SAT-7's highlights of 2020
The year 2020 presented huge challenges for SAT-7 and the MENA, including the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdowns, a massive explosion in the Lebanese capital Beirut, and a major earthquake in Izmir, Turkey. Our annual report explains how SAT-7 maintained and adapted our ministry to meet our viewers’ needs.
As the many crises of 2020 unfolded, record numbers of viewers got in touch seeking hope and answers, and our viewer support teams were there to listen, pray and encourage them to lean on Christ. Amazingly, SAT-7 received 394,000 viewer contacts in
2020 - that’s over 1,000 a day!
Click below to read our full Annual Report, or keep scrolling to see some of our highlights from the past year.
SAT-7's highlights of 2020
The year 2020 presented huge challenges for SAT-7 and the MENA, including the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdowns, a massive explosion in the Lebanese capital Beirut, and a major earthquake in Izmir, Turkey. Our annual report explains how SAT-7 maintained and adapted our ministry to meet our viewers’ needs.
As the many crises of 2020 unfolded, record numbers of viewers got in touch seeking hope and answers, and our viewer support teams were there to listen, pray and encourage them to lean on Christ. Amazingly, SAT-7 received 394,000 viewer contacts in
2020 - that’s over 1,000 a day!
Click below to read our full Annual Report, or keep scrolling to see some of our highlights from the past year.
SAT-7's highlights of 2020
The year 2020 presented huge challenges for SAT-7 and the MENA, including the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdowns, a massive explosion in the Lebanese capital Beirut, and a major earthquake in Izmir, Turkey. Our annual report explains how SAT-7 maintained and adapted our ministry to meet our viewers’ needs.
As the many crises of 2020 unfolded, record numbers of viewers got in touch seeking hope and answers, and our viewer support teams were there to listen, pray and encourage them to lean on Christ. Amazingly, SAT-7 received 394,000 viewer contacts in
2020 - that’s over 1,000 a day!
Click below to read our full Annual Report, or keep scrolling to see some of our highlights from the past year.
2020: A year of crisis response
COVID-19 RESPONSE BEGINS
As the global pandemic beings to take hold, SAT-7 channels broadcast programmes that help sustain and comfort viewers week after week. SAT-7's channels andn social media give up-to-date information, offer health and hygiene advice, support parents and children in home-schooling, and provide fellowship and support for Christians unable to meet together.
SAT-7's teams offer this support while adapting to new working conditions, with most office staff beginning to work from home, while studios operate with a skeleton staff under new health and safety protocols. Some live shows are even filmed and broadcast from presenters' homes!
SPEAKING OUT AGAINST FEMICIDES
Protests erupt in Turkey in response to the death of a young woman murdered by her former partner. This case highlights the country's ongoing problem with high numbers of femicides and domestic abuse cases, exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdowns. Semsa Deniz Bakir, presenter of Homemade on SAT-7 TURK, gives an impassioned speech against femicides.
BEIRUT EXPLOSION
On 4 August, a massive explosion devastates the Lebanese capital, Beirut. More than 200 people lose their lives, 7,500 are injured, and 300,000 are made homeless in a matter of seconds.
The first response of SAT-7's team in Lebanon is to ensure all staff and their families are safe, and then to begin supporting distressed viewers of all ages, with programmes offering prayer, worship, and counselling. SAT-7 ARABIC's From Heart to Heart broadcast's prayers and songs from the Lebanon studio's rooftop. And in the immediate aftermath and in the months to come, SAT-7 staff take to the streets to offer on-the-ground help, food supplies and encouragement.
ALGERIA CHURCH CLOSURES
SAT-7's Algerian programmes become even more vital as churches in Algeria remain closed. October marks a year since the country's largest church was shut by authorities, and during lockdowns all other churches are closed too.
EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake sends shockwaves through Turkey, devastating Izmir and killing 100 people. The SAT-7 TURK programmes Worldview, Power of Prayer, and Homemade offer prayer and consolation.
A VOICE FOR YOUTH AFTER KABUL SHOOTING
Following the killing of 22 students in an attack on Kabul University, Afghanistan, SAT-7 PARS programme Secrets of Life prays and shares in viewers' sorrow. The resilience of Afghan youth is highlighted by presenter Shoaib, who says, "After the attack, students took to social media saying, 'Don't kill us - there are too many of us. You will run out of bullets.'"
