Challenges Mount for Vulnerable Groups

Like a house built on sand that barely survives a storm, those lacking stability have been most badly shaken by 2020’s global pandemic. Refugees, people with mental health problems, domestic violence victims, and millions of daily-wage workers are among those worst affected.

Several SAT-7 programmes have been raising the profile of these groups and trying to assist them where possible. You are Not Alone, a new SAT-7 ARABIC programme created to connect with viewers during lockdown, has amplified a whole host of stories.

The programme team recently asked Abdel*, a refugee from Syria, how fearful he was for his children. He answered, “Before the coronavirus it was 100 per cent and now with the virus it is 200 per cent. We were always worried about their education but now we fear for their health.”

Sonia*, another interviewee, is a Lebanese taxi driver and mother of two sons who are both sick, one with cancer and the other with epilepsy. Sonia told us she had to put her health at risk to provide for her family when the lockdown hit. Small acts of love offer some relief: after seeing Sonia’s interview, a church leader sent Sonia and her family some supplies.

On SAT-7 PARS’ live programme Signal, Iranian viewers – who have been dealing with a series of difficult national events – have responded in their hundreds to share how much prayer support is helping them.

“We are grateful for the prayer you shared – truly these days we need prayer so that we can be strengthened. Really, what would we do if we didn’t have Jesus Christ?” shared one viewer named Lale. “We are watching people who are in so much pain, anxiety and anger. My husband is a street vendor and currently has no work… But we are living in faith and we have never been left in need. We are praying for everyone else.”

*Names changed and image used for representation purposes only