In late January 2015 St Mark Universal Copts Care had the privilege to donate an ambulance to a thankful community in the diocese of Aswan. This community had been notoriously struggling with the transfer of critically ill patients.

One of the nearest medical centres is located in Assuit, almost 600km for the patient to have to travel in order to receive treatment. Previously, emergency patients were transferred in regular, worn out cars, or a taxi.

These vehicles do not have the suitable facilities to care for a critically ill patient, and are a health hazard in themselves.

Around 120 patients were transferred yearly in this fashion, most of whom receive

He is not here, He is Risen An article for the feast of Resurrection

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Newsletter

Spring Edition

Charity Update 25th April 2015

Inside

Who have we helped this month!

Message from the Chairman The Chairman writes to the guests of St Mark Universal Copts Care’s Unity Event.

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St Mark Universal Copts Care (SMUCC) volunteers on the fifth quarterly meeting in Rotherham, UK

St Mark Universal Copts Care Spring Edition

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Unity Event Letter to the guests

Message from the Chairman Dear esteemed guests. It was an honour to have you with us tonight in The Monastery and I’d like to believe that you have all enjoyed this evening’s unity event. Firstly I would like to share with you my optimism. Tonight’s gatherings was in itself an achievement, and the first of many steps to achieving our goals. We hope that you shared the passion and vision we have for St Mark Universal Copts Care. We are very proud of the youth that volunteer with us and all their hard work. We sincerely believe that through serving in love, we can continue to help provide a brighter future for all, and take another step in eradicating poverty.

Dr Naser Fouad

SMUCC Official Mini Bus Service

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Firstly, Christ’s resurrection assures our future resurrection. Because Jesus both died and rose again, we will be raised like Him. 1 Corinthians 15:20 tells us, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

The word firstfruits speaks of a sampling, a foretaste, a glimpse. Jesus is the firstfruit. Jesus has died and has risen, so we know that our resurrected and glorified bodies will resemble His resurrected body.

Secondly, the resurrection of Christ gives us power to live the Christian life (see Romans 8:11).

Certainly the Bible does not teach that we will be sinless in this physical body we now live in. On the other hand, we can sin less, not by our own abilities, but by the power of the Spirit. Christ can make us altogether different kinds of people. We must believe that. “Old things have passed away . . . all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

God can give both you and I the power to live this Christian life. His resurrection means that we have been converted from sinners to Saints; the Victory of Satan to defeat!

He is not here, He is Risen An article for the feast of the Resurrection

Silver Card – 5£ per month

• 25% discount St Mark Vouchers Selected Retailers

• One free pick up/drop off Limousine Cairo Airport (annually)

• Two medical consultation with UK consultants by phone/online

Gold Car – 8£ per month

• 25% discount St Mark Vouchers Selected Retailers

• Two free pick up/drop off Limousine Cairo Airport (annually)

• Four medical consultations

• Discounted membership at UK Gym chain + discounted Healthcare Insurance

• St Mark interest free business loans

St Mark’s Gold and Silver Cards

have arrived!

St Mark Universal Copts Care Spring Edition

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Continued from page 1

suboptimal treatment, and costing the diocese in the order of 130 000LE.

The ambulance donated by St Mark provides patients and families with a far better prognosis and outcome. Travelling in an ambulance preserves the dignity and medical condition of the patient, allows the patient to be treated during the journey, and allows ensures the patient receives the soonest possible treatment. There is also an employed team of trained paramedics and an ambulance driver to ensure the patient receives optimal treatment and a safer journey to hospital. The ambulance can also be hired out privately, bringing in income for the diocese and providing job opportunities.

If you would like to know more about the ambulance and how it’s improving people’s life in Aswan, please get in contact with us via post, email, or social media.

St Mark Universal Copts Care is pleased to announce that the community bakery set up in Der Mawas is running smoothly, creating jobs, and providing the area with plenty of bread, rolls, and other delicacies!

Good health is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty for a healthy man is able to work, provide for his family and enable his children to have a good education.

Currently, prescription medication is often too expensive for families to afford in Egypt, which means patients often remain untreated. We’ve recently been successful in purchasing our own pharmacy software license, which is now being freely distributing to every diocese under our care.

