Along our trip through Egypt we had an opportunity to encourage a small Christian economic ministry called
"Shepherds Community Ministry". This ministry provides job education and job skills development to women who are unskilled and are in need of economic opportunity. The women in this organization receive computer training, and other opportunities for economic advancement. Some learn crafts, others software and others learn to set up their own store. The thing which impacted me was that you saw Muslim women, Coptic Christian women and extreme Muslim women who only expose their eyes all working together. This never happens in open society. Their testimony was that this center was more than a training center, it was like "church", because they studied the Bible, prayed and brought their needs to the group together. Below is a video of the testimonies of two women being assisted through a translator. It was amazing to see Christ being shared under the radar of the culture directly to points of need. I was are reminded of the scripture in 1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." God's light indeed show down upon that place. We had the privilege of handing out diplomas of completion for the first graduating class of those who received their training. We also handed them an envelope with a little bit of cash to start their new business. I think that we were more excited than the students were to be part of the celebration and excitement of their new endeavor into micro-economics.
Pastor Jesse Rincones also shared some thoughts about his visit to the Shepherds center.
There are a lot of things that we can learn from a trip like this. For one, a center like this is highly unlikely in light of all the obstacles Christians face in Egypt. However, it did challenge me to think how we could do something similar to this ministry here in the states where we do not have the obstacles which these brethren face in their country. Wow, that gives us something to think about doesn't it?
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