Arab, Egyptian in Finland

People Name:	Arab, Egyptian
Country:	Finland
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	600
World Population:	76,839,000
Primary Language:	Arabic, Egyptian
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	13.00 %
Evangelicals:	3.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Egyptian
Affinity Bloc:	Arab World
Progress Level:

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.
Egypt is the most rapidly growing country in the Arab world, and with limited arable land, resources are overtaxed, and society is stressed. For that reason, there is a large Egyptian diaspora that has migrated to other parts of the world. They usually go to the wealthy Gulf states to earn money that they take back to Egypt. Others migrate to the various European countries. A very small number now live in Finland.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In times of unrest and economic hardship in Egypt, workers migrate to Finland in search of a better future despite considerable risks; they often work on building sites, and in factories, restaurants and shops. Those who have a good education hold high paying jobs. Since there are so few of them, the Egyptians in Finland probably socialize with others from the Arab World.
Finland offers far more opportunities and freedoms for women than Egypt. For this reason, Egyptian women have many new opportunities. These new opportunities might cause strife in their conservative families.

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 Egyptians in Finland remain Sunni Muslim, though there is also a Coptic Christian minority.
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?

Many have experienced poverty in Egypt, which has prompted migration, and placed them at greater risk of exploitation.
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 in Finland.
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.