I was sharing with a friend of mine about my trip to Egypt and he said, "you know, it is going to take you a while to mentally process everything, the more you talk about it, the more you will be able to digest everything the Lord was showing you during that trip." Indeed, that was good advice. And so, I am going to try and write down some major impressions about the people places and experiences I had, not just to write a blog, but to really go through and re-live some of the experiences I had there. I hope that you enjoy reading, as I enjoy recalling some events that were really quite impactful on my life. I want to thank my brother Frank, who said that he had something for me for my trip. Actually, it was a small hand held flip video camera that help up to four hours of video. I was able to capture some awesome moments that I think will bless you and also give you a deeper perspective on what the Lord was showing us during our trip. Thanks to the miracle of modern technology, I can share some of these moments with you.
Upon our arrival in Egypt, we were greeted by a former Egyptian Ambassador to the United States. A born again believer, now living in the states. Being raised in Cairo, and still maintaining an apartment there, he travels between the two countries helping and serving wherever he can. He was a fascinating man to get to know and his experience and expertise was invaluable as we moved in and around the city. As we arrived in the Cairo airport, he greeted us, prayed with us, and thank God for our safe arrival.
The trip was organized by Dr. Albert Reyes, President of Buckner International and his assistant Aracely Perez. Also on the trip was Pastor Carlos Alcina of Primera Austin, Ed Alvarado of Hispanic Texas Baptist Men, Pastor Rueben Elizondo of New Life Robstown, Pastor Jesse Rincones of Alianza Lubbock, Pastor Rolando Rodriguez, Director of Hispanic Ministries for the Baptists of Texas, Pastor Rueben and Gail Ortega of Sierra Vista Community Church of New Mexico, and Pastor Jose Gamez of Primera Alfa, Dallas, Texas. This is the group of men God used to help us grow together and experience first hand what the Lord is doing in Muslim countries and how in particular how he is still not done with one of the most famous countries in Biblical history. Here is a short video of our arrival. More will follow, but let me share with you this verse as we get started: "You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices." Leviticus 18:3. Little did we know God was calling to observe, be thankful and appreciate the good old US of A, and learn how we can be a blessing to this Land. Egypt is by far the United States greatest Ali next to Israel in the middle east, but even still, we needed to be cautious. Being Hispanic, we were eagerly accepted and welcomed in this country. When we were introduced to the Arab people, they saw our faces and said "Where are you from?". We responded we are Hispanic Americans. "Hispanic Americans?" We replied: "Yes, you know, Mexicans." "Mexicans? Then you must be our cousins." And so, our middle east experience began. Stay tuned for more, and enjoy the video.
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