Sun 26 Mar 2006
Good news today from Afganistan. In a face-saving move, it now appears that the Afgan court will free Abdul Rahman, the Christian condemned to death for turning away from Islam. (CNN, Officials: Afghan convert to be freed, 26 March 2006).
Any hopefully the international pressure helped end this situation for the better, although this is such a troubling story.
Coincidentally today I heard from Rev. Gendi Ibrahim Rizk, pastor of the El Saray Church in Alexandria, Egypt. His church is actively involved in helping the community. One of the biggest projects is a home and school for disabled children. And true to form, the school does not just reach out to Christians, but to Muslim children as well. In fact, some 70% of the kids being helped come from Muslim homes. He said that while the school can do much good, providing vocational training, education, and help for their families - the government does not allow the church to evangelize. That would be proselytizing, and is forbidden. But, he said, “They do let us love. And they do let them give us love.”
It’s inspiring to hear from people who risk so much for their religious beliefs, and insist on continuing to bring more good to the world. And even if it is not religious freedom, I am glad that the Egyptian government at least allows their to be some love in their lives.
