Going to Church in Cairo

First published January 30, 2009

 Life in Cairo has several adjustments but one of the most difficult are the weekends. In Egypt, Friday is church day and Saturday is a leisure day. Sunday is the start of the work week. In fact, when we first arrived I heard a radio DJ ask his listeners, "Why do you hate Sundays? Call in and tell me why." I stopped and thought, "What?!" Then I realized that Sunday is like our Monday.

We plan to attend 2 churches while we are here in Cairo. One church will be an English-speaking church for Westerners or ex-patriates. The girls will be able to attend youth group, make friends and plug in. The other church will be an Evangelical, Arabic-speaking church that provides English translation. This will help us learn new vocabulary, understand church culture and make Egyptian friends.

Last Friday, Emileigh had a terrible stomach virus so I stayed home with her while John and Aria ventured out to visit the international (English-speaking) church here. This group of believers hail from countries all over the world. Some work in embassies, others in church-related organizations and still some just work regular jobs and like to attend. The services are offered at 4 different times. We chose the Friday 11:15 am service.

The location of the church is on the other side of the city where most Westerners live. John and Aria took a taxi. The taxi driver drove and drove and drove. He was unfamiliar with the area of town that they needed to go so he asked directions. He stopped again and asked directions from a police officer. The police officer asked to see John's passport. John pulled out the small portfolio he keeps his and Aria's in and retrieved the information. To John's shock, he pulled out Emileigh and Pam's passports. He had brought the wrong ones. The police officer was not happy. He didn't speak English and neither did the taxi driver, but through gestures they made it very clear that if he didn't have the right one next time he would go to jail. What a way to start your day.

He motioned the driver on and pointed up the street. They were dropped off at a corner that had several ex-patriates filing into a gate. John paid the taxi driver and was dismayed that the ride across town was very expensive. The gate had several policemen surrounding it. (I found out later from a fellow worker that every place of worship has a heavy presence of police on attendance days.) They attended service and reported that they had a good time and even met a couple from Texas.

Metro Station

The next Friday, we were all well and looked forward to going together. This time we took a taxi to the subway and rode to the other side of town for a considerably cheaper amount. We just have to plan to give ourselves 45 minutes to an hour for travel time. We met a fellow worker on the station platform and she directed us to the church. We walked for quite a while avoiding blockaded streets where certain ambassadors lived--namely the Israeli ambassador. 

We arrived at the gate of the church, passed the posted policemen and were greeted by Sele (Say-lay). He was a man from the Congo dressed in a brightly colored shirt. He had tray of little round pastries. He thrust the tray in our direction and said, "Today is my birthday. Please help me celebrate." We each took one of the pastries that his wife had made early that morning, declared them delicious and began milling among the gathering worshippers.

I was amazed at the diversity and not just because I'm from Springfield, Missouri. I was amazed that there were people literally from every corner of the earth in the same place for the same reason--to worship God. The worship leader invited everyone to come in to start service. So we walked into the tent and took a seat. (Yes, a tent. The Episcopal Church allows the Evangelical church to use a portion of their property. The tent is a semi-permanent structure complete with fans and sound equipment.) 

A Brit led worship and we sang songs that were completely familiar to us. I smiled and was so grateful to be there. I wasn't quite sure what exhibitions of worship would take place, but after a while noticed that clapping, hand-raising, and nothing were all taking place simultaneously. The pastor came after a couple of choruses and welcomed everyone. He announced that Phillip Yancey would be there in a week and a concert would be held by Graham Kendrick later in February. (I guess Cairo is a cool place to have on your tour t-shirt.) Anyway, he gave the service back to the worship leader and we sang some more choruses, a hymn and gave in the offering.

Maadi Community Church

We were seated while the guest speaker, Josh McDowell, was introduced. He's such a great orator. Again, I was glad to be in church. (Sidenote: He was in Cairo to promote his newest book, "The Witness" at a Middle Eastern Book Convention. The book is a mystery thriller directed toward Arabs. It's printed in Arabic and has been a huge seller throughout the Middle East.) As part of his stop, he agreed to speak to this community of believers. His topic was "Seeing Yourself as God Sees You." It was an insightful and encouraging word. The pastor closed with a Scripture and we were dismissed.

Afterward, we stopped inside the Episcopal Church sanctuary to view an art exhibition taking place. 36 pieces of art were on display. 18 artists were commissioned to paint: 1) their view of the physical structure of the church and 2) what reconciliation between the East and West would look like. Some were amazing and poignant, others were...well, indescribable and bizarre. 

We regrouped with our friend and began walking toward a restaurant for lunch. We shared a wonderful meal, received some good advice and words of wisdom. We found our way back to the subway (Metro) and zipped our way back. The trains were much more crowded now as Muslims began their trek to the mosques. 

While I was so happy to have been in church, the subway was a stark reminder of why we are here. We may have all been riding on the same train, but we are not all going the same direction. Lord, somehow let our life be a beacon to those in darkness.