Egypt: August 25-September 3, 2025
Day 1
Evangelene Bose -
This is my first ever mission trip in my 23 years. I was so excited packing my bag the night before the flight.
I received a text from my grandpa that made me pause and smile:
“Mom texted me you are going to Egypt for a mission trip. That’s why I named you Evangelene. Daddy God be with you and the team.”
At that moment, I remembered Isaiah 49:1 (NIV):
“Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.”
I think this is a beautiful start for me, and I’m curious about what God has ahead on this journey.
This is my first ever mission trip in my 23 years. I was so excited packing my bag the night before the flight.
I received a text from my grandpa that made me pause and smile:
“Mom texted me you are going to Egypt for a mission trip. That’s why I named you Evangelene. Daddy God be with you and the team.”
At that moment, I remembered Isaiah 49:1 (NIV):
“Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.”
I think this is a beautiful start for me, and I’m curious about what God has ahead on this journey.
Dave (David Ivaska)
We are so grateful for your prayers as we set out on this mission! Our adventure started right away at the airport. We had just arrived in a cab and were about to check in when I suddenly felt a lightness on my shoulders… too light too comfortable. To my shock, I realized I had left my backpack in the cab!
My first reaction was, “Oh my God, what have we done?!” But even in that moment of panic, God was already at work. Within minutes, the driver himself noticed and came back to the entrance, backpack in hand. What a relief and what a gift!
Hakuna Matata—we got my backpack back and were ready to check in.
We are so grateful for your prayers as we set out on this mission! Our adventure started right away at the airport. We had just arrived in a cab and were about to check in when I suddenly felt a lightness on my shoulders… too light too comfortable. To my shock, I realized I had left my backpack in the cab!
My first reaction was, “Oh my God, what have we done?!” But even in that moment of panic, God was already at work. Within minutes, the driver himself noticed and came back to the entrance, backpack in hand. What a relief and what a gift!
Hakuna Matata—we got my backpack back and were ready to check in.
Dave is happy with his back pack
In the evening, we shared an amazing dinner together—a joyful way to end the day and prepare our hearts for the official start of the conference tomorrow. 🍴✨
Day 2 - 3
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We started the morning with an amazing time of praise and worship.
The songs lifted our souls and drew us deeply into God’s presence. 🎶 (Here’s a glimpse check out the video) |
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After worship, we dove into a Bible study on the life of Joseph and the theme of “Detour.” This was especially powerful for me because we were in Egypt the very land where Joseph’s story unfolded.
As someone born in India and now living in the U.S., I’ve often read these passages from a distance. But today, seeing the pyramids and the Nile river on our way to the conference, I felt a new sense of connection. I could imagine how Pharaoh relied on the labor of the people, the layers of officials in his court, and then Joseph raised up to stand second only to Pharaoh himself. It was a surreal moment reading the story in Scripture while standing in the land where it all took place. |
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We finished off the night with delicious food and live music, a time of laughter and fellowship that brought us even closer as a team. 🎶💛
Looking back today reminded us that God often works through detours. What may feel like a delay or an unexpected path can actually be His way of positioning us for a greater purpose, just as He did with Joseph. We are grateful for the chance to study His Word in the very place where these stories came alive.
Day 4
Today we spent time fellowshipping with students. Behind their beautiful smiles were stories of pain and struggle—an eye-opening reminder of the challenges they face each day. Yet, in the midst of it all, we connected quickly, shared deeply, and grew together in Christ.
We began the Alexandria trip with the students and visited the Alexandria Museum
On the Alexandria trip, we visited the Alexandria Museum and a shopping mall near the beach. We also spent time with the Korean students and learned about ministry in Korea.
They shared that while many students are open to attending church on Sundays, weekday small groups and fellowships are harder because students often prioritize other club activities.
They shared that while many students are open to attending church on Sundays, weekday small groups and fellowships are harder because students often prioritize other club activities.
In the end of the day, I was surprised to know that David Ivaska is an author! He shared a short but amazing speech that inspired us all. Have a look, guys! 🎤📖
Day 5
The last day of the conference was filled with praise and worship, another powerful Bible lesson on “Detour,” and rich fellowship with students. It was a beautiful way to close this chapter together, encouraged and refreshed in God’s presence.
We, David Ivaska, Sally Ivaska, and Evangelene Bose, are excited to represent our church at the IFES (International Fellowship of Evangelical Students) MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Regional Conference by joining university students from across the region for learning, encouragement, and fellowship.
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