In what seem like dim and distant days before lockdown, we would visit Inverness or Edinburgh to see a live performance, such as the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical ‘Joseph’, or a film. Perhaps we shall be able to do the latter again soon in Fort William’s new cinema, but the ‘new normal’ still feels somewhat strange and doubtful for many in this country and around the world. The story of the infamous Jacob mentioned last month might not be so well known as his son Joseph. Looking for something encouraging to write for the new normal,
I was intrigued to see that name in a different context. In the past I have suggested that we, in safe UK, should pray for those persecuted for their faith. Christians in the Egyptian Coptic tradition are among those who have died when their place of worship was bombed . In ‘TRANSFORM’, a magazine published by the Scottish Bible Society, Ramen Atallah, General Director of the Bible Society of Egypt (BSOE) writes: ‘When Joseph was imprisoned in Egypt, near where I live, he probably felt he would never get out and that he had no future. We, at BSOE, had similar feelings...during the pandemic. ‘Last year we established a digital media department which is now in full operation.
Being at home and cooped up for long hours of curfew, programmes such as our daily online Bible Competition are needed more than ever and we are so grateful to God who has been preparing our staff for this new challenge and opportunity.’ Joseph, looking back at his life, told his brothers “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20). My prayer is that as we look back on this frightening worldwide pandemic, we will have the same perspective as Joseph had.’ Can we learn this positive attitude from Joseph and Egypt in Lochaber by adding our prayers to those of Ramen Atallah?
Male staff of Morrisons, Fort William constructed and wore their own bras to raise money for a Breast Cancer charity. Picture Iain Ferguson, The Write Image
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