Revelation 5:12 (KJV)
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Considering the blessed outcome of the meeting at the secret police compound in Cairo, the drive back to Ismailiyah was a roller coaster of emotion. The ride can be around two or three hours depending upon traffic. Along the way, my government rep begged me not to witness so much for Jesus. I said very little to him in reply, I just listened. He eventually convinced himself that I would not stop preaching the gospel, so he settled by asking that I not give out documentation that could be traced back to me. Of course, this was only a problem because much of the literature in question was given to military personnel. The secret police had no concern for the witnessing I had done in the civilian sectors. The plan moving forward was to give the gospel verbally, I would only pass out literature if directly asked for it. This seemed to be a reasonable request to me, I did my best to abide thereby.
I must admit as the following week began, I started out sort of timid. That did not seem to last after reading the book of Acts the boldness of God’s preachers encouraged me. Yet I did make a deal and I intended to try and honour it. I was met the first day by one of the Captain’s I worked with weekly. He echoed the sentiment of my government rep, requesting kindly that I not be so bold in witnessing. At the base where I worked, I became good friends with two Captain’s and valued their friendship. It was humorous that the conversation went from urging me to slow down to encouraging me to be a Muslim. The idea was that I could use my zeal for Allah. What my friend failed to understand is Allah did not die for my sin. Allah did not care for me to come down to earth and die on the cross. Jesus did, and I will proclaim his name until I go to be with him where he is. Soon after, the Captain and I finished our friendly conversation, we got to work at the Fighter Squadrons. In the process of performing our duties, I had a conversation with the commander in his office. He immediately began to ask me about Jesus and my beliefs. I told him how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. Intrigued by our conversation, he asked me something I did not anticipate. The Commander wanted to know if I had some literature he could read on his own. I maintained my composure and explained to him that I have been asked not to pass out any documentation. He promptly informed me that I was sitting in his squadron, he did not care what someone else had asked of me. I reached into my bag and pulled out an Arabic Bible and John/Romans. As the commander briefly glanced through the books, my friend the Captain entered the room behind the Commander. He could see the books in the Commander’s hand. The Captain began to dramatically hold his hands up and shrug his shoulders out of sight of the commander, I could only smile and watch. Afterward, the Captain jokingly asked me why I hated him and wanted him to die. I informed him I love him and wanted him to live eternally in Christ Jesus.
This would not be my last scary moment in Egypt. My time there gave me ample opportunity to reflect on the freedom we have in America. Military member or not I have the freedom in the United States to tell people about Jesus. People also have the freedom to walk away if they so choose. Freedom of speech is one of the many reasons America is a great country to live, I encourage all Christians to vigorously exercise that freedom. If Christians will not fill the internet and the open air with the good news of Jesus Christ Satan and this present evil world will fill those mediums with ungodliness. Our commission is great and our Saviour is worthy, I pray you will proclaim his name!
Plenteous Redemption…
