Not too far around the corner....

Many but not all of you know that I'm planning a mission trip to Egypt in November (the 6th through 13th) I'm getting very excited about it yet, nervous at the same time. Here's some interesting information about Egypt and their culture:

As you may know Egypt is a culture in which family and religion are very important. Families are patriarchal: men are the head of the household and the sons respect and follow their fathers. The women follow the men, so when they marry they move into their husband’s home. Often times a family will consist of a mother, father, married sons and their families, and any unmarried children.

Egypt's constitution grants freedom of religion, and there are many religions being practiced in Egypt today. Islam is the main religion, about 90% of Egyptians are Muslim. The Christians are part of the Coptic Church, and make up about 8% of the population. In the recent past, there have been some religious riots in the areas such as Cairo, leaving both Muslims and Christians pitted against each other. Completing the religious minority in Egypt are Protestants and Jews, together claiming about 2% of the population

My friend and I have been asked to talk to the youth there. We aren't doing "evangelism", but instead we are equipping the nationals there with the basic foundational truths so they can reach their neighbors (this includes the neighboring Muslim countries like Iraq) with the love and truth of Christ.

Even though I was a youth pastor and worked with young people for many years, this is like apples vs. oranges. Their culture, fears, concerns, everything is very different than the youth here in America. I have been studying and researching to find out how to best prepare these young people to reach their peers for Christ. What an amazing opportunity we have to reach this younger generation! However, just as they already have peer pressure, imagine being the only Christian in a Muslim world. Through much prayer we felt that a strong foundation is needed. We will be teaching them on their identity in Christ and the character of God.

I need your prayers. Please pray much for our November trip. Pray that the ground will be ready to receive what we have to say and that these young people will be able to lay down the lie of the devil that they’ve believed for so long and take up our new, bought and paid for identity in Christ. Pray that they will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to win over their friends and families with the truth and love of Christ.

If you would like more information about this trip, please let me know. I am still looking for prayer supporters as well as Financial supporters - you may not be able to physically go with us but through your support, you are just as much a part of the harvest there. If you would like to give financially (still need $1000 to go), you can give online at http://www.e3partners.org/e3mission/default.asp and click on donate. My trip code is EG07D. Or you can send in a check to 16787 Bernardo Center Dr #7 San Diego, CA 92128 attn: Franny Lowry(All donations are tax deducible)

Thank you so much and if you can, please pass this blog and information on to as many as possible. Much prayer and support is needed for Egypt. THANKS!!!