Araz*, a welder from Iran, became curious about Christianity after he noticed something different about the Christians he met through his work. He eventually found the answers he was looking for, and a new life in Christ, through SAT-7’s Persian channel.
“I am a welder by trade and when I was working in Tehran, I met many Christians through my work,” Araz told the SAT-7 PARS audience relations team. “I liked their behaviour and the way they treated people.”
Araz particularly enjoyed taking welding jobs in church buildings, as it helped him feel closer to God. “On occasions when I went to a church for a job, I would sometimes lean against the wall and speak to God,” Araz said. “This gave me a great feeling.”
A sense of peace
Unfortunately, Araz fell on hard times, but he still found comfort in watching SAT-7’s programmes. “I now live with my son and we have to sleep in our car because we can’t afford to rent a house,” Araz told us. “But when I watch your programmes I am impacted by the knowledge that the Lord loves me, and I want to know more about the Lord. I find that watching your programmes gives me a strong sense of peace.”
SAT-7’s audience relations team got in touch with Araz to tell him more about Jesus. Araz responded in tears. “I want to give my heart and life to the Lord,” he said. “My eyes are full of tears and I can see that God loves me.
“I am so glad that I was able to speak with you. Please lead me in the way of the Lord.”
Supporting isolated believers
The SAT-7 PARS audience relations team have developed strong connections with many callers like Araz, and are a valuable source of support for isolated believers. Though the Iranian government has blocked popular messaging app Telegram, the team are able to get in touch with viewers securely through WhatsApp, and are even able to send Bibles and other resources this way. Additionally, more and more viewers are getting in touch by phone – last year saw a 44% increase in phone calls to the channel.
Now that Araz has become a follower of Jesus, he depends on the SAT-7 PARS channel and audience relations team for Christian teaching and discipleship. “I am like a newborn and I have no idea how or where to begin,” Araz said. “I ask that you don’t leave me alone on this journey and help me to grow and come to a better and deeper knowledge of God.”
“Thank you for being there for me.”
*Name changed and image used for representation only
PRAY
- Praise God that Araz is now a follower of Jesus! Pray that he will be able to find work and get back on his feet.
- Pray for the SAT-7 PARS audience relations team, and ask God to give them wisdom as they support viewers.
- Iran’s economy has been hit hard by US sanctions. Pray for ordinary Iranians like Araz who are struggling financially, and for economic hardship in the country to ease.
- Thank God for teaching programmes on SAT-7 PARS, which are a vital resource for new and isolated Iranian believers.