WEEK 1:
Ministry Spotlight
This week’s Ministry Spotlight introduces Sister Emily, an Egyptian engineer serving Sudanese refugee families in Cairo through a ministry called Holy. Through practical care, Gospel-centered encouragement, and personal compassion, Holy Ministry serves families who are often overlooked.
Featured Country
Egypt
Featured Ministry
Holy Ministry
Ministry Leader
Sister Emily
Ministry Focus
Refugee care, practical support, discipleship, and Gospel centered encouragement
Primary People Served
Sudanese refugees
AT A GLANCE
Families Being Served
Over 1,000 families
Original Reach
About 40 families
Primary Location
Cairo, Egypt
The Ministry
In the midst of this suffering, Sister Emily began ministering to Sudanese refugees living in Cairo. Today, she leads Holy Ministry, a local ministry that primarily serves Sudanese refugee families. With the help of volunteers from many different backgrounds, including doctors, bookkeepers, Egyptians, Australians, and others, the ministry provides both practical support and spiritual care.
The Growth
Holy Ministry began with Sister Emily helping about 40 families. Today, the ministry serves more than 1,000 families. This growth reflects both the depth of the need and the faithfulness of Sister Emily’s ministry. Everything she has goes into serving Sudanese refugees. Her love and compassion for this people group has opened doors for many to hear the Gospel and experience the care of Christ in tangible ways. She has rescued children who lost their parents, helped find housing for those who were homeless, and brought hope to people who had nearly lost all hope. She often carries treats in her pockets and bags for children who only know poverty and a very difficult life.
The Leader
Sister Emily’s ministry is marked by sacrifice, compassion, and daily faithfulness. Recently, her father passed away, which was a tremendous loss. Yet even in grief, she continues to minister daily to Sudanese refugees in Egypt. Her mother, who has terminal cancer, also labors alongside her as often as she is able. Their service is a powerful example of costly love. They are not serving from a distance. They are present with the people, walking closely with families in suffering, and offering help in both practical and spiritual ways.
The Need
There are approximately 1.4 million Sudanese refugees in Egypt, though the true number may be significantly higher. Many Sudanese have come to Egypt because of persecution, civil war, unstable government conditions, financial hardship, and the desire to provide a safer life for their families. However, life in Egypt is still incredibly challenging. Many Sudanese refugees are not allowed to send their children to school, are unable to work legally, and experience racism as Black Africans within Egyptian society. In addition, the Egyptian government has increased pressure on Sudanese refugees to leave the country. For many families, Egypt has become both a place of escape and a place of continued hardship.
Ministry Impact
Holy Ministry is helping meet urgent needs while also pointing people to the hope of Christ. Through this ministry, Sudanese refugees are receiving food, clothing, medicine, Scripture, training, housing help, and personal care. Children are being seen and loved. Families are being supported. Those who are homeless are being helped. Those who feel forgotten are being reminded that they are not invisible to God. Sister Emily’s compassion has led many to Christ and continues to create opportunities for Gospel witness among Sudanese refugees in Cairo.
EGYPT - WEEK 1
Prayer Focus
Pray for Sister Emily, Holy Ministry, and Sudanese refugee families in Egypt
Pray for Sudanese Refugee families facing poverty, racism, instability, and pressure to leave Egypt.
Pray for children who are unable to attend school and are growing up in very difficult situations
Pray for Sister Emily as she continues to serve after the loss of her father.
Pray for provision for food, clothing, medicine, housing, Bibles, and ministry resources.
Pray for Sister Emily’s mother, who has terminal cancer and continues to help with ministry when she is able.
Pray for Gospel fruit, that many Sudanese refugees would come to know the hope of Christ through this ministry.
Why This Ministry Matters
Holy Ministry represents the kind of faithful local work World Encompass seeks to highlight. This is a local ministry serving people in a specific place, responding to real needs, and sharing the love of Christ in practical and personal ways. Sister Emily’s work reminds us that God is at work through faithful local leaders who often serve quietly, sacrificially, and without widespread recognition. Week 1 begins the Egypt journey by helping us see one ministry, one leader, and one group of people being served with courage, compassion, and Gospel hope