Bahrain | SAT-7

History

An archipelago of small islands in the Gulf Stream, Bahrain’s history is of a series of truces, agreements and negotiations with its large neighbouring states, as well as of a divided state. In the 19th century Bahrain was a British protectorate. The Iranians also laid claim to the archipelago and Iran and Britain continued to dispute the ownership of Bahrain, until a United Nations’ Security Council vote in 1970 determined that the territory would be recognised as a sovereign and independent nation.

Government

A constitutional monarchy, Bahrain is headed by a king from the Al-Khalifa family, and the government is led by a popularly elected Prime Minister. Uprisings and protests in several Shiite neighbourhoods in early 2011 saw the resignation of several government ministers and the scheduling of parliamentary elections with a greater representation of Shiite Muslims.

Social Issues

Bahrain faces frequent clashes between its Sunni and Shiite Muslim populations. Unemployment currently stands at 15%. ¹ Women were granted full political rights in 2002, although there is still limited representation of them in government.

SAT-7 Viewership

Accurate figures are not available, although SAT-7’s audience relations team regularly receive messages from viewers in Bahrain.

Religion

80% of the country is Muslim, 10% Christian and the remainder is a mixture of Hindus, Sikhs and other various South-East Asian religions. Bahrain is one of the most tolerant Gulf States towards Christianity. Although the majority of Christians are foreigners, there is a growing number of local believers. These believers face opposition from family and society, and occasional discrimination when seeking employment and academic opportunities.

Prayer Points

Pray for greater social acceptance of Bahraini believers, so that they will continue to be strong in their faith.

Praise God for the presence of Christian bookshops and the numerous fellowships who can offer the Christians in Bahrain spiritual support.

“I am very thankful to SAT-7 because, not only are your programmes spiritual, helping us in our relationship with God and encouraging us, but they also help us in learning many skills and tools. SAT-7 is like a backbone in our lives. You have no idea how much you blessed me and how much your ministry is impacting millions in so many ways.” An Egyptian lady living in Bahrain

1. UNDP 2009 Middle East Report

CHANNELS IN BAHRAIN

viewer quotes

"May God bless you all. We ask Jesus to extend His hand, as nothing is too difficult for Him. We pray that He would give comfort to victims’ families in Aleppo and all of Syria. And we pray that He would stop this storm."

A Syrian viewer of 'Just for You'

"I'm Maya, 3 and a half years old from Amman, watching your bedtime story every night and can't go to bed before listening to your stories. Mama also watching with me."

From a young child in Jordan

"In a remote village in Afghanistan a Christian worker met an Afghan man who invited him to his house. There he switched on the TV, showed him SAT-7 PARS and said, “This is where I get my food from.” This man also invites his friends to come and watch SAT-7 PARS in this remote village."

A viewer in Afghanistan

"May God bless your work! This was a very sweet episode! May the programme make a big difference in our country, in the name of Jesus!"

A Syrian viewer of 'Just for You'

"Your programmes provide such a wonderful opportunity for me to explain to my children what we believe as Christians in ways they understand. It really is a precious thing to have this channel."

A MOTHER IN TURKEY

"I am from Morocco. I want to serve Jesus with all my heart. Thank you for being the source of encouragement and my spiritual growth. God bless you."

A woman in Morocco

"Five years ago I started seeking for the truth in different religions. I was lost, confused and wanted to reach out to God. I really needed comfort and peace. Thank God I found peace and the truth through the programmes and the songs on my favourite channel SAT-7."

A woman from Saudi Arabia

"I came to know Christ through your programmes. I tried to talk about Jesus to my family but they didn’t want to listen to me. So I turn the TV on during your programmes and, without saying a word, allow your programmes to talk to my family about Jesus Christ. And now they sit and watch the programmes!"

An Iranian woman from Tabriz

"Hello to you dear SAT-7 PARS team. I would like to thank you for all your nice programmes. I came to Christ a few months ago and your teaching programmes helped me to improve in my Christian faith. I am thinking of getting baptised and I would like you to advise me where can I go to get baptised."

A SAT-7 PARS viewer

"Finally, a Syrian programme has come to us! May God bless you and use you to the glory of His name."

A viewer of 'Just for You'

"I am touched by the sermons that I’m watching every Friday. I’m not able to go to church but God has opened a door for me to attend a church service in my house every week! I never thought that one day I would see bold Algerians worshipping the Lord and not afraid to be shown on TV."

An Algerian viewer

"We have a lot of believers in Israel who watch SAT-7 and we want you to pray with us for the salvation of many people in the Holy Land."

A viewer in Israel

"My son loves many of your programmes. I can leave him to watch SAT-7 KIDS without any fear that he will see information, advice or ideas that are not from the heart of God."

A mother of SAT-7 KIDS viewer

"I came across your website by chance. I never knew that Christianity is such a beautiful religion. Your site has helped correct many of the misconceptions and wrong ideas I had about the Christian faith and about Christ. I desperately need to know more about Christianity to be delivered from the aimless and hopeless life I presently live."

A viewer in Morocco