Thousands Receive Christ at Egyptian Festivals
By Mark Martin
CBN News
November 18, 2007
CWN.com - A gospel festival hosted by Egypt's Evangelical churches reached out not only to thousands of Egyptians, but brought the message of Christ to dozens of nations in the Middle East and North Africa.
Joyous songs of praise filled a giant hall in a campground just outside of Cairo, Egypt.
But they didn't stop there.
Carried by a satellite network and the Internet, the sounds of worship traveled to more than 350 churches in dozens of countries.
"I think this is a very historic event," said one Egyptian Christian. "This will open a new page for us in Egypt and maybe in the Middle East, because this program is broadcasted all over the Middle East and North Africa and the whole Arab world."
More than 12,000 Egyptian young people and their families attended the three-day festival-style event.
Many came simply to see world-class skateboarders and BMXers perform their stunts, as well as to enjoy the games and stage shows.
They also stayed to hear evangelist Andrew Palau bring a gospel message.
More than 3,000 dedicated their lives to Christ at the event.
"People here didn't enter a church at all before and didn't hear about Jesus," said one participant. "But now they are attending evening service and concentrating on the message. Those wanting prayer stand up and ask God into their hearts. This is something amazing."
Festival-style evangelism is a tool the Palau evangelistic team has perfected in decades of ministry around the world.
It's new to the Middle East, but church leaders are hoping it catches on.
Not only does it appeal to family-oriented societies, it's also a safe way of sharing the gospel in countries where the church is restricted.
"Seeing the family sitting and enjoying the whole day and crowning the day by giving their lives to Jesus was just amazing -- heavenly time in my generation," shared one believer at the festival.
Andrew Palau is the son of international evangelist Luis Palau.
He's been preaching with his father's organization for years, and he has several festivals planned for 2008.
You can see more scenes -- and enjoy great worship -- from the Egypt festival by clicking on the related stories above.
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