“We then headed to the police station and filed a report on his disappearance. Although we didn’t know at the time, we now know Sameh was arrested and detained at the police station for more than 50 days in the name of national security.”
Sameh led a congregation in Cairo. He also managed a Facebook group which posted sermons and encouraging content to help new believers in Christ. The group was called “Converts Ministry Group.”
Then, on November 1, 2021, Sameh mysteriously went missing as he was heading home after work.
His family member explains that he was illegally arrested by national security officers without even a warrant or report made. During his 55 days as a captive, he was passed between the police and national security office for interrogation.
Not only was he blindfolded and handcuffed repeatedly during this time, but he experienced terrible torture. Explains Sameh’s family member, “He was humiliated and tortured with all kinds of torture, including beatings, electrocution, stripping and dragging during this period. We didn’t know anything about where he was or what was going on.”
When his family sent complaints to the minister of interior and the attorney general, Sameh was charged with leading a group founded in violation of the law.
“Sameh is still in prison. He has been imprisoned since December 2021 without a court ruling,” says Sameh’s family member. “The court hearings have been continuing so far without releasing him and without sentencing him. We do not know what the final sentence for him will be. It could be many years of prison time, or he could be sentenced to death. Please pray for Sameh. He did not commit any crime. He is unjustly imprisoned. Please pray for his release and for him to safely return to us.”
Our brother in Christ, and persecuted Christian in Egypt, is undoubtedly facing a difficult trial. However, we serve the same God that delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt—the same God that opened blind eyes, cast out demons and rose Himself from the grave. Surely this situation isn’t too great for our God.
Matthew 19:26 says, “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Let us pray for Sameh.
Heavenly Father, You are awesome and wonderful in all of Your ways. We ask You would intervene in the situation that Sameh is in and make a way for him out of prison. Perform a miracle and drop the charges against our brother in Christ. Heal him of all the trauma and wounds that are inflicted upon him. Continue to strengthen and encourage his walk with You. Amen.
*Representative photo used
About The Author
Amanda is a staff writer for Global Christian Relief, a nonprofit Christian ministry that works to strengthen persecuted believers and raise awareness regarding Christian persecution. For more information, visit our website at GlobalChristianRelief.org.
