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News #303 – Egypt
February 22, 2005
The following news concerns Egypt.
Warm response to Bible Society’s presence at Cairo Bookfair
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| Top: Customers browsing one of the Bible Society of Egypt's three stalls at the Cairo International Bookfair, which opened on January 29, 2005. Photo: BSE (EGY05DJ-1.JPG); Middle: A man browsing one of the Bible Society of Egypt's three stalls at the Cairo International Bookfair, which opened on January 29, 2005. Photo: BSE (EGY05DJ-2.JPG); Bottom: A young girl browsing one of the Bible Society of Egypt's three stalls at the Cairo International Bookfair, which opened on January 29, 2005. Photo: BSE (EGY05DJ-3.JPG) |
EGYPT — "It's Kingo!" children exclaimed as they walked past the Bible Society of Egypt's stands at this year's Cairo International Bookfair. Some even began singing the tunes they had memorised from the Kingo video, showing Bible Society staff that, even though the weakening economy is creating challenges for Egypt's Christian publishers, this children's series is a hit.
Kingsley's Meadows, the American Bible Society's video series about Kingsley the lion, known in Arabic simply as Kingo, was one of the main products on display. Recognising the character from the Society's wide-reaching publicity campaign, including daily television commercials, many children were drawn to the stalls as they spotted large cardboard cut-outs of Kingo, Kingo masks and members of staff dressed in Kingo outfits. As staff chatted to their parents, they heard at first hand how much parents appreciate the way in which, through amusing puppets and catchy songs, the video's 26 episodes show the relevance of God's Word in everyday situations that children face and teach them basic Christian principles such as gratitude, patience, obedience and self-control.At this year's event, which opened on January 29, the Society had three indoor stalls and an outdoor stand. While many children flocked to see the Bible Society's wares, overall attendance at the bookfair was once again rather disappointing, reflecting the decline in the Egyptian economy over recent years. However, staff were encouraged by the many opportunities that arose for in-depth conversations with people who showed interest in the products on sale, which included a number of new audio visual items. And for the Bible Society, it is this interaction with people who may not otherwise have access to God's Word that is the main reason for having a strong presence at this high-profile event, along with other Christian publishers.
"We are not as concerned about how much we sell," says General Secretary Ramez Atallah, "but who God's Word reaches. Please pray that each portion of Scripture may reach the intended person."
Although the bookfair has now ended, the Society is running a 'Bookfair Sale' at all its outlets until the end of February. "Please pray that we will be able to continue all through the month to distribute large amounts of the wonderful Scripture products we have," says Mr Atallah. (382 words - EGYPT.22.02.05)Photographs are available to accompany this story. For more information or to order, please contact the UBS Photo Department.
For further information please e-mail Andrew Mathewson, UBS Editor.
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