Being there for people of the Middle East and North Africa
Being there
FOR ISOLATED BELIEVERS IN IRAN AND AFGHANISTAN
Church4Afghanistan launched in November 2022 in response to the critical spiritual need of Afghan viewers. The weekly live show is presented by Noorullah Noor, an Afghan assistant pastor living in Germany. Each week, Noorullah and Afghan guests explore biblical topics, discuss the situation in Afghanistan and pray for Christians living in the country.
Sanctuary of the Heart helps viewers to gain a deeper understanding of prayer and how it strengthens their relationship with God. Arman, an Afghan viewer, said, “Fellowshipping and appealing to the Lord together with other believers is so empowering. I am fed spiritually every week by joining Sanctuary of the Heart.”
Learn about the amazing impact of Church4Kids on Persian speaking children.
Being there
FOR MARGINALISED WOMEN
Today Not Tomorrow is broadcast live from a mobile set that travels to different villages in Egypt. It aims to raise awareness of women’s rights and empower women and families. Calls and social media messages reveal a high level of engagement with the programme.
You Are Not Alone provides expert support for Turkish women facing difficult situations, particularly domestic abuse, including legal advice and signposting. It also highlights the effects of discrimination, and how women can overturn its effects on their mental and spiritual health.
“The existence of ministries like SAT-7 in this country gives us confidence and makes us feel that we are not alone”
MERYEM, TÜRKIYE
Live talk show Insiders gives women a platform to discuss topics that are widely treated as taboo in Persian culture. The show has secured a wide appeal, not least among men. Presenter Sally shares more in this video.
Being there
FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Story in the Attic, a children’s drama show, was honoured with a “Special Mention” at the 2022 Prix Jeunesse International Festival in Germany. Its characters teach the children of the house important lessons such as overcoming fear, trusting God, and forgiveness.
Why Is That? is a new series addressing childhood trauma. It applies biblical and psychological insights to explore the negative effects of poverty, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and religious persecution on children, and to show how healing is possible. Daniel shared how SAT-7 KIDS programmes…
Watch Challenge Accepted presenter Christina share her powerful story of receiving hope from SAT-7 KIDS as a child to going on to be a hope-bringer on the very same channel!
Being there
FOR PEOPLE IN CRISIS
SUPPORT FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN TÜRKIYE AND SYRIA
“We were afraid but we are very joyful that you check on us. You are true friends.” Samy, SAT-7 KIDS viewer in Syria
Following the devastating earthquakes in early 2023, SAT-7’s Turkish and Arabic channels were there for viewers through dedicated live programmes and followup support. Many SAT-7 TÜRK staff lost loved ones in the tragedy but were resolved to broadcast hope and comfort to a nation in shock
SUPPORTING AFGHAN WOMEN FACING GROWING RESTRICTIONS
Farah says, “Your messages and prayers have helped me to have more peace. Thank you for helping me to give my heart to Jesus.”
A return to repressive Taliban rule and one of the worst humanitarian crises in today’s world have stripped people in Afghanistan of their hopes for the future. SAT-7’s Persian channel is supporting viewers through new programmes in the Dari dialect, Secret of Life and Window of Light, which provide spiritual encouragement and emotional support.
STANDING WITH IRANIAN VIEWERS DURING NATIONWIDE PROTESTS
“I weep as I write to you. We are strangers and prisoners in our own country. Please pray for this suffering to end.” Kamand, Iran
Iran has been rocked by protests and harsh crackdowns since the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. SAT-7’s Persian channel has nine regular live programmes per week where Iranians from around the world educate and encourage viewers.
Watch a video by SAT-7 TÜRK that shows the response of local churches in Southern Türkiye seeking to help practically and spiritually.
Developments in 2024
We want to produce more programmes where SAT-7 currently has no physical studio such as the Maghreb, the Levant, and the Gulf, and represent the specific needs of our viewers there.
SAT-7 is planning a large cross-channel drama production to be broadcast in Arabic, Persian, and Turkish. Social media will engage viewers more deeply with Christian teaching and discipleship, as well as reaching new audiences.
We are developing a variety of flagship programmes and integrating them more closely with our social media to maintain our reputation as an authentic voice for the Christians of the MENA.
Over 60% of the MENA population is under 30. It remains a priority to speak truth, love and hope to this generation through increasing resources and content dedicated to children and young people.
The number of unique SAT-7 PLUS users reached over 1.1 million in 2023