The Land of the Cushites

The grandson of Noah came to this land now known as Sudan thousands of years ago. The descendants of the ark-builder settled in the Nubi mountains and became one of the great kingdoms lead by those often referred to as the "Black Pharaohs". In 400 AD Christian missionaries brought the gospel of Jesus to this region, the roots of which can still be found among the modern tribe called the Moro people. 

I was privileged this past month to preach in the town of Dar el Salaam just north of Khartoum predominately comprised of Moro. It was with my friend, Pastor Angelo Naser. Pastor Naser planted the Brethren Independent Baptist Church a decade ago. He has been a faithful servant of God in this muslim land in spite of the religious persecution many have faced for Christ. Many local pastors have recently been imprisoned and their churches demolished by the Islam-strong government. 

I preached for three days for Pastor Naser and another day taught in a local Bible school. The last night we had more than 500 people in the open air just at the front of the church property where 65 souls came to the Lord. The gospel is going forward in the muslim world. We must not become slack in this hour of decision. We must continue to reach the lost in this arid land. As Noah spared the world from a world-wide flood through his obedience, we must reach his descendants in this day through our sending the message of hope and salvation through Jesus.

The Lamb of God in Egypt

There would be no greater violence than an assassination attempt on our Savior when he was but a young boy. Fleeing to Egypt along the Nile River to escape the fierce sword of Herod came Mary and Joseph with the Son of God. More than three decades before his prophesied death, the anger of a jealous King would send the holy family to Upper Egypt looking for assyluum. For most likely two years they would keep Jesus in hiding in this land of the Pharaohs, before finally returning to Nazareth to live out his childhood.

It was this land of refuge that I would come in October of 2016 to help conduct a three-day  crusade with my friend, Pastor Botros Faltaos. It was a joy to be with Pastor John Wilkerson and Deacon Wayne Shaeffer of the First Baptist Church  of Hammond, Indiana. Each night at the revival just south of El-Minya there was a great crowd ranging from 1100-1400 people. Scores of souls came to Christ as there was an English and Arabic service each evening with great music preceding the preaching. The services were aired on the Arabic TV stations called, "The Way". The last two  evening we had a youth service in conjunction with the adult program. During this time, many young people accepted Christ as their Savior. 

The work of God in Egypt is progressing, but needs the prayers and support of those who can aid this great ministry. Pastor Botros has a part in overseeing more than 4 dozen Baptist churches within the Biblical Baptist Church based out of Alexandria. The pastors he has trained or ordained are scattered throughout Cairo, Alexandria, and Upper Egypt. Pray for this needy land that afforded Jesus a place of safety when he was just a child. Pray that as the Christ child found a place of security in this north African land when he was threatened with violence, so today might he find a place in the hearts of Egyptians where the Word of God is being preached. There are more than 90 million Arab-speaking people in this muslim-dominated country that need to find Christ. The gospel still works in the lives of those who will receive Christ. We must reach them while we can.