EGYPT, December 12, 2007 — “We invited the world to our birthday party this year!” Bible Society of Egypt General Secretary Ramez Atallah was proud to welcome representatives from many different countries and from the business world to Bible House on November 28 for a special event, the first of many, to mark 125 years of Bible work in Egypt. “It was a wonderful opportunity to give thanks, to celebrate and to raise our profile,” says Mr Atallah.
The large expatriate community in Egypt represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Bible Society. The desire to forge a closer relationship with this community was behind the Society’s decision to invite ambassadors from 20 countries to the 125th anniversary celebrations. Alongside the ambassadors, Mr Atallah and his staff also welcomed a number of leading Christian businessmen and women. Each guest received a Bible embossed with their name. The mistress of ceremonies for the evening was Loula Zaklama, one of Egypt’s leading businesswomen and a supporter of the Bible Society.
Through a series of presentations, the guests were given an insight into the Society’s work in areas including ecumenical relations and post-literacy projects. His Grace Michael Fitzgerald, the Vatican Ambassador to Egypt and a co-host of the event, spoke with particular enthusiasm about how the Bible unites Christians. Moved by what they saw and heard, several businessmen offered contributions which almost covered the cost of the event.
“This prestigious gathering of top leaders was an encouragement to all, raising the profile and credibility of the Bible Society in society and state,” says Mr Atallah. “We feel very positive as we begin to follow up this event with further contact and personal visits. We hope to identify new opportunities and networks.”
Another element of the Society’s 125th anniversary celebrations is the new Adopt-a-Bookshop campaign. With each of its 11 bookshops requiring an average subsidy of US$3,500 per month, the Society is seeking to recruit 10 partners for each bookshop who will be willing to provide US$350 per month in sponsorship. “The task is immense in our nation of 80 million people,” it is telling potential donors. “We can’t do it on our own. Your help is vital.”
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