1,000 Christians flee for their lives - 'We became like refugees'

'They're terrified of the violence and brutality of the terrorists.'

The Egyptian government was forced to step in to help displaced Christians fleeing threats of violence and death.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - One priest told the Associated Press he and about 1,000 other Christians fled el-Arish, Egypt following a rash of killings.

In separate attacks, at least seven Christians have been shot and killed, with several more threatened by a group believed to be ISIS militants or sympathizers.

An official of the Coptic Orthodox Church reported at least 90 families reached the Ismailia governorate and had been helped - to a certain extent.

Father Kyrillos Ibrahimj told DPA news agency: "The government helped find housing for some families and we rented apartments for the rest. It's hard to estimate if there will be more families coming, it depends how bad the situation is. We hope this is a temporary situation."

Aid came to the Coptic Christians after social media users pressured Ismailia, which has many rights activists concerned.

Another disturbing sign was the displacement of so many Christians, which indicates President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is not providing security for his citizens.

Earlier this week, Egypt's Islamic State affiliate released a video vowing they would target Christians in the region.

One priest reported the lack of security is to blame for the slew of attacks, which resulted in the slaughter of one Christian man and his 6-year-old daughter.

"You feel like this is all meant to force us to leave our homes," he stated. "We became like refugees.'

Another priest from el-Arish reported his daughter was kidnapped and she was stabbed to death. Her body was left near a police station.

Another Christian and his son were killed, their bodies left on the side of a road, and still more were killed, prompting thousands of Christians to leave their homes.

Please pray for Egypt's Christians. Pray for protection, hope and grace.

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