The United Nations has urged Syria, Russia and Iran to avoid a “humanitarian catastrophe” in Syria’s Idlib province as Syrian forces and allies are poised for an offensive on the country’s last remaining rebel stronghold. The latest stage in the Syrian war is about to start with an imminent military operation against the rebel held city of Idlib. