From the Nile to the Church: Witnessing God’s Work in Cairo
Written by janet johnston
We were able to spend five days last month in the beautiful city of Cairo, meeting with a friend from King’s Community Church who, a few years ago, felt called to reach people in the Muslim-majority world. It was such a privilege not only to see somewhere so rich in history and culture, enjoying the sights and sounds of this incredible capital city, but also to see what God is doing there right now through His church and through people serving the most vulnerable.
Cairo sits on the banks of the Nile River and is home to more than 10 million people. Among them are over a million refugees from countries such as Sudan, Syria and Yemen. As you travel across the city, you become very aware of the contrast — incredible history and beauty alongside very real need. It was humbling to see, and it reminded us again of how much God loves every city and every person, no matter their story or background.
Spending time with the team was a real highlight. They are doing such a fantastic job, and it was so encouraging to see them thriving and making a difference. Our time with them took us right across the city, from the stunning and newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum to visiting an NGO supported by CRY, as well as a thriving centre that supports refugees with practical help, community and hope. Seeing the church and Christian organisations working together to love and serve people was deeply moving and faith-building.
We also had the chance to visit the new Catalyst church plant. It was such a joy to meet the team and some of the people who are now part of that church community. Hearing their stories, their heart for the city, and their faith for what God wants to do in Cairo was incredibly inspiring. It reminded us that the church is truly global — different languages, cultures and contexts, but the same Jesus and the same mission to bring hope and life to people.
Of course, we also enjoyed a wide range of Egyptian food, which was wonderful! But even in those moments — sitting around tables, sharing meals, laughing together — we were reminded of how God builds family across nations and cultures. The Kingdom of God really is bigger and more beautiful than we sometimes realise.
Trips like this always leave us feeling both thankful and stirred. Thankful for all that God is doing, and stirred to keep praying, keep believing, and keep playing our part in His mission — whether that’s here in the Solent or supporting what He is doing across the world.
Let’s continue to pray for this wonderful team, for the Catalyst church plant, and for the many churches and organisations serving in Cairo. Let’s pray for refugees who are rebuilding their lives, for leaders who are carrying huge responsibility, and for many more people to encounter the love and hope of Jesus.
It was a real privilege to visit, and we came home reminded again that we are part of something much bigger — God’s global family and His global mission.
Cairo sits on the banks of the Nile River and is home to more than 10 million people. Among them are over a million refugees from countries such as Sudan, Syria and Yemen. As you travel across the city, you become very aware of the contrast — incredible history and beauty alongside very real need. It was humbling to see, and it reminded us again of how much God loves every city and every person, no matter their story or background.
Spending time with the team was a real highlight. They are doing such a fantastic job, and it was so encouraging to see them thriving and making a difference. Our time with them took us right across the city, from the stunning and newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum to visiting an NGO supported by CRY, as well as a thriving centre that supports refugees with practical help, community and hope. Seeing the church and Christian organisations working together to love and serve people was deeply moving and faith-building.
We also had the chance to visit the new Catalyst church plant. It was such a joy to meet the team and some of the people who are now part of that church community. Hearing their stories, their heart for the city, and their faith for what God wants to do in Cairo was incredibly inspiring. It reminded us that the church is truly global — different languages, cultures and contexts, but the same Jesus and the same mission to bring hope and life to people.
Of course, we also enjoyed a wide range of Egyptian food, which was wonderful! But even in those moments — sitting around tables, sharing meals, laughing together — we were reminded of how God builds family across nations and cultures. The Kingdom of God really is bigger and more beautiful than we sometimes realise.
Trips like this always leave us feeling both thankful and stirred. Thankful for all that God is doing, and stirred to keep praying, keep believing, and keep playing our part in His mission — whether that’s here in the Solent or supporting what He is doing across the world.
Let’s continue to pray for this wonderful team, for the Catalyst church plant, and for the many churches and organisations serving in Cairo. Let’s pray for refugees who are rebuilding their lives, for leaders who are carrying huge responsibility, and for many more people to encounter the love and hope of Jesus.
It was a real privilege to visit, and we came home reminded again that we are part of something much bigger — God’s global family and His global mission.