UNITING VIEWERS ACROSS THE MILES
With COVID-19 restrictions still in place over Christmas, SAT-7's special programming helps families find connection and joy. SAT-7 ARABIC's United Despite What Separates Us features families from six countries sharing traditions by video link. SAT-7 PARS also shares uplifting content from familes at home, while SAT-7 TURK broadcast encouraging messages from church leaders.
2020: A year of crisis response
COVID-19 RESPONSE BEGINS
As the global pandemic beings to take hold, SAT-7 channels broadcast programmes that help sustain and comfort viewers week after week. SAT-7's channels andn social media give up-to-date information, offer health and hygiene advice, support parents and children in home-schooling, and provide fellowship and support for Christians unable to meet together.
SAT-7's teams offer this support while adapting to new working conditions, with most office staff beginning to work from home, while studios operate with a skeleton staff under new health and safety protocols. Some live shows are even filmed and broadcast from presenters' homes!
SPEAKING OUT AGAINST FEMICIDES
Protests erupt in Turkey in response to the death of a young woman murdered by her former partner. This case highlights the country's ongoing problem with high numbers of femicides and domestic abuse cases, exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdowns. Semsa Deniz Bakir, presenter of Homemade on SAT-7 TURK, gives an impassioned speech against femicides.
BEIRUT EXPLOSION
On 4 August, a massive explosion devastates the Lebanese capital, Beirut. More than 200 people lose their lives, 7,500 are injured, and 300,000 are made homeless in a matter of seconds.
The first response of SAT-7's team in Lebanon is to ensure all staff and their families are safe, and then to begin supporting distressed viewers of all ages, with programmes offering prayer, worship, and counselling. SAT-7 ARABIC's From Heart to Heart broadcast's prayers and songs from the Lebanon studio's rooftop. And in the immediate aftermath and in the months to come, SAT-7 staff take to the streets to offer on-the-ground help, food supplies and encouragement.
ALGERIA CHURCH CLOSURES
SAT-7's Algerian programmes become even more vital as churches in Algeria remain closed. October marks a year since the country's largest church was shut by authorities, and during lockdowns all other churches are closed too.
EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake sends shockwaves through Turkey, devastating Izmir and killing 100 people. The SAT-7 TURK programmes Worldview, Power of Prayer, and Homemade offer prayer and consolation.
A VOICE FOR YOUTH AFTER KABUL SHOOTING
Following the killing of 22 students in an attack on Kabul University, Afghanistan, SAT-7 PARS programme Secrets of Life prays and shares in viewers' sorrow. The resilience of Afghan youth is highlighted by presenter Shoaib, who says, "After the attack, students took to social media saying, 'Don't kill us - there are too many of us. You will run out of bullets.'"
UNITING VIEWERS ACROSS THE MILES
With COVID-19 restrictions still in place over Christmas, SAT-7's special programming helps families find connection and joy. SAT-7 ARABIC's United Despite What Separates Us features families from six countries sharing traditions by video link. SAT-7 PARS also shares uplifting content from familes at home, while SAT-7 TURK broadcast encouraging messages from church leaders.
2020: A year of crisis response
COVID-19 RESPONSE BEGINS
As the global pandemic beings to take hold, SAT-7 channels broadcast programmes that help sustain and comfort viewers week after week. SAT-7's channels andn social media give up-to-date information, offer health and hygiene advice, support parents and children in home-schooling, and provide fellowship and support for Christians unable to meet together.
SAT-7's teams offer this support while adapting to new working conditions, with most office staff beginning to work from home, while studios operate with a skeleton staff under new health and safety protocols. Some live shows are even filmed and broadcast from presenters' homes!
SPEAKING OUT AGAINST FEMICIDES
Protests erupt in Turkey in response to the death of a young woman murdered by her former partner. This case highlights the country's ongoing problem with high numbers of femicides and domestic abuse cases, exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdowns. Semsa Deniz Bakir, presenter of Homemade on SAT-7 TURK, gives an impassioned speech against femicides.
BEIRUT EXPLOSION
On 4 August, a massive explosion devastates the Lebanese capital, Beirut. More than 200 people lose their lives, 7,500 are injured, and 300,000 are made homeless in a matter of seconds.
