Testament of Faith
A Documentary
Watch the trailer
A one-hour documentary exploring the powerful legacy of Egypt’s native son, Swailem Hennein, who became the first-ever missionary sent out from the Land of the Pharaohs. From a small Egyptian village to the rough terrain of Sudan, Swailem and his young wife never imagined their work would shape the destiny of nations. Journalist Mona Hennein returns to her birth home to discover her parents’ untold legacy — A Testament of Faith whose impact transcends both countries and generations.
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In the Village, the Quiet Village
Mona and her father return to El Garf Sarhayn, the remote village where her father was born. Although the village has changed little over the past 2000 years, it would change the Hennein family forever. Here, Mona discovers not only the lives of astonishing faith, bravery, and love her pioneer parents had led, but her own new-found faith and connection with Jesus Christ.
Call to Sudan
Through the missionary work of the Henneins, thousands were converted to Christianity, bringing a sense of confidence to the church of Egypt. Here in Cairo, we meet Tharwat Wehba, a historian who recounts the Evangelical church’s first experience with missions when Mona’s father was sent to southern Sudan to begin the work of bringing the Gospel to those practicing animistic religion.
History of Christianity In Egypt
Through the missionary work of the Henneins, thousands were converted to Christianity! Here in Cairo, we meet Tharwat Wehba, a historian who recounts the Evangelical church’s first experience with missions. He shares the story of when Mona’s father was sent to southern Sudan to begin the work of bringing the Gospel to those practicing animistic religion.
To Build A Church
The residents of the El Marg district outside of Cairo, a population of nearly 100,000, do not have a church. Government regulation makes it difficult to change and build new churches – a problem that oppresses Christians, but also gives rise to new ways of worship. The community sacrificed for five years, living on less than two dollars a day to raise $40,000 USD to build a secret church for their community.
Including Women
The Synod of the Nile founded the first K-12 school for girls and the first school for students with special needs. The Presbyterians continued to reach out to the community, co-founding Cairo University and The American University In Cairo – Egypt’s two leading academic institutions and the first universities to accept women. In this segment, we meet with the first woman seminarian, Anne Emile Zaki, who is waiting to be ordained the first Presbyterian minister in all of the Middle East.
Back To Sudan
When Mona’s father left Sudan, he had every intention of going back. His heart for Sudan expanded through the Evangelical Theological Seminary of Cairo. At the seminary, we meet with leaders of the newly formed Mission Department who are inspired by her father. We learn of their continued commitment to Sudan as well as their newly launched missions to other nations.