Mission Trip to Cairo, Egypt

"Belonging to the minority" by George Atkins

The opportunity to meet and worship with Christians in a society where they’re the minority was an eye-opener. I was amazed by their determination and patience to establish a presence in their community. It seems to me that we will have more in common with the Coptic Church in the years to comes as more religions and philosophies enter into the mainstream of Western culture. We have much to learn about effective witness from our extended family of faith, especially the persistence in and power of prayer. Although Coptic Christians are the minority, their presence is felt due to the love demonstrated to all regardless of faith or social standing.

I was personally moved by a few men who share their visions for church planting. With their hand-drawn maps, they showed us the area they felt called to minister in. They talked about the neighborhoods and people they met. But, unlike a report for school, these men were not trying to get a good grade, their lives were invested in these maps. It made me reflect on

my ministry and how I approach my calling. Am I a hired hand, or do I consider myself a shepherd? Do I run when the wolf comes, or do I lay myself down? These guys see a wolf every day.

It is difficult to see what the long-range impact of this trip is. What it has done is it has given us a resource for mission and evangelism we hadn’t had before. It has given us a perspective on Islam apart from our media and a way to preach reconciliation without doing harm. The gospel will always be offensive, and some will continue to choose other gods, but we are called to continue to demonstrate and preach the love of Christ. This trip confirmed in me that it’s not our job to make the gospel offensive or convince people of the saving power of Christ, that is a job best left to the Holy Spirit. We are simply called to be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us whenever asked, and that’s exactly what the Coptic Church is doing, and well.

-- GEORGE ATKINS