Christian
church services in the areas Kusner visited were conducted
in houses because the government forbids meeting in a
traditional church structure.
“In
the 1993 earthquake 200 churches fell and the government
wouldn’t grant permission to rebuild
them,” he said. “I ended up meeting people who have literally
laid their lives on the line for Jesus.”
Most
of the Egyptian population is located along the Nile River,
Kusner said.
“There
is nothing to the east or west. We traveled up the river
for 200 miles stopping along the way to visit Christians
in each town. You’d think in 200 miles you’d find a bad
town. Not there.
“The
people were incredibly generous. Many of them cried because
a westerner would visit them. You’d think Billy Graham
had come to town. In two weeks I never saw another westerner.
I
stood out like a sore thumb.”
Kusner
said the people were amazed because he didn’t want anything
from them.
“In
the past people have gone over there and exploited them
in the name of Christianity. I told them ‘I came here
to encourage you all because I believe God sent me. In
the body of Christ we are all the same.’ They’d never
even heard basic scripture teachings. They fell apart
because they feel so inferior.”
Egyptian
Christians believe America is a high tower, he said, unreachable
for most people.
“America
is like the Land of Oz to them.”
“They
appreciated it because they realized the financial stress
a trip like that created and the stress to the family.
It made them feel equal. They made a great effort of showing
their appreciation the whole time I was there. They literally
threw food at me everywhere I stopped. I ate until I couldn’t
eat anymore.”
Ramy
Kamel was Kusner’s host and guide throughout the trip.
A
42‑year‑old pharmacist, Kamel was totally
immersed in the teachings of Christ, Kusner
explained.
“He
discipled to the people in the most natural way. He had
no religious training, no seminary degrees, but he was
teaching the Bible to anyone who would listen. A true
disciple of Christ.”
Christian
Egyptians live in an atmosphere of government versus religion
every minute of the day, Kusner said.“For them to be a
Christian, they count the cost more than Americans. For
all the level of poverty, their commitment is so different
from ours. I came away from there with a wonderful impression
of how God meets people’s basic needs.”
Kusner
writes a weekly religious column for The Desert Advocate.
