New Shoes for Our Egyptian Young Men

The view from the bus ride left us asking: "Now where exactly do these boys live?" We searched for the location and found a great group of eager boys waiting our arrival. Shoes for Orphan Souls is a great program that Buckner International does to open doors for the Gospel all over the world. It is hard to imagine how a child feels to have a stranger from another part of the world travel to their land just to put a pair of shoes on their little feet. That was our experience in Cairo, Egypt. It really puts meaning into the phrase: "It is better to give than to receive." As we placed the feet on these little guys feet, we felt like we were 300 ft. tall. Below you can see a video of us doing this to our little friends in a Boys home during our visit.
As we played soccer with the boys and listened to their stories, we were told that the national policy of Egypt is that adoption, especially international adoption is not an option. This teaching goes way back to the days of Islamic law to Mohammed's day, where adoption is frowned upon by society. So, children without parents are usually passed from family to family, or else they hit the street. These boys have an opportunity to receive love and attention until the time they are released into society. So while these are with them, the directors have an opportunity to teach the message of Christ in the Bible until the day they decide to go on their own. The staff were wonderful people and really had a heart for the Lord. While we were not their very long, the memories we made will last a lifetime.

Proverbs 25:25 says: "Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. " What a great opportunity to bear the good news of Christ love across the globe!
Some of the Pastors had an opportunity to play soccer with these young men. Most played in their bare feet. Even Pastor Rolando Rodriguez who was wearing dress shoes at the time, took off his shoes to play with them. They nick-named him "Reynaldo" after the famous Brazilian player, but he didn't bother to correct them. I think "Renaldo" told his congregation that he now does international soccer exhibitions for Christ (Oh brother!). Nevertheless, the boys wanted a rematch once they had their new tennis shoes. But, unfortunately it was time to go. I couldn't help but feel that our lack of communication skills in Arabic, was superseded by the love and encouragement we brought in Christ to these young men.

Transforming Egypt through Micro-economics

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?

My First Day in Egypt - When Muslims call Mexicans "Cousins".

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.