Egyptian Christian killed by IS after refusing to deny Jesus

A Coptic Christian from Egypt has reportedly been killed by so-called Islamic State (IS) after refusing to renounce his faith.

A 20-year-old Coptic Christian from Egypt has reportedly been killed by so-called Islamic State (IS) after refusing to deny Jesus.

Milad Malak – who served as a church deacon in Sebarbay village in the country’s northern Gharbia governate – travelled to Libya in search of work. Like many young Egyptians facing economic hardship, he hoped to support his family and build a stable life. He made the trip with two Muslim friends from his village.

However, during their time in Libya, they were among a group of Egyptian workers reportedly kidnapped by IS militants in the city of Zliten.

According to Milad’s two Muslim friends, who were subsequently released, the militants discovered that Milad was the only Christian in the group. After learning this, they allegedly subjected him to intense pressure to abandon Christianity and convert to Islam. This happened over several days and included torture and threats against his life.

Despite unrelenting pressure, Milad refused every demand to renounce his faith. When their efforts failed, the militants are believed to have killed him.

Echoes of the 21 martyrs

Milad’s death strongly echoes what happened to 20 Coptic Christians and one Ghanian in 2015. Taken to a beach in Libya, they were asked to renounce their faith one final time. When the refused, they were beheaded. The chilling incident was filmed by IS and shared online. Today, the extraordinary courage of the 21 martyrs continues to inspire countless people worldwide.

• What’s it like to be a Christian in Egypt?

Please pray for Milad’s loved ones as they grieve his loss, and please pray that, like the 21 martyrs, his death will ‘bear much fruit’ (John 12:24).