Egyptian Christian houses were set on fire because the Christians had wanted to pray together

Epiphany.
- I have participated in prayers for persecuted Christians and oppressed people in the Middle East, Africa, China, North Korea, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, in other words: Christians worldwide. This time I will cry out * for the Copts, moved by the fact that I have some contacts and friends among them.

The Copts are always persecuted for their faith. We thank God for their endurance and pray for God's presence and protection over them.

This time Christians in a village in Qena, Upper Egypt has been attacked on the evening of December 24th, because they wanted to pray together. Those who do not believe are afraid, because Jesus, the Great I am, is among them according to Scripture (Matt. 18:20 ESV)



ICC (International Christian Concern) "Coptic Houses Set on Fire" (full text)
https://www.persecution.org/2020/01/04/coptic-houses-set-fire/
"Egyptian Christian houses were set on fire the evening of December 24th in Qena, according to Copts United News. The incident occurred just days before Coptic Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7th. The arson was done because the Christians had wanted to pray together in the days preceding Christmas.  The village had requested that their church become legalized one year ago but no progress has since been made."



Copts United: "Coptic house set on fire on faw village on Christmas eve"
https://www.coptsunited.com/Details.php?I=2570&A=40429


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* crying out:

"As he (Jesus)  was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He (Jesus) answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Luke 19:37-40)

Jesus: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matt. 18:20 (ESV)

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- I have participated in prayers for persecuted Christians and oppressed people, together with Friends of the Martyred Church (FMC). 


Photos of Christmas tree and the star: KL