CAIRO: We finally got through to Moufid Tohme, our Middle East contact in Beirut today. Moufid told HotNews that things in Cairo are obviously in turmoil. Huge anti-government demonstrations fill the streets as can be seen on the news. The disciples in Cairo are all doing well, but they are facing obvious dangers. There is little police protection. When the jails emptied out, neighborhoods had to team up to form security brigades. Hunger is driving many to steal and loot.
See this phone interview with Moufid as he updates us on the situation with the disciples in Cairo and Beirut.
The disciples are all OK. They remain in contact daily with sister congregations in the region. While the President announced today that he will not seek another term, there is still much concern and uncertainty. Moufid (pictured at right) told HotNews that while they are thankful that there has not been any persecution of Christians or churches, there is still tremendous fear in the city as mobs and demonstrations move through the streets.
The Cairo church has 130 disciples, and their faith is to be commended. Let's pray for their safety, and for peace in Egypt and the Middle East!
BEIRUT: The situation is much calmer. The church had planned a big invitation service with Douglas Jacoby as the guest speaker. The day the demonstrations occurred Doug was still able to speak to roughly 150 people. The city has calmed down since then. Amman, Jordan is also calm.
Mike Taliaferro