Medhat's lawyer, Rafik Rafaat, has concerns that it could be extended indefinitely. He believes that extremists are pressuring the judges to crack down on Christian evangelists. On the other hand, Muslims in Egypt are allowed free rein to distribute religious literature in public, including Qurans. Please pray for Medhat's next hearing which is scheduled to take place soon.

On July 10th, another Egyptian Christian was arrested for evangelizing, and subsequently detained with two friends who came to his defense. During Ramadan season, when observant Muslims typically break their daily fast by eating dates, 16-year-old Fawzi Osama was reported to police for distributing bags containing the fruit and a Gospel message in the streets of Alexandria. That evening, two of his Christian friends joined him at the police station, only to be detained as well. With a bail of 10,000 Egyptian pounds (about $1,735 US), the young adults were discharged on July 12th. Further investigation is pending. For more information on this situation, please click here.

How wonderful it is that these Egyptian Christians are so willing to share the Gospel in the midst of such great hostility. May God greatly bless their efforts by working in the hearts of the unsaved recipients so they will be receptive to the message and in a position to ultimately accept Christ as their own Saviour and Lord. Ask that He will be especially near to His suffering children, including those who are in prison or experiencing other forms of persecution for their faith. Finally, may God's justice prevail throughout the court hearings and in the lives of His beloved followers.