News / Thoughts

Egypt: 26 Christians killed

Last Thursday, at least 26 people have been killed and 25 wounded after a bus carrying Coptic Christians were fired upon by gunmen.

The believers were travelling to a church when the bus they were on was attacked in Minya province, central Egypt. Security sources said that two cars carrying gunmen attacked the bus, adding that security forces have been deployed to search for the armed men.

An Open Doors’ contact in Egypt writes: “It’s with deep sadness that I announce the news about an attack that happened a few minutes ago in Minya, Egypt. A bus full of Coptic Orthodox Christians, who were travelling to visit a monastery, was stopped on a highway near Minya city by attackers armed with machine guns. They opened fire on the Christians in that bus.

“Please pray for the church of Egypt, as we take one attack after the other with deep pain. May the Lord have mercy on Egypt, and may his light open the dark minds and hearts.”

Christians have been the target of multiple Islamist attacks this year. So-called Islamic State militants threatened to wipe out Egypt’s Christians earlier this year, resulting in a spate of murders against believers. The militant group also claimed responsibility for the attacks on two churches on Palm Sunday, which left at least 49 Christians dead.

Where did this happen?

Source: BBC; MENA; Open Doors

Pray now…

• For comfort for the victims of this attack and their families, and that they receive the physical and emotional support they need
• That believers in Egypt would be protected as they face increased attacks
• That Islamist extremism in Egypt would not take hold, and that those who are vulnerable to radicalisation would be protected
• That God would change the hearts of those planning and carrying out attacks and turn them to Himself.