Jad from Syria was only 11 years old when he was kidnapped by militants. Alone and terrified, one thing brought him comfort and peace – remembering the songs of God’s love he had learnt on SAT-7 as a child.

“When the war started, everything changed,” Jad, now 17, shared in a phone call to SAT-7 KIDS presenter Marianne. “I left my house, I left my region. I was far from my siblings, away from my dad. Some people attempted to murder my dad.”

Four years in to Syria’s ongoing civil conflict, adversaries came after his family, kidnapping his father. Jad was later kidnapped himself, too.

“Dad was in one place, and I was in a different place. That was the worst part of it,” he shares.

During this terrifying ordeal, Jad held on to his faith in Jesus, which he had found through SAT-7 KIDS. “Even when I was kidnapped, I used to remember the songs,” Jad says. “I used to sing them again and again.”

Thankfully, Jad was reunited with his family, though they do not know about his faith, which he keeps a secret. Despite this, his dream is to be baptised.

Children across the MENA are facing unimaginable struggle and trauma. But discovering Jesus’ love, and learning more about Him through SAT-7’s children’s programmes, can bring peace and joy in their darkest moments.

Pray

• This week we pray for the children across the MENA facing these dire circumstances. We pray that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.