Iranian viewer cries out for support
Christians are a very small minority in the Middle East and North Africa, and in many of the countries where SAT-7 broadcasts, they face severe persecution.
Every day, isolated believers cry out to SAT-7 for support, prayer and fellowship. Arvin* from Iran gave his heart to Christ 18 months ago. He shared with us how difficult it is for him to practise his faith in the hard-line Islamic republic:
God created me free and gave mankind the power to choose but I fear that I will be arrested. It is not easy here in Iran. I do not have access to books or people to teach me more about Christianity. Having a Bible is a crime and all websites about Christianity are censored.
I would like to go to a church, to pray and love Jesus and God without fear. People cannot be baptised because it is illegal. Moreover, people have to show a Christian ID card to go to a church. So for men like me who were not born into a Christian family, we cannot attend church.
I would be grateful if you could help and guide me. Where should I go to be safe? What should I do to be safe? I would love to be a real Christian and attend church in a free country, and tell people how God showed himself to me. Please please please help and guide me. I’m eager for your response.”
SAT-7’s viewer support team are in regular contact with Arvin to encourage him in his faith. They sent him a Bible, and he takes part in our weekly Bible studies over Skype. Such follow-up support is vital for isolated believers like Arvin, who live in countries where they cannot go to church or meet freely with other Christians. It strengthens and encourages them, and makes them feel part of the Body of Christ.
*name changed, image for illustrative purposes.
ANSWER THE CRY
Our campaign, Answer the Cry, tells some of the stories of our viewers and the challenges they face, living as Christians in the Middle East and North Africa. Every day, SAT-7 receives more than 800 responses to our programmes – and demand is growing. The people of the Middle East and North Africa need your support more than ever before.
Your support can help us to be there for these people – to make programmes that will encourage their faith; to answer their questions; to give them a way to connect with other Christians.