A trained St Mark volunteer then visits each diocese and records information regarding chronically ill patients and their pharmaceutical needs. After placing a monthly order to a wholesale pharmaceutical retailer at a large discounted rate, and after financially supporting the cost of these medications ourselves, the monthly cost of purchasing medication per diocese is being cut down by 70%!

At the moment, we’re also working on 11 healthcare projects in 11 diocese that involve building, refurbishing and equipping hospitals.

SMUCC is also working to improve the quality of Nurse training in Egypt and Sudan. We’re currently in collaboration with the UK Open University to provide approved nursing training that is equivalent to the British standard, and we hope this will be fully in place by Christmas 2015.

If you have any questions, comments, or would like to get involved, please contact us directly by email, post, or social media!

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Glorious Ruins: How sufferings set us free By Hannah Saad

‘All cases are unique and very similar to others’ T.S.Elliot While suffering is a personal demon, suffering is suffering in any shape or form and it is universal. Suffering is inevitable, it’s not a case of if but when, whether it be a sudden catastrophe or a developing situation. Two principal methods adopted by us to cope with suffering are the can-do Polyanna optimistic attitude and beliefs based on a ‘Theology of Glory’ The Polyanna Principle is the inclination to pay closer attention and to remember the positives over the negatives. We put on a brave face and maintain the positive attitude in an attempt to mask our suffering or disregard it. This can lead to us being in denial, having an unwillingness to accept and acknowledge our pain. This is often a result of feeling like there is no place for our pain to be shared in the sometimes suffocating environment our churches can create. We feel as though there is no place for our suffering in this life when in fact the church should be the first place we look to for comfort and fellowship. For we are all on the same journey as Christ and on this path we will encounter obstacles, suffering may be the most prominent. ‘Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow and discouragement will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors’ Brennan Manning Another way in which we attempt to cope with suffering is having thoughts and principles based on ‘Theologies of Glory’. This is fundamentally an approach that tries to minimise suffering and pain. It also heavily links suffering to personal improvement. Suggesting suffering is an ‘unpleasant but necessary step on the way to personal improvement.’ The theologian of Glory ‘does not know God hidden in suffering. Therefore he prefers works to suffering, glory to the cross, strength to weakness’ Martin Luther ‘Strength to weakness’, it is by default that we as humans refuse to accept help, we disregard suffering in a feeble attempt to appear strong and independent when in fact God and his grace our revealed to us in our darkest hour. ‘For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us’ Romans 8:18 When the pain of suffering may feel overwhelming and overbearing, a weight on our shoulders forcing us down to the ground on our knees, it is then, and only then, that we are in the perfect position to pray. For only when we hit rock bottom will we realise that God is our rock at the bottom. Why then do we suffer? One prominent reason is that nothing in our life makes us question the empty feeling inside us, the need that cannot be satisfied.

It is through suffering that Christ is revealed to us when we realise that there is a gnawing emptiness inside us that worldly desires cannot fill.

Faith purifies us like fire purifies metal. It is through our struggle that we are cleansed and while perhaps not ideal, it is in these times when we find Christ, or more accurately we find the Christ in us. Suffering hints at our personal discord showing we were meant for something greater, something far less painful. ‘If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probably explanation is that I was made for another world’ C.S.Lewis While many of us repeatedly have the ‘God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers’ testimony thrown at us in times of suffering this often belittles our struggles and almost makes us shy away from talking to God as if our struggles aren’t worthy. It is important to acknowledge that at these times independence is our enemy. These times are truly our biggest test of faith, to give our struggles to God, to accept his will, to sometimes just be grateful, even though we do not understand. And we will never fully understand God’s plan for us and we may never answer the question of ‘why do we suffer’ but if it brings us closer to Christ or helps us find and depend on Him then, it is worth it. It is not a question of how to overcome suffering but more of how to appreciate and benefit suffering. Though we may not understand this concept it is enough that we remember that in our times of suffering and hardship it was God who carried us. ‘After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you’ 1 Peter 5:10 Suffering sets you free Doesn’t distinguish you nor me For suffering is universal And its blessings are eternal Not a punishment or a negative, A blessing and a prerogative For suffering is gift of grace Don’t overcome or make haste Given to both me and you A blessing disguised in truth That we may understand and appreciate No fear of expectation, don’t hesitate.

