Being God’s family to lonely children

Children affected by conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) can feel miserably lonely and vulnerable. With Family of Jesus, a new live prayer and worship show, SAT-7 KIDS shows these and other isolated young people that with Christ, they never have to be alone.

Across the MENA, childhoods are in crisis. Conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq have left one in five in need of humanitarian help. In Syria alone, the war has displaced 2.6 million children, forcing many to become refugees. As the violence intensified in early 2018, 1,000 Syrian children were reportedly killed or injured (UNICEF).

Anxious and alone

With many families separated and parents dealing with their own trauma, children affected by these events may struggle to cope. Feelings of isolation can trouble children in peacetime, too, especially when they are part of a minority group. Children from Christian families who have no church to attend often feel isolated within their communities. And when financial pressure forces parents to work longer and longer hours, their children may be left feeling anxious and unsupported.

Loved by the father

The new programme Family of Jesus shows lonely children that they can have a loving, intimate relationship with a Heavenly Father who will never leave them.

Through prayer, worship, and drama segments, the show also gives young Christian viewers the biblical knowledge they need to understand their true identity in Christ.

Planned topics include “God’s healing love” and “Feeling safe in a frightening world”. The show features guests who share their experience of a particular struggle in their lives and pray for viewers going through the same thing.

Family of Jesus also encourages children to play a positive role in their communities, to pray for their countries, and appreciate diversity.

“We believe that children’s hearts are good soil for God’s Word. Family of Jesus can help bring an enormous change in their lives and, in turn, lead to radical change in their communities,” said producer John Adly.

A call from Syria

The colourful show is presented by a team of young worship leaders, who take live calls and messages from viewers. Dana, a young girl from Syria, called the programme to pray with the presenters. Her faith in the midst of such a dangerous and frightening situation was a great inspiration to Family of Jesus viewers. Dana said:

We need your prayers for us. We are assured of God’s faithfulness and protection. In the middle of this war, He’s kept us safe. Thank God for His protection. ‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me (Psalm 23:4).’”

Presenter Mina encouraged Dana – and the show’s viewers at home – with 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

Co-presenter Uncle Refaat prayed for God’s protection over Dana and the other children of Syria, and asked that God’s love for them would “make all fear dissipate”.