Disciples Making Disciples - in Egypt!

By Julie W.

From the time our kids were little, we have tried to instill in them that the world is so much bigger than our little hometown, the OC, California, and even the US. We have tried to show them that how we live is not the norm. Most people in the world do not live like us. Whether it was on a road trip across the US, traveling down to El Niño, Mexico, or traveling as a family across the world to South Africa, we have wanted our kids to be aware of how blessed they are, how easy their lives are compared to some others, and how they in turn can be a blessing. Isn’t that what it says in Genesis 12? We are blessed to be a blessing to others, whether that is in the form of passing out food, building a house or playground, or just hanging out with people different from us.

Each of our kids has had the chance to go on a special trip during their last year of high school. Emma went to Israel, Zach went to Jamaica, and now Erin has chosen to go to Egypt. Each of these trips has involved building a playground, but also so much more. Once again, it is the chance to remind ourselves that the world is a big place, that people are different in some ways, but similar in others: the need for relationships and food, the need for some fun and creative outlets, the need for Jesus!

While in Minya, Egypt, we will be working with a local ministry called Healing Grace. We will build a playground at a local church, experience a couple of the 37 StoryClubs in Egypt (StoryClubs are where the children learn the word of God through storytelling, with over 850 children attending daily), do home visits, and just be with kids! We will be delivering toothbrushes and fun bracelets to the kids, and notebooks and pens to the staff. We will also be laying out a strategic vision for the next five years to reach more children for Christ in this beautiful country. From what I hear, we will be traveling with armed guards along the way, but meeting some of the nicest people who may be looking for Jesus! Erin and I will be traveling November 9-17. Keep us in your prayers!