Pastor Raaid stepped carefully over broken concrete and splintered wood. Construction had only just begun on a new church building when Islamic extremists arrived and brought everything to a halt.
The attack took place during Holy Week. Militants destroyed the construction site and filled a local well with rocks. Families fled with only the clothes on their backs as their homes were set ablaze.
It seemed like an ending. But it was the beginning of a resurrection story.
That day, the church’s slogan—“Love Never Fails”—was put to the test. And it proved true.
Standing amid the wreckage, Pastor Raaid closed his eyes, lifted his hands, and began to pray. He asked Christ to protect His people, restore their broken spirits, and give them the strength to forgive.
Even after being interrogated by authorities and ordered to stop rebuilding, Pastor Raaid remained faithful. He continued to shepherd his congregation, meeting with them in their homes, praying together, and holding fast to the promises of Easter.
Despite frequent car breakdowns, he drove hours to visit each of his church members, encouraging them not to give up.
But this was only the beginning.
In the following months, a high-ranking local official heard about Pastor Raaid’s remarkable forgiveness. Moved by what he learned, the official reached out, curious about Jesus.
Around the same time, a friend of this official—a Muslim man named Khons—began having dreams about Jesus. The official connected Khons with Pastor Raaid, who shared the gospel with him.
Khons gave his heart to Christ! His desire to learn more about Jesus grew rapidly. Field Minister Salam shared that they have already finished reading the four gospels and are now studying the book of Acts together.
The church’s foundation may still lie in ruins, and the well may remain filled with stones, but something far more powerful is flowing—Living Water.
Because of persecution,
because of the destroyed church and the rocks in the well,
because Pastor Raaid believed that love never fails,
a Muslim man came to faith in Christ.
The tomb could not hold Jesus, and persecution cannot stop His Church. What was meant to silence believers led to a new life in Christ!
This is the power of the gospel. The power of love. The power of the Resurrection.
Through Help The Persecuted’s Enduring Shepherds Ministry—made possible by generous support—Pastor Raaid has received a year’s salary to cover his living expenses and ministry travel. Supporters also provided a new car so he can continue visiting church members scattered across the region.
But one final piece of this resurrection story remains unfinished.
The church building is still in ruins.
Authorities have now granted permission to rebuild. If the agreement holds, construction can begin soon. Prayers are needed that Egyptian officials remain merciful and the process is not delayed or revoked.
You can help make this vision a reality by helping us purchase concrete, wood, and tools to complete the construction. Imagine Pastor Raaid’s congregation gathered again, worshipping in their rebuilt church after over a year!
Together, we can declare to extremists, officials, and the watching world that persecution never has the final word.
Because in Egypt, as in Jerusalem two thousand years ago—Sunday is coming...becuase love never fails.