True Freedom is Egypt’s Challenge | 308 | Report 21

Of Egypt’s 82 million inhabitants, the vast majority are Muslims; approximately 10% are Christians. Most of the Christians are of ancient Coptic tradition, but there are also some 900,000 spread out among 48 different denominations, including Protestant, Catholic and other Orthodox churches. Also there are many Christians among the 3 million Sudanese who sought asylum in Egypt from the long, horrific civil war.

Although the Christians in Egypt are faced with serious problems, they are growing stronger, and this has led them to become more open in witnessing. Many Christian children are receiving a strong biblical education, which is preparing them for their future. Christian literature, the JESUS Film, radio, tapes, satellite television and the Internet are powerful tools for witnessing to Egyptians. Consequently there have been serious backlashes from the Muslim majority, the authorities and the police. Many of the evangelicals worship in “underground” churches.

The “Egyptian Spring” appears to have been largely a movement for freedom against the excessive power of the State, controlled by the Islamists. The danger is that the military will allow the Islamists to again take control under a semblance of democracy, thus nullifying the freedoms so many fought for. However, in recent years a number of prominent Muslims have chosen to accept the teachings of Jesus and recognise God as He is presented in the Bible. Family members often threaten their lives. They risk losing their jobs and everything else.

Source: Revival Media; CIA Factbook; Global Prayer Digest

BIBLE STUDY: Micah 5:4

PRAISE: God for the Christian witness in Egypt and the Muslims who are coming to Christ. Pray that God will stop the Islamist controlling agenda, and that many Egyptians may know freedom in Christ.

Children want time, not money; the web is good for your brain; and girls just want to have fame.

Weekly News Review from a Christian Viewpoint.

Patrick Woodward talks to Catherine Butcher editor of the Mothers’ Union “Families First” magazine,   about the latest news from a Christian perspective.  Today, a survey of children find that they want more time from their parents, rather than money, and most would bring up their own children differently.  Also,  surfing the internet is as good for your brain as crossword puzzles among older people, and the main ambition among girls is to have instant fame, thanks to the messages of modern media.

Story links:

Children want time, not money:

inthenews.co.uk  Children want time, not cash

careforthefamily.org.uk  Care for the Family

The web is good for your brain:

bbc.co.uk  Internet use ‘good for the brain’

cnn.com Google does a brain good

Girls just want to have fame:

telegraph.co.uk Girls just want to win the X Factor

telegraph.co.uk  “Who are we to judge?”

barbara-follett.org.uk  Barbara Follett, MP

China and Burma in the media spotlight, 'girl crime' on the up, and flexible working frees parents

18th May 2008
Weekly News Review from a Christian Viewpoint.

Patrick Woodward talks with Editor of the Mothers Union ‘Home and Family’ magazine, Catherine Butcher about the latest news from a Christian’s perspective. Today, a look at China and Burma and their contrasting attitudes to foreign countries, ‘girl crime’ is reportedly on the up, and parents free to care more for their kids, because of flexible working hours.

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Mistrust in Burma, mistrust in the media, and Sir Cliff's new book

11th May 2008
Weekly News Review from a Christian Viewpoint.

Patrick Woodward talks with Editor of the Inspire Magazine Russ Bravo about the latest news from a Christian’s perspective. Today, Mistrust in Burma, mistrust in the media, and Sir Cliff’s new book.