Samir from Egypt

After the ten-year anniversary of the martyr of 21 Christians on a Libyan beach by extremists, what is life like for those left behind? Samir, the father of one of the martyrs, demonstrates the enduring power of faith in Christ, even in the deepest grief.

It has been over ten years since the martyring of 21 Christians (20 Copts and one Ghanian man) on the shores of Sirte, Libya, by so-called Islamic State (IS) militants. These were ordinary men, largely construction workers who left Egypt seeking better means of supporting their families, but something important brought them together: faith in Jesus. As they knelt there in the sand in February 2015, awaiting their death, they knew they were also awaiting glory.

A grieving father

Samir is a man in his late forties who lives four hours away from Cairo. A weathered face and a thick turban are the markers of his home in the sweltering sun, and he wears both. He is an ordinary man, like them, but he also carries an invisible, incomprehensible weight of grief – his son, Girgis, was one of the martyrs ten years ago.

When local partners went to visit Samir, they were welcomed into his home, a gratefully received shelter from the scorching temperatures of upper Egypt. It was simple but comfortable, with a long sofa and a table. Posters covered every square inch of the walls and in one corner a cupboard stood, filled with clothes and boxes. The home was not just for Samir, but a memorial for Girgis and the other men whose lives were taken from them.

Girgis’ story

Slowly, Samir told Girgis’ story. “He had gone to Libya to work, to support the family and to build his own one. Opportunities are almost absent here – jobs are extremely limited if available.”

Samir had pleaded with his son to stay at home, that they would find a means of survival. The dangers of moving to Libya were common knowledge. But still, Girgis went, and did not come home.

“Girgis was just 24 when he was kidnapped and executed,” Samir relates, not without effort. “He was born on 1 January 1991. He was engaged and was planning to marry in August of that year when he finally envisioned returning home to Egypt for good.”

As he uttered every detail, Samir’s voice broke. Tears rolled down his cheeks, entrenched in memories of his son who never got to see his bride. The father wiped his eyes and said, “Girgis is with Jesus, and that is what matters now. I surely miss him every second.”

Though his son is no longer with him, Samir still sees his child with eyes of faith.

Then Samir said plainly, “I have forgiven the militants who killed my son. They did not know what they were doing,” echoing Jesus’ own words on the cross. “Why shouldn’t I forgive? The Lord forgives us every second, and He forgave His own persecutors.”

Eyes on heaven

Reckoning with the death of his son at the hands of Islamist extremists over the years was a heavy burden for Samir. But over time, he’s found a supernatural peace, given only by the Prince of Peace. “My son is a martyr for Jesus, and that is a blessing. I pray for those who killed him – that they may see the truth and follow the light.”

Samir is only one father, one family amongst many others who continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones because of persecution. Despite the depth of their sorrow, their faith goes even deeper. They see their sons, husbands and fathers crowned with glory in heaven, those who with Paul lived out the words, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)