God is not far away from any one of us
“Books educate, enable analytical thinking and stimulate our imagination. Books also comfort, inspire and heal. In The Strong and the Weak, Paul Tournier shows us we can choose how we react to loss and sadness.”
You can help Nora Mishriky meet the need for good Christian books in Arabic.
My name is Nora Mishriky. I was born into a Christian family. As a child I attended an Orthodox church and earnestly observed all the rituals. I yearned for an intimate relationship with the God Most High but was taught that he was far away in heaven. When I was just five years old, my father went to be with the Lord. This made God seem even more remote.
At high school, a friend showed me that God is not far away but promised to be with us always. I came to know Jesus as my personal Saviour. However, while our eternal Heavenly Father loves and cares for me so much and is ready to take all my distress and turn it into joy, it took many years to heal the loss of my physical father and to trust God as the provider of all my needs.
God is trustworthy
When I was 40 years old, my husband went to be with the Lord. I was left to look after our two sons and the family printing business. I was working as an administrator at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo and knew nothing about printing. By the grace of God, for 17 years I have successfully managed the business. Throughout this journey I have seen God’s hand in every detail of the life of my family. I know God is trustworthy.
Five years ago, I stopped to rethink what I wanted to do with my life. I dreamed of starting a publishing house. In many fields there are no good books in Arabic. The church contributes little to issues facing our society. I wanted to use our printing business to help the church do its part by publishing books that are really needed.
We have already published nineteen books on neglected topics including a series of ten illustrated books on life skills for boys and girls from 8 to 12 years old. Seven of the books are for preteens and three are for parents and care givers. This series meets a need for psychologically sound books that teach parents how to raise their children to be followers of Jesus. The series tackles emotional intelligence, boundaries, mental health, sex and relationships. These colourful books have become popular training tools in churches and counselling programs.
God is faithful
There are great opportunities for Christian publishers in Egypt. We need to have one eye on the church and the other on our society. To address issues facing our church and community from a Christian perspective, we need to nurture and encourage local Christian writers.
When God puts a vision in our heart he also gives us guidance and the strength to act.
Please pray that we will form strong partnerships with local and international writers and publishers. Pray that we will develop effective marketing channels and sustainable finances.
Nora Mishriky has a masters degree in counselling and is the director of Sparkle Publications in Cairo.