Q: What were the differences you saw between the Christians in Egypt and America?

A:My first impression was that the church of Jesus Christ there made me feel like family. (See 1Cor 12:12‑27.) I was called “Uncle Huck” by children on day one. Although Christians in Egypt are politically, economically and religiously oppressed beyond description, our brothers and sisters were generous beyond expression. I didn’t see a western‑looking person for two weeks, but never felt alone. One brother opened his small shop at midnight insisting I take clothing for my family.

It was embarrassing to be treated like a celebrity only because Egyptian Christians hold America in such high esteem, calling it a Christian nation in a high tower. America is still very blessed although no longer a true Christian nation. The danger for Egyptians is that some assume Christianity is what they see on television. The truth is they have more than they realize.

I spoke in semi‑underground house churches for two‑hundred miles along the Nile almost every night. I was cautioned in some areas of Cairo to speak English in stairwells of apartments in order to conceal my nationality. I walked through dark narrow streets and up many flights of stairs, only to open doors where I was suddenly overwhelmed with the warmest Christian love you could possibly imagine.

Average services begin with one hour of worship, followed by one and a half hours of corporate prayer, followed by bible study. Full course meals were then served at 11 p.m. They treasured the Sunday school drawings from our children and hung pictures of our church on their refrigerators. People speak Arabic but wanted to say something heartfelt when I was leaving their meetings. When one man stood in front of me in Com Bish saying, “I miss you,” they all tried to say it.

When I taught on biblical marital relationships, it was so new that some men wept and many repented of previous behaviors. One man stood up and approached me to speak. My interpreter said, “He is repenting and wants you to lay hands on him in prayer.”

After another bible study I saw men, women and teenagers hugging for ten minutes, begging each other and God to forgive them for harboring bitter feelings. This went on for two hours that night. The place and the people were filled with the Holy Spirit to overflowing measures. We need this attitude here much more than we need one‑hour services to accommodate our day planners.

This trip was like the Book of Acts. Today we have many friends along the Nile River. The only difference is material. May they perceive their value.

What’s more, they now receive the Calvary Corner along the Nile via e‑mail.

Ben es me Isua