More than 40 people died and countless others were injured in this year's deadly Palm Sunday attack in the Nile Delta, the deadliest since the December 2016 attack on St. Mark's cathedral in Cairo. Incidents such as these reveal an ever-growing antagonism that is continuing to threaten the general security and safety of the church in Egypt.
This year, VOMC aims to bless 3,000 Christian families in nine villages throughout Egypt with a Christmas Blessing package. These families live with the daily pressures of persecution while seeking to live out their faith in a hostile environment. The Christmas Blessing project is a means of conveying our solidarity with persecuted Christian brothers and sisters facing severe challenges for their faith, and prayerfully providing them help, hope and encouragement.
Each Christmas Blessing package, which contains practical supplies and a special gift for the children, will bring joy to the recipients. More importantly, these families will appreciate the fact that the gifts they receive come from Christian brothers and sisters in Canada who have remembered them in their suffering. As we remember the gift of God's love, as demonstrated through His Son Jesus, may we be motivated to share this Good News with others around the world.
Throughout this Christmas season, and as we soon commence the beginning of the new year, we ask that you please continue to join our ministry team by remembering to uphold these persecuted Christians. We also ask that you remain mindful to pray for the members of our overseas team who are involved in this year's "Christmas Blessing" distribution project, as well as all the recipients who will receive this added blessing on your behalf. As you seek to bless others, may you and yours in turn be blessed by the loving kindness and goodness of our wonderful Saviour and Lord!