Gabriel B.

‘Gabriel B’ is working with ‘Jacob G’ to plant a Reformed Baptist church in a city in Egypt. He is a dedicated theologian who is completing his PhD and has taught in a local theological school for years. Surpassing his love of theology, though, is his desire to be part of a biblical church.

Testimony of Conversion

I grew up in a religious ‘Christian’ family in the Coptic Orthodox Church. However, I was a nominal ‘Christian.’ Between the ages of 16-19, I experienced some dramatic events in my life that God used to bring me to Him. At that time, I began to appreciate the roots of my Christian faith and enjoy peace with God because of the reconciliation Jesus Christ has brought about (Rom. 5:1-11). Being reconciled with God (2 Cor. 5:18) has always been the key theme in my spiritual journey with my heavenly Father (Rom. 8:15).

Since my conversion, I have been growing in my Christian life and participating in several church and para-church ministries. Biblical and theological teaching has always been the focus of my ministry in Anglican, Presbyterian, and Church of God meetings in Egypt.

Call to Ministry

Personally, I have no confidence in a Christian life away from a healthy church that is a worshiping community. Therefore, I and my family have always tried to be committed to such a model. We believe that this is the way God designed for His people, that they may grow in love and maturity with brothers and sisters who share the same vision and are passionate for the Gospel of the Lord, and under godly leadership. Although this model has neither been easy nor perfect, I am aware of no other way to help us enjoy the fruits of the Gospel and face the challenges of life in a fallen world.

Here is a brief outline of main life and ministry events I believe led me to the point of applying for doctoral study:

From 2001-2007, I was a staff member with a large evangelical campus ministry in Egypt. I was involved in ministry as a youth worker and Bible teacher, both in campus ministry and in un-churched youth groups.

In September 2005, I began my academic studies at a local School of Theology to deepen my roots and improve my skills in biblical teaching and youth ministry.

In February 2007, while I was just a second-year student, the principal asked me to be his assistant and help him turn some courses he was previously teaching into books. His ambitious vision was to prepare me to be a junior lecturer upon finishing my undergraduate study.

From September 2009 to March 2015, I was involved in a threefold mission: 1) teaching at the School of Theology under the personal supervision of its principal; 2) studying for a Master of Biblical Studies; and 3) being involved in planting a new Arabic congregation in my city.

To sum up, I have experienced God’s formation in my life particularly in two areas: first, enjoying relatively steady spiritual growth among God’s family, in the local church where I serve, and secondly, the development in academic theological teaching. Finally, integrating spiritual formation and growth with academic growth continued happening during my time of doctoral studies in Australia through: 1) living, studying, and worshipping within the learning community at Moore College’s campus: chapel, prayer times, and social events my family participated in on a regular basis; 2) being part of the church life at All Saints; 3) preaching on a regular basis in some Arabic and English meetings in Sydney.

I was born into a Coptic Orthodox family. I used to go to church but never understood the Gospel clearly. One day my cousin invited me to an evangelical church. I enjoyed the Christian community and all the fun activities after the service. I continued to go there.

When I was fourteen years old, my mum died and I felt like I lost everything. Everything was dark and gloomy, and I stayed at home and stopped going to church. My leaders from the church came to visit me and asked permission from my father so that I can attend a conference. Usually, my dad wouldn’t allow me to come home after hours, let alone attend a conference and stay for days away from home. He is a very conservative Upper Egyptian. So initially he said, ‘NO WAY!’ Later on, in the same week, these ministers came back trying to convince him to allow me to attend this retreat. Eventually, he agreed, after they said that I need to listen to God’s word during these tough and sad times.

That was the first time for me to be in a Christian retreat. Sadly, however, as soon as I arrived, I became so sick and I had a fever and stayed in bed for two days. On the third day, I started praying that I could get better and go have fun with my friends. On that evening, I became better and could listen to the sermon. God spoke to me through the preacher who was speaking about God’s love and how he showed us His love on the cross. I couldn’t stop crying. After the sermon, I went and spoke with the preacher and told him about what I was going through. He prayed with me and on that day my life changed.

After that, I started going to church every week, and studying the Bible. After being discipled by two of the church leaders, I joined the ministry team and became a leader in the church’s youth group. I felt like I was growing with God every day. At 18 years old, I started working with a large evangelical campus ministry, and later became a full-time worker with them.

In January 2001, I met ‘Gabriel B’ for the first time and we were engaged in 2002. After he finished his military service, we married in 2004 when I was 26. Together we became a full-time couple in the campus ministry. In 2007, ‘Gabriel’ started teaching at the School of Theology as an assistant to the principal. Later we moved to Sydney, Australia so he could study for his PhD.

Identity Protected

Miriam B.

Wife's Testimony

Miriam B.

Miriam B.

Testimony of Conversion

Call to Ministry

Connect with HeartCry