Celebrating 75 Years of Ministry in the Land of the Pyramids

A land known the world over for the engineering marvel of the pyramids and the national focus on the River Nile is home to a thriving ministry led by Bishop Samir Shehata Rizk. In this ancient and historic country the Church of God of Prophecy recently celebrated 75 years of powerful ministry. A delegation comprised of General Overseer Randall Howard, General Presbyter of Europe, Middle East and CIS, Clayton Endecott, Global Outreach Director, David Bryan, and Media Coordinator, Kirk Rising, joined Bishop Samir, pastors and members from across the nation in a celebration service at the Shoubra church in Cairo. Bishop Samir, who has served as national overseer of the churches in Egypt since 1987, links his personal story of calling and service with the growth of the church in this predominantly Islamic country. The church has been able to gain government recognition as a social society which provides a legal umbrella for many of the church’s evangelistic, training, and humanitarian activities. After many struggles throughout the years it is clear that the church in Egypt is growing now having 24 churches and 2400 members along with 1885 children in Sunday School. The church also has 20 ministers registered in the Evangelical Council. Brother Samir testifies, “The Lord could prepare us through many things to use us in his work; we must submit ourselves to him to use us as he wants. We thank the Lord for his using us in many ways, and he gave us his strengthen to serve him.” He also expressed his great appreciation for the participation of the delegation in the Diamond Jubilee festivities: “Your coming was such a great honor for us, and great blessing to us. We felt a great joy to be with us to see the Lord’s work in our country. It was a great fellowship to be together at the presence of the Lord.”