St Mark Universal Copts Care Spring Edition

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Serve to Learn “If I then, your Lord and

Teacher, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one

another's feet” John 13: 14

Serve to learn is a programme for youth to serve our brothers

and sisters in Egypt. Led by Coptic Orphans, you will travel to Egypt and teach English with various activities and courses in a predetermined 3 week period.

This is an unmissable opportunity and you will serve

with other youth from all around the globe either in January or

July 2015. Truly this is a way in which we can try and fulfil this commandment Jesus has given

us.

Please contact

michael.fouad@stmarkuniversalcoptscare.5org55for more information.5

St Mark’s on BBC radio Manchester!

BBC Manchester Radio Studio

On Sunday, 8th March 2015, Mrs Hala Fouad, Charity Treasurer, Bishoy Dimitri, Corporate Fundraising Leader, and Pam Kamel, Charity Manager were interviewed by radio presenter, Mike Shaft on the BBC radio Manchester Breakfast show. This was aired on Sunday, 29th March, and is available on BBC iplayer until Sunday, 26th April 2015. The Charity members were asked who Copts were. Did you know that the word Copt comes from the Greek work “Agyptos”, meaning Egyptian? Did you know that we believe in the teachings of the writer of the second gospel, St Mark the Evangelist; and we have existed since St Mark wrote the gospel? The members informed listeners of what the charity does, and why it was set up – with the aim of eradicating poverty in Egypt and Sudan; in the hope that in future generations poverty is eradicated worldwide through unity, and working in partnership with one another. “Do you have hope for the future for Copts?” asked presenter, Mike Shaft. Members responded informing listeners that constitutionally; Copts are not treated as second class citizens, but in reality we still are under-represented and are treated as such, but that there is hope for the future under the new Presidency of Sisi. The members also went on to add that it is a shame that the only way Copts are getting their voice heard is through such atrocious terrorist activities, but that we all know what grief and pain feel like, and appreciate the sanctity of life.

The interview then concluded with a brief advertisement for the launch of St Mark Universal Copts Care – a Black Tie Event which will take place on Saturday, 25th April 2015. Over 150 guests will be in attendance – comprised of charities, local businesses, solicitors, accountants, consultants, and volunteers. By the grace of God, our plea for unity will allow us to plant the seeds in working in partnership with several corporations, charities and individuals. “Do you have hope for the future for Copts?” asked presenter, Mike Shaft. Members responded informing listeners that constitutionally; Copts are not treated as second class citizens, but in reality we still are under-represented and are treated as such, but that there is hope for the future under the new Presidency of Sisi. The members also went on to add that it is a shame that the only way Copts are getting their voice heard is through such atrocious terrorist activities, but that we all know what grief and pain feel like, and appreciate the sanctity of life. The interview then concluded with a brief advertisement for the launch of St Mark Universal Copts Care – a Black Tie Event which will take place on Saturday, 25th April 2015. Over 150 guests will be in attendance – comprised of charities, local businesses, solicitors, accountants, consultants, and volunteers. By the grace of God, our plea for unity will allow us to plant the seeds in working in partnership with several corporations, charities and individuals.

