As Egypt's torrential state of instability continues, the country's Christians continue to fear their fate in the North African country that they have called home since biblical times.
The country, in its quest for democracy, has seen a wave of positive and negative outcomes of the 2012 presidential election, which, in itself, is a large step from the dictatorial rule of former President Hosni Mubarak, who was removed during the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011.
Currently, Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood is the president of the country, although critics are weary of the interim military government's willingness to turn presidential power over to Morsi.
Even if Morsi were given enough presidential power to rule the country, he may not be keen on free Christian worship in the country, allegedly telling a journalist in a private meeting in May that Christians should "convert, pay tribute, or leave."
Additionally, the ruling military council has recently deconstructed Egypt's parliament, as well as the country's 100-person constitution council, making hope for a true democracy, as opposed to a continued military dictatorship, seem dismal.
In spite of these seemingly bleak circumstances, Brian Stiller, ambassador for the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), argues that Christians need to stay in the country in spite of its continued instability.
"The obstacle is fear. That's what will inhibit the Christian presence. If people can believe that religious liberty will be a part of the future, and trusting that the Lord will enable them to be a witness, I think that mitigates fear," Stiller told The Christian Post.