By Linda Jones
03/29/2018 Washington, D.C. (International Christian Concern) – On April 9, 2017, ISIS radicals carried out two church bombings in Egypt on Palm Sunday. At least 44 people died and more than 100 were injured during the incident. The terrorists vowed to attack and prey on Christians because they consider them “infidels” who empower the West against Muslims.
Hanan Dreas, was one of the 44 victims who lost her life during the blast of St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral. Her husband and two children, a 10-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl, were devastated after witnessing the attack and learning about Hanan’s death. Wagih Girgis, Hanan’s husband, was forced to take care of the two children and was eventually fired from his job as a waiter at a coffee shop in Alexandria. The situation created many financial problems for the family since they depended on Wagih’s job to pay their bills.
Wagih shared, “After the death of my wife, I lost my work because I couldn’t leave my children alone at home and also go to work. I had to stay with them to take care of them because they are little children and they cannot depend on themselves yet. I prayed to God to help me and to find a job close to my home to be with my children.”
After learning about Wagih’s situation, ICC assisted the family through the Suffering Wives and Children Fund. ICC worked with Wagih to create a small business plan that would allow him to take care of his children and provide for them. After several weeks of planning and preparation, we were able to assist Wagih in opening a small grocery store located inside his home. ICC purchased all of the tables, shelves, and groceries necessary to set up the store before it finally opened on February 24, 2018.
“This project was a dream for me because I couldn’t carry out it, but you made my dream and desire come true. My children and I thank you so much for standing with us and doing this good project for us. This grocery store will help me so much to be beside my children, take care of them and in the same time it will help me to earn a sustainable income to meet the physical needs of my children. First, I thank God so much for doing this project for us through you and we thank you so much for everything. May God bless you and your service,” said Wagih.
Please pray for the safety of Wagih and his two children who live in a country where Christians are constantly persecuted. Pray also for the success of the business and for Wagih to be a good steward of the resources that God has given him. Remember to also pray for Christians in Egypt during Easter week since they are often targeted during this time of the year.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