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We all know the remarkable story of David and Goliath; one of bravery, triumph and to an extent impracticality! How could the fire of a sling from a teenage boy knock out a 9ft giant? It is of course down to The Almighty, however one must consider the relevance this has to us. The victory of David was not in defeating Goliath, but in courageously submitting to God’s way. As R.T. Kendall said, “That was what David did: he first discerned how God intended him to defeat Goliath, and then he did it in God’s way.” But, what is God’s way? Firstly, it is the way of apparent foolishness. David portrayed this excellently: he refused to wear any armour, he disregarded the disdain of his brothers and he rejected the king’s advice. And he succeeded in prolonging this image of idiocy when he charged towards Goliath, with only his staff, his sling and five small pebbles. People must have either thought he was conceited or a fool. If we are to go with the latter, then people must think the same of us. In the eyes of the world a Christian must seem like a complete fool. As Paul said, “We are fools for Christ” (1 Cor. 4:10). The key phrase here is “for Christ”; no matter how the world may blindly and vindictively view us, one cannot help but marvel at the thought of being a fool for Him. George R.R. Martin put it perfectly when he said, “The greatest fools are ofttimes more clever than the men who laugh at them.” The gospel to us is like the staff to David. His staff was God’s hand holding his through the toughest battle he was yet to face. David took his staff with him as he squared up to Goliath, and we too must take our gospel with us as we square up to the enemy. For, “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:18). Secondly, God’s way is the way of comparative loneliness. One might have thought that David would have asked Saul to regroup his army, so they might march behind him and at least afford him some protection. But he faced Goliath alone. The road for the true believer is many times walked alone. The hard road to the cross is one that is seldom congested or busy. The narrow road is most often a solitary way which the popular crowd is unwilling to tread. As Father Stephen Freeman put it, “Christ is quite clear about the narrow path – there are very few who find it.” (Matt 7:13-14). The true believer in Christ is one who is set apart, just as Christ was. He knew how lonely God’s way can be, for His own disciples forsook Him and fled, and He walked Golgotha alone (Mark 14:50). The amalgamation of divinity and humanity is very much evident here: the divine God knew how it feels to be lonely, and experienced the same wounding and vulnerable emotions that comes with it. The Bible is replete with beautiful instances of Christ’s profound humility yet when we read we sometimes choose to discount the details over delving in more.

Penultimately, we see that God’s way is by public example. David did everything publically. Everyone watched him set out to tackle Goliath: his brothers, the king and the entire Israeli army. We too, should be open about our faith and publically confess Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. (Rom 10:9-10). On the Day of Pentecost, the apostles unashamedly and boldly preached the gospel, enraging the members of the Sanhedrin. As R.T. Kendall said, “Suffering shame is normally something we all avoid like the plague, but Acts 5:41 says, ‘The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.’” We must always endeavour to be Christ to everyone we encounter; just as Rodney (Gypsy) Smith asserted that, “there are five gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and the Christian.” If we are not striving to be as Christ-like as possible and capturing people’s hearts for Him, we aren’t fulfilling our roles here. We do not want to prove Mahatma Ghandi right when he said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. You Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Lastly, God’s way is the way of simplicity. Nothing was more sophisticated and prestigiously refined than Saul’s magnificent armour; to the onlookers it would have seemed the best thing for David to wear as protection. But he took it off and advanced to meet the giant with only his staff, his sling and five small pebbles to use as ammunition. Seven items. In the New Testament He performed a miracle using seven foods: with the five small barley loaves and two small fish (John 6:1-14). God has a habit of taking our shortage and multiplying it to overflow. The beauty is He is predictably unpredictable. He fully equipped and prepared David for his battle; as He knew that Saul’s armour was too large and too heavy thus wouldn’t have worked. He planned that David would have years of practice in perfecting his aim with his sling in preparation for this day. Moreover, ammunition, in the form of five small pebbles, would be in the stream nearby. R.T. Kendall affirms this when he says, “God had prepared and equipped David for the encounter with Goliath, and everything he needed to kill Goliath was readily available.” F.B. Meyer once said, “We never test the resources of God until we attempt the impossible.” David’s only hope lied in God and God alone. He had now committed himself. God had hemmed him in so there was no turning back, however he had rejected Saul’s armour and lacked a man’s strength; Goliath was a giant, much more powerful than he was. David’s only hope rested with what God would do for him. What can God do for us? Simply, everything. We must take our sling, our staff and five small pebbles, whatever they may be in our lives, and We must take our sling, our staff and five small pebbles, whatever they may be in our lives, and fire at the enemy with every confidence that God will conquer.

A Sling, a Staff and Five Small Pebbles by Mary Hanna

ST MARK UNIVERSAL

COPTS CARE

12 Stanhope Road Bowdon, AltrinchamWA14 3JY

www.stmarkuniversalcoptscare.org

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Newsletter - Spring Edition 25th April 2015

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