The first response of SAT-7's team in Lebanon is to ensure all staff and their families are safe, and then to begin supporting distressed viewers of all ages, with programmes offering prayer, worship, and counselling. SAT-7 ARABIC's From Heart to Heart broadcast's prayers and songs from the Lebanon studio's rooftop. And in the immediate aftermath and in the months to come, SAT-7 staff take to the streets to offer on-the-ground help, food supplies and encouragement.
ALGERIA CHURCH CLOSURES
SAT-7's Algerian programmes become even more vital as churches in Algeria remain closed. October marks a year since the country's largest church was shut by authorities, and during lockdowns all other churches are closed too.
EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake sends shockwaves through Turkey, devastating Izmir and killing 100 people. The SAT-7 TURK programmes Worldview, Power of Prayer, and Homemade offer prayer and consolation.
A VOICE FOR YOUTH AFTER KABUL SHOOTING
Following the killing of 22 students in an attack on Kabul University, Afghanistan, SAT-7 PARS programme Secrets of Life prays and shares in viewers' sorrow. The resilience of Afghan youth is highlighted by presenter Shoaib, who says, "After the attack, students took to social media saying, 'Don't kill us - there are too many of us. You will run out of bullets.'"
UNITING VIEWERS ACROSS THE MILES
With COVID-19 restrictions still in place over Christmas, SAT-7's special programming helps families find connection and joy. SAT-7 ARABIC's United Despite What Separates Us features families from six countries sharing traditions by video link. SAT-7 PARS also shares uplifting content from familes at home, while SAT-7 TURK broadcast encouraging messages from church leaders.
Stories of changed lives
"I am very grateful to
SAT-7. You have been
a source of blessing
and hope in the
middle of darkness
and sickness."
FARID, EGYPT
"I'm watching Let's Talk. I'm not a Christian. I have always had fear and anxiety. But on day when I was praying, I said, 'Jesus please hear me.' And then I came across your channel. I'm literally in a life-changing moment right now and my eyes are tearing up."
UMUT, TURKEY
"Thank you, SAT-7 PARS, for being there for us and for making the world a better place with your presence. My moments in quarantine are filled with peace through your hope-giving programmes."
PEIVAND, IRAN
"In our community, we agreed that our daughter
will marry our neighbour once she'smature. But
when I saw the early marriage clip, and
I remembered what happened to
me, I gained a little bit of strength
to fight for my daughter and
stop what happened to me
happening to her"
YOLANDE, ALGERIA
Stories of changed lives
"I am very grateful to SAT-7. You have been a source of
blessing and hope in the middle of
darkness and sickness."
FARID, EGYPT
"I'm watching Let's Talk. I'm not a Christian. I have always had fear and anxiety. But on day when I was praying, I said, 'Jesus please hear me.' And then I came across your channel. I'm literally in a life-changing moment right now and my eyes are tearing up."
UMUT, TURKEY
"Thank you, SAT-7 PARS, for being there for us and for making the world a better place with your presence. My moments in quarantine are filled with peace through your hope-giving programmes."
PEIVAND, IRAN
"In our community, we agreed that our daughter
will marry our neighbour once she's mature. But
when I saw the early marriage clip, and I
remembered what happened to me, I gained
a little bit of strength to fight for my daughter
and stop what happened to me
happening to her"
YOLANDE, ALGERIA
Stories of changed lives
"I am very grateful to SAT-7. You have been a source of blessing and hope in the middle of darkness and sickness."
FARID, EGYPT
"I'm watching Let's Talk. I'm not a Christian. I have always had fear and anxiety. But on day when I was praying, I said, 'Jesus please hear me.' And then I came across your channel. I'm literally in a life-changing moment right now and my eyes are tearing up."
UMUT, TURKEY
"Thank you, SAT-7 PARS, for being there for us and for making the world a better place with your presence. My moments in quarantine are filled with peace through your hope-giving programmes."
PEIVAND, IRAN
"In our community, we agreed that our daughter will marry our neighbour once she's mature. But when I saw the early marriage clip, and I remembered what happened to me, I gained a little bit of strength to fight for my daughter and stop what happened to me happening to her"
YOLANDE,
ALGERIA
These are just some of SAT-7's highlights from 2020! Click below to read the full report.
For a full breakdown of SAT-7 UK's 2020 accounts, click here.