Encouraging Response at Cairo Bookfair 2022

8 Mar 2022
Encouraging Response at Cairo Bookfair!

March 2022
 

Beloved friends of the Bible Society of Egypt,

Thank you so much for your prayers with us during this recent Bookfair season. Though initially disappointed that only the last three days of the bookfair were official holidays, our team felt that the relaxed atmosphere was actually more conducive for conversations. Exchanges were generally very friendly, with little tension. People of all backgrounds showed a real appreciation for the opportunity to access the Scriptures.  A highlight as always was in providing Bible verses in beautiful calligraphy art as a gift for our visitors.  Here is a short video clip to give some visuals from the bookfair.  Enjoy!

Making God’s Word Understandable
One of our most popular products was our new Study Bible. The shelf was emptied 3 or 4 times, and people would wait, sometimes for half an hour, to make sure they received their copy, not wanting to miss out. (In fact, our 2nd print run of 12,000 copies has now been depleted in just 2 months!)  Not only theological students and pastors are buying it, but many who want to gain insight in their personal reading.


Making God’s Word Available Digitally
We were able to encourage further Bible engagement during the bookfair by promoting daily Bible Competitions on 2 of our Apps.  One competition had 2,673 participants, with over 400,000 chapters opened on the application during the 12-day period!  32,000 questions were solved and 120 people won the special 50% discount coupons given as prizes.  In our App for teens, “Kalamak Noory(Your Word is my Light), over 10,000 questions were also solved.
 
Making God’s Word Accessible and Affordable
In the past, all the Christian publishers were placed in one tent, but at the new fairgrounds, booths are assigned according to lottery. We appreciate this opportunity for accidental visitors who might never access the Scriptures otherwise. We had two booths, one especially focused on children. With special offers as usual, many people unfamiliar with the Bible were grateful for this chance to purchase a New Testament for just 2 EGP (13 cents).  One young lady stood outside our booth looking at the stack of New Testaments. She obviously wanted one, but was unsure if she was allowed. Our sales rep told her, “You can take it if you want.”  She was surprised, “Really, can I buy one?” and she left happily with her purchase. 
 
For more insight as to the great encouragement we received through bookfair participation, please click here to read about further interactions and see some lovely pictures. 
 
We thank you so much for your partnership in prayers and giving, making such opportunities possible.  Please pray for us this year as we focus on various projects to make the Bible understandable (colloquial Egyptian translation) and easily available in many digital formats.  And please don’t hesitate to share and pass on our news or to contact us about anything. We appreciate you!

With warm greetings,

Amir Elhamy
General Director

In the wake of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, may we all join in “supplications, prayers, intercessions... for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority.”  Pray for a swift end to this war, and the restoration of peace and justice. Pray for all who are suffering and facing great difficulties in both countries as a result of this conflict. The Bible Society in Ukraine has shared a video of people reading Psalm 31 in bunkers and air raid shelters, seeking hope and strength in God’s Word.
 
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