Children’s TV presenter Gemma Hunt has filmed a special programme for SAT-7 with Lebanese counterpart, Marianne Awaraji.
The pair filmed “Free to be me” at SAT-7’s London and Beirut studios respectively using Skype to connect them. Watch it now below!
The focus was on how, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and the catastrophic explosion in Beirut, SAT-7’s faith-filled television and digital media programmes are bringing joy and freedom to children in the Middle East.
Gemma says: “I believe passionately that children should be given opportunities to be themselves. Isn’t that what all parents ever want for their children? To be able to say that they’re free? Free to live the lives that God intends for them?”
In the video, Gemma and Marianne share their personal childhood experiences – of parental separation and bullying – and how God used those difficulties to strengthen them and their faith.
Marianne explains how her new SAT-7 programme, Allo Marianne, is helping children across the Arab world to deal with their own problems and situations: “It provides a safe space for children to express their emotions. We had no idea how necessary this show would become. The lines have been flooded with calls.”
In closing the special programme, Gemma says:
All over the world families are finding life really difficult. But in places like the Middle East, the challenges are long-standing. Even before the pandemic, conflicts, uprisings and poverty prevented children from learning and flourishing. From being free – free to be me.”
Become a joy bringer today
You can help children across the Middle East by becoming a joy bringer today. Just £10 a month will bring SAT-7’s faith-filled broadcasts to 240 children for a whole year! And new regular gifts will be matched for 12 months.
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