Sharing the Bible in Egypt at a Time of Need

Sharing the Bible in Egypt at a Time of Need

As the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine take their toll on the global economy, countless Egyptians are under severe pressure. The rising cost of essential items has increased the financial burden on already vulnerable communities. The Church in Egypt is facing a daunting challenge of meeting the basic needs of its members and those in financial crisis.

Confronted with such desperation, the Bible Society of Egypt has stepped up to support the Church’s efforts. Their mission is clear - to make Scripture resources accessible and affordable for those who are struggling to make ends meet and in need of hope.

Achieving this aim is not straightforward. According to research, people in Egypt tend to only read in short bursts and would be unlikely to read from a full Bible. The Bible Society has responded to this trend by focusing its efforts on providing Scripture tracts and editions of the New Testament to recipients, encouraging easier engagement with the text.

Another obstacle to making the Bible easily available to Egyptians is the cost of Bibles in relation to people’s income. Shockingly, over 32.5% of Egyptians live below the poverty line, with some earning less than £1.19 per day. To ensure that even the poorest in society can access the Scriptures, the Bible Society took the decision to subsidise the wholesale price of Bibles. This allows churches to purchase in bulk and offer the Bibles and Scripture portions at a price that is within reach of every Egyptian. However, in order to maintain this project, the Bible Society relies heavily on donations since the selling price is far below the real cost.

Since the start of this project, over 245,000 Bible and Scripture portions have been distributed throughout Egypt. In that time, there have been many inspiring stories of people like Samira and Marwa (not their real names) using their meagre resources to share the Good News with those around them. Samira, for instance, comes to the Bible Society of Egypt’s bookshop to buy Bibles, New Testaments, and booklets. She uses these materials to share the Good News with people she encounters, praying and asking the Lord to guide her to someone who needs the Scriptures. ‘I have found that so many people are curious and desire to read the Bible so often someone will ask me where they can get one. I tell them I have extra and leave it with them if they want it.’

Meanwhile, Marwa, a hospital cleaner, has opened an account at the Bible Society bookshop to deposit any extra money she has until she can make her next purchase. Her commitment is unwavering, and she has even gathered her friends to contribute to the cause, buying Bibles to distribute in the hospital. ‘I don’t want to be tempted to spend this money on other urgent things,’ she explains. ‘I’m saving it for when I can distribute God’s Word again.’

Thanks to the Bible Society’s efforts, individuals like Samira and Marwa have been enabled to share the Bible with those who cross their path. Thousands of churches and ministries have also benefited from their subsidised Bible resources. In a time when the Church of Egypt needs support, the Bible Society’s project is providing hope and light to those in financial crisis and other difficult circumstances. The impact of their work is immeasurable, and their dedication to share the Good News is truly inspiring.