Egyptian Church

I was standing in the hotel lobby waiting with most of the folks on our team to go to Applebees for dinner. Yes, Applebees in the Middle East. Why Applebees? I think because a few guys could catch the Masters, or perhaps because there was already a craving for American food? Afshin, the American who grew up Muslim and became a Christian when he was 17 was going to speak at an Egyptian church and was waiting in the lobby as well for a taxi.

Applebees or Egyptian Church? Hmmm? Give me the Egyptian church!

I asked Afshin if I could join him. So off we went in a cab with an Egyptian who had attended our conference and would serve as our translator. Two minutes into the ride, “George” looks at me and says, “They will want you to speak also, okay?”

I had no Bible and no preparation. In the lobby, I promise you, we had just been talking about being asked to preach or speak with no notice when you’re on the field. So I said, “No problem, I’d be happy to.”

We twisted and turned up a few winding streets into what you might picture as a big city alley when the cab stopped. We jumped out and entered the church. It was packed with Egyptians coming to worship. The pastor was close to finishing his sermon, then we’d be asked to speak. Afshin went first, giving his powerful testimony. He connects with many in this area when he shares about his father disowning him after he told him he was a Christian. He gave an invitation and one young guy raised his hand to accept Christ. Hallelujah.

One funny moment. Afshin begins by saying how much he loves the country we’re in, how beautiful it is, and so on. Our translator stopped him and said, “Hey, these are Egyptians.” It was sort of like the commercial you see and hear of the rock star kicking off the concert by saying, “Hellooo Chicago!,” which is met with total silence and one lone voice from the crowd saying, “This is Denver!” Very similar and hilarious. Afshin, responds immediately, “I’d love to go to Egypt."

Afshin has spoken around the country as a full-time evangelist for several years. I’ve barely spoken a word from a pulpit. He had everyone stand and give me a standing ovation, a very nice thing to do. The great thing about not preparing is that you totally rely on the Holy Spirit. Between that and having to speak only for a little while sustained me. The first thing the Lord led me to say was that believers in America love the people in the Middle East. That the Holy Spirit and Jesus unify believers regardless of where we live or what culture we come from. Then I just told them why this white guy was standing there. That we plant churches and help teach others to plant churches. From there I taught all 120 or so of them the six hand signals and principles of church planting. I challenged them to plant a church in this city, with Egyptians or not. Four of the men who attended our conference were in the congregation, and I pray the Lord used me to set them up with the momentum to begin a planting work amongst these people.

As I was speaking, the pastor was seated directly in front of me. I realized I hadn’t run any of this by him. Who knows if he was on board with planting a new church or not? After a bit I sat down and the pastor assumed the pulpit. He held out a small amount of money and offered it to anyone who could come up front and repeat the principles I had just taught. A bunch of hands went up and one young man came forward and repeated it perfectly.

After the service ended, we shook everyone hand and walked to the street. I had many pull me aside to urge to tell you that they love America and believers in America. We walked to a main street to catch a cab when a young couple with a young girl asked us to come to their home. What a fantastic time. We had coffee and cookies and sat with the family and several other guys from Egypt. We swapped stories, then the husband, who leads worship, broke out his lute. Yes his Lute. We sang and they guys started dancing then we all prayed for one another and walked out into the cool Arab night. We were up high overlooking the city. It was beautiful on multiple levels.