Greetings Beloved
Today I must end on a disturbing incident in Egypt. It appears that 28 more Coptic Christians, including women, elderly people and children, were murdered today and about the same number injured as their two buses and one truck journeyed to St Samuel’s monastery. They were all shot, some at close range, and killed or seriously wounded.
This was just the latest in a string of recent attacks that have killed at least another 78 in 3 separate attacks at Christian places of worship by Islamic State militants, Gun attacks on homes and businesses in another small Christian community has forced some Christians to flee the area. The Coptic church, based in Alexandria, Egypt, has its roots as far back as with John Mark, believed to be the first bishop of the Coptic Church and writer of the Gospel According to Mark. Today, they represent about 10-15% of the Egyptian population.
We should allow the faith and courage of these Christians in the face of such persecution to inspire us to be true to our calling and live out our Christian faith to a greater degree. Coptics cannot meet, gather together, walk or drive down the street or simply sit in their own homes without the threat of attack. How much more genuine and true should our worship be who live in a free society where we can openly express and embrace our faith?
Thank you for allowing me to share with you another week. We want to say happy birthday to Min. H. Duncan and to Sis. Francis Walls. Enjoy the weekend. Hope to see you in the Lord’s House on the Lord’s Day.
Blessings
Pastor Jordan
