Mission Partnership Trip to Egypt

October 2-13, 2023

The purpose of the trip is to learn about the ministries of Saray Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Egypt. More broadly, the trip is intended as a mission partnership and fellowship with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Egypt (EPCE). We will worship with and learn from siblings in Christ in several congregations and ministries of the EPCE. We will learn about vibrant youth ministry, conference and camp ministries, and creative ways to provide seminary training, leadership development, and new church development. We will learn how the church in Egypt responds to challenges such as sectarian tension and poverty.

No trip to Egypt would be complete without visiting the Pyramids, churches that date back to the fourth century, and many of the other treasures found all over this ancient civilization.

Itinerary will include:

• Three days in Alexandria to visit Saray Presbyterian Church, Fairhaven School, and historic sites.
• Interact with the outreach ministries of Synod of the Nile in Cairo and Alexandria.
• Engage in conversations with church leaders about the church’s role in civil society and interfaith dialogue.
• Visit the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo to interact with faculty and students and learn about their vision for ministry throughout the Middle East.
• Meet PCUSA mission co-workers serving in Egypt.
• Visit the Bible Society of Egypt, one of the most innovative minis­tries in the region.
• Guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza, Museum of Antiqui­ties, old Coptic churches and monasteries, and historic mosques.

Logistics:

The registration fee is $1400 per person (due August 15), which includes lodging, transportation, most meals and tips. The registration fee does NOT include airfare, entry visa ($25, obtained at the airport in Cairo), travel and medical insurance, or any personal expenses.

Please be advised that the trip will involve a considerable amount of walking (some uneven surfaces and busy roads) and a few flights of stairs with no elevator. Meals will include a variety of local cuisine. Lodging will be in simple but adequate church-owned facilities.

Optional visit to Upper Egypt:

This portion will be all tourism, with visits to ancient Egyptian temples such as Karnack and Luxor. Most tourists choose a three-day Nile cruise to visit. We can help you make your own reservations with a travel agent. The cost of the optional trip will be your responsibility.

For additional information, please contact either Lindy Anderson (608-354-2431) or Amgad Beblawi (502-592-3223).

The deadline for applications is August 15.