Two leading Christian musicians and TV presenters from Lebanon will perform and give insights into the lives of Middle East viewers facing perilous situations when they visit the UK from 27 Sept to 4 October.
Joyce Saddi and Rawad Daou are members of Strongholds, a renowned Christian worship and recording group in the Middle East, and hosts of From Me to You, a young adults magazine programme on Christian satellite TV channel SAT-7.
The Beirut-produced show has a very strong bond with its viewers, many of whom live in or have fled Iraq and Syria, and are struggling to adapt to terrorism and displacement.
“Many people are afraid or don’t know what to expect,” Joyce said. “Some don’t know why God has allowed such a thing to happen and others feel betrayed by their neighbours.”
At the same time, Christian churches in Lebanon see unprecedented numbers of refugees seeking their help and also attending services.
Whether it is Syria or Gaza, Christians are “asking God, ‘What can we do? How can we show we love them?'” Joyce says.
Recording artists Joyce and Rawad will perform songs in English and Arabic and give insights into the lives of viewers and the witness of the Middle East Church when they speak at SAT-7’s Encounter the Middle East events on Saturday 27 September, 6.30 pm at Woodlands Church, Bristol, and on Saturday 4 October, 6.30 pm at Bromley Baptist Church, Kent.
Much as their TV show builds relationships between viewers in many Middle East countries, Joyce and Rawad want the events “to close the gap between Arab and UK Christians”. “We want to show that we both worship the same God and to show people how we are living as well as the struggles we are going through,” Joyce said.
Before an informal evening of music and chat, both Encounter events begin with a relaxed time to browse stalls and displays, enjoy refreshments and discover more about Middle Eastern culture and food.
Tickets for both events are available from www.sat7uk.org/encounterwith a suggested donation of £7.50.
Joyce and Rawad will also speak at services at Gordano Valley Church, Portishead (28 September, morning), Warminster Baptist (28 Sept, evening), Trinity Baptist, Bexleyheath (4 October, morning) and Winchester Baptist (4 October, evening).