The work of the Church of the Nazarene began officially in Egypt in 1986. Located on the Eastern Mediterranean Field, the work in Egypt has presented some challenges to the establishment of stable churches. Egypt became one of the great ancient civilizations around 3200 B.C., in large measure made possible because of the Nile River, with its annual floods creating rich and fertile land to sustain that civilization. Surrounded by arid deserts, Egypt was unique and powerful in biblical times, ruled by a series of dynasties before being defeated by the Persians in 341 B.C., followed by the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine empires until Arabs conquered the country, introduced the Arabic language, and ruled for six centuries. Britain seized control to protect its investments in the rich land in 1882. Egypt acquired full sovereignty from Britain in 1952. The Suez Canal, completed in 1869, made Egypt one of the world’s most important transportation hubs. Its government has passed through numerous unstable periods since its independence. As you will read in the story below, pastors and workers have shifted focus to the education and care of children in an effort to develop a new generation of Christlike disciples in their nation.
