Egypt (MNN) – The recent arrest and interrogation of a Christian university student in Egypt underscores concerns over continued persecution of religious minorities in that country. The US State Department and prominent NGOs have called for government action to address the issue. 

Meanwhile, the broadcasting ministry of SAT-7 continues to permeate Egypt. John Cerniglia, President of SAT-7 USA, says religious freedom and resource access is tied to personal faith origin.

“You can walk into a church, if you’re born into a Christian family, and you can worship in that church without fear.”

But it’s often a different situation for Muslim-background believers.

“That’s where, from what I understand, a person can face harassment, detention, persecution,” Cerniglia says.

While Christianity has deep historical roots in Egypt, Cerniglia explains that the specifics of that history are not universally recognized or valued by Egyptians. 

“If you’re not born into a Christian home in Egypt, you might not be taught – in fact I’m pretty confident you haven’t been taught – about the history of Christianity in your country, he says. “We find it helpful to remind people of the history of Christianity because that can be lost in some of the conflict.”

Cerniglia and the SAT-7 team hear a prominent plea from our brothers and sisters in the Middle East and North Africa: that we would remember them in prayer. 

“Pray as we’re facing persecution. Pray as we’re facing isolation,” Cerniglia says. “Sometimes those things, tragically, are coming from their own families. And sometimes of course, it could mean they lose their jobs as they seek to bear witness to the glory of Jesus Christ.” 

As you pray for the church in Egypt and the broader MENA region, consider taking another step by partnering with SAT-7. 

“To sign up for our free prayer calendars and to join us in periodic prayer meetings, you can find us at SAT7usa.org.” 

 

Church of St. George, Cairo. Courtesy of Ahmed Samir via Pexels. Cover photo courtesy of Selim Graphy via Pexels.