Jerusalem
and the Middle East
Church Association

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Summer in Egypt has its own pace to life, and the market place is full of the fruits of the season. Here fields are often small, and maybe the crop yield not high compared with the west, but the reward for the individual farmer is satisfying as he harvests the crops he has spent many hours tending. He is rewarded for his faithfulness. We too are called to be faithful in the task we have been given to make the Word of God known. Our individual task may be small in the overall picture, but God will have a harvest if we are faithful for our part.

C-100 meetings in Switzerland

I was invited to be a member of the C-100, a group of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. It is called C- 100 because the aim is to have 100 leaders from both the Western and Islamic World. It is composed of religious, business, political, media and culture leaders. The C-100 is cochaired by Lord Carey of Clifton and HRH Prince Turki al Faisal al Saud, and the aim is to promote dialogue between the West and the Islamic world.

At the beginning I did not know what I was going to do in such a prestigious gathering, but I found that it is a very important initiative which gives an opportunity for the West to hear people from the Islamic world and vice versa.

Although Davos was covered by snow (which is nice to see and dangerous to walk on,) the discussions were very warm and frank. The emphasis this time was put on action rather than just dialogue. These actions will involve exchange visits, information, communication, and engaging celebrities in dialogue.

It was a great opportunity to speak frankly with other leaders from other faiths. We talked about conversion and other sensitive issues. In one of the sessions Lord Carey asked why not a church in Saudi Arabia? We are learning from him how to love and respect others without compromising our own faith. The religious leaders under the chairmanship of Lord Carey met every night to share their stories and concerns in an amazingly open way. There were Jewish, Christian and Muslims leaders.

The other sessions of the World Economic Forum helped me to see what is going on in the Globe and the future of our Earth. What an enriching experience it was for me!

Archbishop's planned visit

On my way to Davos I stopped at Lambeth Palace where I met the Archbishop as well as my colleagues, the members of the Anglican Commission for Dialogue, to discuss the Archbishop’s visit to Egypt next September.

A meeting was arranged for me with the Head of North Africa Desk at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This was to discuss Church properties in Algiers. Mr. Phillip Southby, the Chairman of Egypt Diocesan Association, joined me at this meeting, and he and his wife Margaret kindly opened their home to me during the time I spent in London.

Holy Trinity, Algiers

The Revd Canon Jim and Elaine Doust went last October to resume the ministry at Holy Trinity. The church is closed because of cracks from the earthquake last May, but the Roman Catholic Archbishop kindly gave us a church for worship. The Religious Affairs Minister is a great help to Canon Jim too.

Canon Jim, an energetic 69 years old, reminded me of Caleb, who was eager to win land for the Lord in spite of his age. Supported by his wife, he has started visiting people and embassies. The congregation has grown quickly. When Nancy and I arrived there were seventy at the service, most of them Anglicans from Africa. I made my first confirmation in Algiers, for Miriam from Uganda, a medical student.

Just a few hours after we left Algiers another earthquake happened and Canon Jim said that the cracks became wider. Pray for the funding of repairs.

New doctors for Joint Refugee Ministry

Dr Nabil Morcos, a medical doctor, has been commissioned as the new Director of the Joint Refugee Ministry programme. He has a heart for bringing the Gospel to hurting people in a compassionate and caring way.

Dr Eman Kamel, is also a medical doctor, with further qualifications in Paediatrics and Primary Health Care. She now co-ordinates the response to HIV for the Diocesan medical services. Her vision is to improve care in our clinics, in medical work and in the spiritual, psychological and social aspects.

Dr Nabil Morcos

Dr Eman Kamel

Church growth in Tunis

We were so encouraged by the ministry of the Revd Gerald and Jayne Brulotte at St George’s, Tunis. The church has grown tremendously, so that they needed to have two services on Sundays. Most of the growth came after the move of the African Development Bank from the Ivory Coast to Tunis. This move resulted in many Africans joining the church. Most of them came from different church backgrounds, but found a home at St. George’s. You can imagine the efforts Gerald and Jayne make to embrace and accommodate all these new members.

Do pray for them, because it is not easy to pastor to multiethnic congregations, but it is also a great blessing.

In the steps of St. Augustine

It was interesting to know that two to ten day tours are being arranged to follow the steps of St. Augustine from Carthage to Hippo (Ennabba) in Algiers. Many took this holiday instead of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Bob and Linda, who organise these tours, are members of St. George’s. I would encourage people to make a tour and to visit our churches in Tunis and Algiers.

New UK Commissary

I have appointed Mr Phillip Southby, the Chairman of Egypt Diocesan Association, as my Commissary in the UK. Phillip is already doing much for the Diocese. He helps in strategic planning and represents me on some occasions, and he know a lot about what is going on in the Diocese. He is also a wonderful communicator and shares our news with all of you. Please pray for Phillip as he is now heavily involved with CMS, UK and CMS, Ireland, in the partnership with us in the Harpur Community Health Centre project.

On a personal note, in February Nancy and I went to Houston where Nancy underwent major surgery. We would appreciate your prayers for her full recovery.

Bishop Mouneer and Nancy

Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May He bless you all.

Mouneer

The Diocesan family at Christmas