(Santa Ana, CA)—A Christian leader in Egypt is calling for prayers for a huge four-day evangelistic festival starting today in the desert north of Cairo. The unique event is expected to draw 50,000 people from all over Egypt. Hundreds of buses will transport the crowds every day from major cities to the site.

The event will be televised and covered by several Christian satellite channels. Television coverage is expected to attract 5 to 6 million viewers.

The main theme behind all the activities is how Jesus can change lives, according to the Christian leader. At the end of each day, there will be a worship service and a direct evangelistic message to call attendees to give their lives to Jesus.

"There is no doubt that God is moving in Egypt and showing Himself in mighty ways to many of His children, and to many who are seeking to know Him," says the Christian contact. "The hunger to know about Jesus and to get to know more about the Christian faith is phenomenal.

"These are, indeed, difficult times we live in today. With all the political, social, economic and religious challenges we have faced here in the last few months, all Egyptians are left with many uncertainties and concerns about the present and future.

"But we Christians of Egypt are realizing more and more every day that God is visiting our country with a powerful divine presence, and that the things He is going to do in our country are beyond imagination. This is what we pray for and this is what we are waiting in faith to see happening."

The leader is calling for prayers for safety for people traveling to the festival, and for many to come to faith in Jesus Christ.

"Of course, the evangelistic festival is certainly an event that the enemy doesn't want to see happening. He will try to do whatever it takes to stop it, or at least distort the attention of people away from listening to the Good News.

"We call on our brothers and sisters worldwide to join us in prayer, and to watch with us as we see thousands, and maybe millions of Egyptians, coming to Jesus."

Earlier in the month a youth festival in the desert drew 10,000 young people from all over Egypt.

Egyptian Christians have faced increased persecution since the election of a Muslim Brotherhood president four months ago. Egypt is ranked No. 15 on the Open Doors World Watch List of 50 countries which are the worst persecutors of Christians.

Jerry Dykstra, Media Relations Director for Open Doors USA, states: "What is happening in Egypt this month is truly awesome. In the midst of increased persecution, turmoil and uncertainty, Christians are reaching out to others and fervently praying 'in such a time as this.' Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ during this weekend event."