jesus, whose presence can't be mistaken. The Lord is good."
"Christian leaders in Egypt have asked the worldwide Christian church to join with them in prayer for the country," says Jerry Dykstra, spokesman for Open Doors USA. "Pray that violent confrontations will not take place. Pray for no loss of life or injury. Please also pray that Christians may continue to shine with love and peace in uncertain, tense times."
