Children taking an interest in Scriptures at the Bible Society of Egypt's stand at the Cairo Bookfair in 2010
One year after the January 25 uprising in Egypt the Bible Society there is taking part in the Cairo International Bookfair, which was cancelled last year due to the unrest. Bible Society General Secretary Ramez Atallah says that it is ‘thrilled’ to be taking part and asks for prayers for peace during the event.
“The bookfair runs from January 22 to February 7,” he explains, “and we pray that there will be no turmoil or violence during this time. The number of publishers participating this year is considerably fewer than in the past, and we have no idea what to expect!
Economy in tatters
“With accelerating inflation and unemployment, Egypt’s economy is in tatters. A nationwide fuel crisis has led to long queues and clashes. Mass protests and sit-ins have built up momentum through the past year, with protestors regularly blocking major highways and railroads and disrupting daily life.
People from all walks of life visit the bookfair.
“Despite these troubled times, we hope that many families will see the bookfair as an inexpensive outing during the mid-year school break, and that there will indeed be good attendance.
“This year we have decided to have two different Bible Society stalls, one inside the large tent area, and one outdoors. In this new atmosphere of freedom and openness, this is a wonderful opportunity we don’t want to miss!
Wide variety of people
“The bookfair has always been a unique occasion to make the Scriptures easily available and affordable to a wide variety of people who would rarely enter a Christian bookstore or church. This will be the 20th year that we have participated. Over the years we have had many discussions with both adversaries and truth seekers and have seen an increasing openness to and interest in the Scriptures.
“Please pray that many people will come to the bookfair and for peace and security at the event. Pray also for our team at the bookfair – that they will feel encouraged to share God’s Word with sensitivity and boldness, and that people will be open to what they say.”