“I Was in Prison and You Visited Me”

Matthew 25:36

August 2025

In Egypt we have a large number of prisons, with tens of thousands of inmates—both men and women—many of whom suffer from deep emotional and social isolation. Rejected by society and often abandoned by their families due to shame or stigma, they are left with few sources of hope or comfort.

But amid the darkness, there is light. Thanks be to God for the faithful servants who regularly visit prisons across Egypt. These men and women embody the biblical command:

“Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3)

Through these visits, they bring not only emotional and physical support—but more importantly, the Word of God. They offer inmates the Scriptures and speak to them of God’s love, grace, and redemption, no matter what their past may hold.

Because this prison population includes people from many different nationalities, the Bible Society of Egypt works to provide Scriptures in various languages. We want each prisoner to encounter God’s Word in their heart-language.

That care is extended to their families. Each Christmas, the Bible Society prepares special Christmas gift bags for the children of inmates—filled with Bible stories, coloring books, and joyful surprises that help them know they are not forgotten, and that God loves them deeply.

A Testimony of Transformation: Joseph from Nigeria

Joseph became a passionate student of the Scriptures. Through the Word of God, he encountered Christ—and his life was transformed. He became a source of blessing to others, both foreign and Egyptian inmates alike. He gained favor with the prison authorities and began leading Bible study and prayer groups for foreign prisoners.

After completing his sentence, Joseph returned to his home country, where he is now serving as a faithful minister of the Gospel. God has blessed him with a wonderful German wife. Recently, Joseph returned to Egypt to personally thank the Bible Society team who had walked alongside him during those 25 years in prison.

Joseph and his wife with the BSE family

Many stay in touch after their release. They share how their time in prison became a turning point in their lives, thanks to the power of God’s Word. One such woman is Aya, from Thailand. After receiving a Bible in prison, she later wrote to us from her home country saying:

“The most precious gift I’ve ever received in my life is the Bible. I read it every day, and each day it shows me more and more how deeply God loves me.”

Watch and Pray

There are countless stories like Joseph’s and Aya’s—stories of redemption, hope, and transformation. We invite you to watch the video below, that highlights how the Word of God is reaching those sentenced to death and bringing new life to the most forgotten corners of our society.

Please join us in praying that every prisoner—no matter their language or nationality—will receive a copy of God’s Word and encounter the transforming power of His love.

With deep gratitude,
Amir Elhamy

Bible Society of Egypt