Key Points:
- Refugees from war in Sudan are being welcomed by The United Methodist Church in Egypt, which is providing medical care, food and other essentials.
- Despite the lack of facilities, three congregations in Nasr City near Cairo provide Bible studies, worship services and outreach to those who need help.
- However, the influx of migrants and growth of The United Methodist Church is creating financial strains.
The United Methodist Church in Egypt has become a sanctuary for refugees, especially those fleeing the war in Sudan.
What began as a fragile fellowship has grown into a vibrant, resilient community, a living testimony of what many consider to be God’s faithfulness amid hardship.
The Egypt District was planted in 2013 by the Rev. Bolis Matta Kuku in coordination with the East Africa Episcopal Area. Kuku is superintendent for the Nuba Mountain District in Sudan.
At its inception, the church counted only 20 members. Today, it has expanded to more than 1,300 members, led by five pastors and one district superintendent.
This growth is remarkable given Egypt’s religious landscape. In a nation where Coptic Christians, an indigenous Christian population, form the largest Christian minority, The United Methodist Church has carved out a unique ministry, serving mostly refugees and foreigners.
“I was inspired by the conviction that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people, regardless of nationality, background or circumstance,” Kuku said. “Although Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, we believed the church could serve people with love, humility and respect.”
Kuku said that many of the members “have come to Egypt because of war and displacement, yet God has used the church to give them a place to worship, fellowship, heal and grow in faith.”
His hope is to have permanent church facilities where congregations can worship, conduct Bible studies, serve the community and grow without the burden of expensive rent.
Kuku explained that the Egypt District does not own permanent buildings. Instead, congregations meet in rented spaces, often at great financial strain.
“Yet despite this challenge, the three congregations (Ramses, Al‑Ashir and Arbawnus) remain active and resilient,” he said. “Worship services, Bible studies, evangelism, discipleship and community support continue daily, offering hope and fellowship to families facing displacement and uncertainty.”
The Rev. Ayoub Samuel Ali Kori, district superintendent in Nasr City-Ramses United Methodist Church, said armed conflicts in Sudan have created additional migrations.
“Since mid-April 2023, when war broke out in Sudan (between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces), large numbers of Sudanese people have been displaced and forced to migrate. Most of those affected are women, children and the elderly — the most vulnerable among us. Many have crossed into the Arab Republic of Egypt, and as The United Methodist Church, we have received 1,351 people.”
Kori said families are living under difficult and complex conditions, urgently needing food supplies, medical care, toiletries and other basic necessities. Displaced children lack access to education, and the majority of beneficiaries are elderly and children who cannot provide for themselves.
Supporting a family with food, medicine and basic supplies costs about 5,000 Egyptian pounds, or about $100 USD per month.
“For sustainability we are planning to establish a Sudanese Spicy Shop to the tune of $15,664,” he said.
From Ramses United Methodist Church, Pastor Haitham Mohammed Al‑Sar said providing fellowship and spiritual guidance has been essential.
“We care for the congregation in their different situations, showing concern and helping to solve their problems. Bible study gives people God’s word, encouragement and spiritual direction,” he said. “It strengthens faith, brings people together and helps them overcome loneliness. Fellowship itself is therapeutic.”
Al‑Sar acknowledged the balance between spiritual and practical needs: “As much as spiritual needs are important, I cannot ignore food, rent, education and medical needs. As a church we do what we can with what God has provided.”
Refugees described the help The United Methodist Church has provided.
Markos Yohanna Al‑kom, a refugee from Khartoum now residing in Nasr City–Al‑Shorouk, worships at Ramses United Methodist with his eight children.
“I came to Egypt because of the war and difficult situation in Sudan. The church welcomed us, gave us spiritual encouragement, fellowship, prayer and practical support during a very difficult time. I continue to fellowship because we are one body on our journey toward heaven,” he said.
Amal Musa Snaba, a widow with six children, fled Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, and now resides in Nasr City-Al‑Taba, worshipping at Al‑Ashir United Methodist Church.
“The war and insecurity forced me and my children to leave Sudan,” she said. “The journey was long and difficult. We were smuggled in a pickup truck through the desert, facing thirst and hunger over 961 miles. When we arrived, we were weak and exhausted, but the church welcomed us.”
Challenges of finding work, paying rent and caring for six children remained daily struggles.
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“The church has provided prayer, fellowship, food assistance and encouragement. They remind us not to lose hope, but to trust in the Lord,” Snaba said.
Al‑Taher Ismail Al‑Taher, a 37‑year‑old father of three worshipping at Arbawnus United Methodist Church, said he became involved in church activities through friends.
“It gives me a sense of belonging, friendship and spiritual family. Bible study, youth fellowship, prayer and worship have had a strong impact on me,” he said. “As refugees, we need permanent facilities and more programs for young people. We need to be equipped to become leaders, teachers, evangelists and counselors.”
Jacob Isaac Borsil, finance secretary of the Egypt District and a refugee from Omdurman worshipping at Ramses United Methodist, explained the challenges he faces in balancing financial needs and the refugees’ demands.
“Egypt District urgently requires $101,000 each month to sustain lives, church activities, rentals and pastors’ welfare. What we are receiving from members is just $1,239 per month, which is far inadequate,” he said.
Borsil describes a vision of building “a Christ‑centred, welcoming and compassionate community” that provides spiritual, emotional and practical support to refugees, while establishing permanent facilities where worship and service can be carried out with dignity. Beyond meeting immediate needs, the goal is to equip refugees to become leaders and servants of Christ, bringing hope and transformation to others.
“My hope is that well-wishers will come to our aid so that our dreams may be fulfilled,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Borsil said the Egypt District envisions permanent worship facilities to reduce rental costs, expanded youth programs to equip future generations and “continued spiritual growth as the foundation of all work.”
Borsil is a financial secretary for The United Methodist Church’s Egypt District, and Chingwe is a communicator for the Zimbabwe East Conference.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer at [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.
