Ancient Egypt was one of the world's great civilizations. Dynasties of pharaohs ruled Egypt from 3200 B.C. to 341 B.C. Egypt fell to the Persian Arab Muslim conquest in 640 A.D. Arabs, who introduced Islam and the Arabic language to Egypt in the seventh century, ruled for the next six centuries. Ottoman Turks conquered the country in 1517.
After the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important transportation hub, but fell heavily into debt. To protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt from 1882 until 1914. They granted full sovereignty to Egypt after World War II.
Egypt is the most rapidly growing country in the Arab world, and with limited arable land, resources are overtaxed, and society is stressed. For that reason, there is a large Egyptian diaspora that has migrated to other parts of the world. They usually go to the wealthy Gulf states to earn money that they take back to Egypt. Others migrate to the various European countries such as France.
In times of unrest and economic hardship in Egypt, workers migrate to France in search of a better future despite considerable risks; they often work on building sites, and in factories, restaurants and shops. Those with a good education earn far more money and live much more comfortably than the others.
Egyptians are among the smaller Arabic speaking people in France. For this reason, they probably blend in on a social level with others who speak this language. Typically, immigrant groups have their own communities and don't integrate with the general French society.
Islam became the state religion of Egypt in 1980. The majority of Egyptian Arabs are either Shafi, Maliki or Hanafi Sunni Muslim. Most Egyptians in France remain Sunni Muslim, though there is a Coptic Christian minority.
Copts brought Christianity to Egypt very early, where it remained for 1,000 years as the primary religion. Even today, the great majority of the Christian population are still members of the Coptic Church. Evangelical Christians are a small percentage.
Many have experienced poverty in Egypt, which has prompted migration, and placed them at greater risk of exploitation.
Those who follow Christ must have love and boldness to be a witness to other Egyptians. With a growing missionary vision, the Egyptian Church has the potential to reach both fellow Egyptians and Arabic speaking people groups in other countries for Christ. The Church is limited by lack of training opportunities, experience and funds. If additional resources are provided, church planters are willing to go.
Pray that Egyptian Christ followers would become a mighty missionary movement for the Lord.
Pray for Egyptian Arabs to have spiritual hunger and a discernment that will lead them to the cross and the empty grave.
Pray for Egyptian Arab Christians to put their faith in the Risen Christ rather any religious institution.
Scripture Prayers for the Arab, Egyptian general in France.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_diaspora
http://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/41607/poverty-restrictions-censorship-whats-driving-egyptians-to-head-for-europe
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237414611_The_Migratory_Patterns_of_Egyptians_in_Italy_and_France
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
