The first familiarization tour to be organized by the Partnership Office of the Diocese of Egypt has concluded successfully
(https://www.jmeca.org.uk/latest/news/taste-and-see-experiencing-hidden-h...).
Despite some reluctance from potential visitors, based on the political turbulence in the region, four people did make the journey and Kristin Jacobs, head of the Partnership Office, believes that the experience has been worthwhile, not only in the new outlooks of the participants but also in the encouragement the visit has given to some of those working in local projects that were part of the itinerary.
Participants were able to visit some of Egypt’s most famous tourist attractions: the Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings for example, but it was their exposure to the Church’s mission projects that remains most firmly in their memories. They were able to see the innovative work being done with the deaf, the work with refugees, and the family development projects as well as hearing first hand from bishop Mouneer about the new department for Interfaith department for Interfaith Cooperation and Understanding.
The itinerary, even spread over ten days, was relentless and involved much travelling but the group only have positive memories of their adventure. Alex is a young female lawyer from New Mexico. She was surprised by the ease with which interfaith relationships were managed. At the family centre in Alexandria she said she was really moved by the testimony of Muslims, in a context where human need was more important than faith difference.
It was powerful to see all the things that God is doing in the Diocese, she said.
Guenther moved to the US from Germany and has worked in the automotive industry in both places. He was thoroughly impressed with the evidence that he saw of the Church in action. He really felt that the Church was reaching out in love. He was particularly impressed with the Development Mission’s microloans initiative. He thought it was amazing that lives could be transformed for such little outlay. All in all, he thought the Church punches above its weight in Egypt.
Barbara, a retired elementary teacher from Charleston felt the tour brought scripture to life. Like the others she was impressed with the Church’s work amongst the poor. Like many Americans she was blown away by the antiquity of the places they visited. As a teacher, she said she could have spent days in the schools they had visited. With a Masters degree in special education, she was particularly impressed with the digital church and the work with the deaf. Karen, from Minnesota, a retired children’s pastor was a latecomer to the Anglican Church but felt proud of what it was doing in Egypt. She too had a special interest in its work with children.
Kristin had worked hard to make the complicated logistics possible and was accompanied by her three small children, so she had every right to feel exhausted at the end of the trip. But on the contrary, she was energized by it all, and felt she and the other participants had been blessed.