Arab, Egyptian in Australia
Photo Source:
Terry Feuerborn - Flickr
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Arab, Egyptian |
| Country: | Australia |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 50,000 |
| World Population: | 78,032,000 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Egyptian |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 30.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 4.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Egyptian |
| Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
| Progress Level: |
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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.
After the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important transportation hub, but fell heavily into debt. To protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt from 1882 until 1914. They granted full sovereignty to Egypt after World War II.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Australia is not a top destination for Egyptians who fall into this category but estimates of how many are in Australia greatly vary. Most of them have been in Australia since the 1970s. About 1/3 of the Egyptians in Australia have college degrees, and they hold high paying positions. Culturally they are at home in Australia's English speaking world.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Islam became the state religion of Egypt in 1980. The majority of Egyptian Arabs are either Shafi, Maliki or Hanafi Sunni Muslim. Most of them in Australia remain Sunni Muslim.
Copts brought Christianity to Egypt very early, where it remained for 1,000 years as the primary religion. Even today, the great majority of the Christian population are still members of the Coptic Church. Evangelical Christians are a small percentage.
What Are Their Needs?
Those who follow Christ must have love and boldness to be a witness to other Egyptians. With a growing missionary vision, the Egyptian Church has the potential to reach both fellow Egyptians and Arabic speaking people groups in other countries for Christ. The Church is limited by lack of training opportunities, experience and funds. If additional resources are provided, church planters are willing to go.
Prayer Points
Pray that Egyptian Christ followers would become a mighty missionary movement for the Lord for Arabs in Australia.
Pray for Egyptian Arabs to have spiritual hunger and a discernment that will lead them to the cross and the empty grave.
Pray for Egyptian Arab Christians to put their faith in the Risen Christ rather any religious institution.