Introduction / History

Ancient Egypt was one of the world's great civilizations. Dynasties of pharaohs ruled Egypt from 3200 B.C. to 341 B.C. Egypt fell to the Persian Arab Muslim conquest in 640 A.D. Arabs, who introduced Islam and the Arabic language to Egypt in the seventh century, ruled for the next six centuries. Ottoman Turks conquered the country in 1517.

In terms of population Egypt is the most rapidly growing country in the Arab world. With limited arable land, resources are overtaxed, and society stressed. For these reasons and others, some Egyptian Arabs have migrated to other countries like Yemen. However, Yemen's economy is in even worse shape that Egypt's, so there are not many Egyptians who can find a job in that country.

Where Are they Located?

Egyptians probably live in Yemen's few urban centers.

What Are Their Lives Like?

For hundreds of years, the Egyptian life and culture have undergone very little change, even among those who move to other parts of the world. Egyptian Arabs are known for their music, which is popular in many Arab countries, including Yemen. Egyptian Arabic is the most widely understood form of the language, because much of the Arab World's newscasts come from Egypt. Cairo is the center of Islamic publications and learning.

As Yemen degenerated into civil war, Egyptian military forces entered the country to protect the Sunni Muslim dominated leaders from a possible Shi'ite takeover. There have been several times when Egyptian forces have entered Yemen. Yemenis no doubt feel dominated by the more powerful Egyptians.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Egyptian Arabs are Sunni Muslim, including the ones who live in Yemen. Their trust is in the prophesies of Mohammed and the later teachings of Muslim experts called the Hadith. Since Yemen has even fewer Christian believers than Egypt, it is even harder for Egyptians in Yemen to find the Lord in this country.

Prayer Points

* Pray for an increase in finances and the ability to provide Bibles for the Egyptian Arabs.
* Pray that there will soon be a Christ-centered church planting movement among Egyptian and Yemeni Arabs in Yemen.
* Pray that Egyptian Christians would become a mighty missionary movement to Yemen.

References

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-security-idUKKCN0R91I720150909
http://allafrica.com/stories/201504091945.html
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/126659/Egypt/0/Egyptian-expats-stranded-in-Yemen-plea-for-safe-ex.aspx