Hayden Hammond, like everybody else, has no idea.
No idea what’s going to happen in Egypt.
But he does know one thing — it’s a historical moment for Muslims and Christians there, and the bridge that’s been built could provide inroads for the gospel.
“There’s been a divide for some time, and ever growing, between the Muslims and the Christians in Egypt. But this whole situation has created some new opportunities for dialogue,” said Hammond, a Christian worker from Alabama who has spent time in Egypt and was there when the unrest escalated in late January culminating in the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Feb. 11.
Muslims and Christians are standing together in the streets, in the squares, protecting each other and joining together for a purpose, he said.
“For the first time, people are getting to know their neighbors, standing together to protect their streets. Now they have a deeper bond, and I think it’s going to open up a lot of opportunities for conversations about religion,” Hammond said. “It’s like, ‘Hey, I’m not someone who’s just trying to influence your mind, I was the guy who held the stick with you and defended our neighborhood.’”
A picture of Christians protecting Muslims during prayers in the square went viral, and images like that are helping nonbelievers understand what following Christ is about, he said.
“The [most impactful] thing we’ve seen from the Christians in Egypt was that response of standing together with their fellow Egyptians. Seeing the personification of what a Christian response is supposed to be is making a big difference,” Hammond said. “It was a big act of unity. Right now, the divide is gone. It’s my hope that we can use that and keep running with it … and show others, ‘We’re here for you, and we love you.’ It’s a message of love.”
The situation may not stay this way, but at least for now, there’s opportunity, he said. “Their barrier is down as far as talking about religion goes, and so Christians in the West should pray for open doors and for Egyptian Christians to share with boldness in these days.”
Could all this start a grassroots revival? Hammond definitely has visions, and they aren’t all about Westerners gaining access to the region.
“What if, in God’s sovereignty, He used this as an opportunity for Egyptians to reach other Egyptians, for an indigenous uprising of the gospel to start?” Hammond asked. “[Christians] wonder how they can respond, and maybe the best response could be praying for and supporting their brothers and sisters in Cairo. They are the ones who have access, and they are the ones with the new opportunities to share.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — Name changed for security reasons.
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