Update on Egypt

On 9 October 2011, Christians taking part in a peaceful protest march against attacks on Christian-owned businesses and a church in Upper Egypt, were gunned down and run over by tanks leaving 26 dead and hundreds wounded.

Scripture-based newspaper campaigns are helping to bring a message of peace to people during these tumultuous times in Egypt.

In the midst of the ensuing national grief, Bible Society responded with a newspaper campaign focusing on Jeremiah 29.7 – “Seek the peace of the city … and pray to the Lord.” This included 16 front-page advertisements in eight major newspapers.

Many people thanked Bible Society for its efforts to promote national peace and unity at such a time.

At the funeral for the victims, which was held at the Coptic Cathedral in Cairo, Bible Society distributed a Scripture selection to those at the service, entitled, Do not grieve as those that have no hope, based on 1 Thessalonians 4. Its staff also visited the wounded in hospitals taking them large-print New Testaments and offering prayer, encouragement and support.

This article is from The Word at Work – New Year 2012.