Contact: Jerry Dykstra, Media Relations Director, Open Doors USA, 616-915-4117, JerryD@odusa.org 

SANTA ANA, Calif., Jan. 23, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- This Friday marks two years since the first fire of the January 25 Egyptian revolution against the Mubarak regime was lit by Egyptian young people.

When the protesters took to the streets of a few large Egyptian cities shouting for freedom, social justice and bread (a symbol of the basic needs of life that millions of Egyptians lack), they probably did not realize then that their enthusiastic adventure was about to change the course of history for the entire Egyptian state. It has turned over a new page in Egypt's thick history book.

After two years have passed, what does Egypt look like now?

A Christian leader, who regularly blogs from Egypt, says he sees "a split nation overflowing with too much frustration and anger, with hardly any positive or promising political or social development. The economy is a disaster, with our local currency's value diving deep down into the unknown."

He adds that this spirit of frustration and anger "provides good soil for a major clash this Friday. Words are spreading around about a second revolution, another eruption of anger, but this time it is directed against the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists, who have taken a strong hand on the reins of the Egyptian nation, acting as if they alone live in the country."

Reports of planned organized protests in many of Egypt's main cities are being circulated on the Internet and through satellite news programs. Prominent politicians, writers and society figures are urging Egyptians to go back to the street, proclaiming the rejection of the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists, and renewing the call for a civil state.

The Christian blogger notes that "there are several possible scenarios for Friday, the worst of which could be severe confrontations and clashes between the Islamic state and civil state supporters. The shadows of violence and turmoil are showing up again all over the scene in Egypt, leaving us with many concerns and anxieties. What might or could happen?  How will things develop on Friday and on after that in our country?

"May the Lord have mercy on us and save Egypt from every evil. Please join us in prayer."

The U.S. Embassy in Cairo urges its citizens in Egypt to avoid areas where protesters will likely gather on Friday, including Cairo's Tahrir Square.

Egypt is ranked No. 25 on the Open Doors 2013 World Watch List of the worst persecutors of Christians (www.worldwatchlist.us).

Christians are persecuted for their faith in at least 60 countries worldwide. They suffer interrogation, arrest and even death in some of the most dangerous and restrictive countries in the world. For 58 years Open Doors has supported and strengthened believers worldwide through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development and prayer and presence ministry. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to our Website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.

(For more information or to set up an interview, contact Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or email jerryd@odusa.org.)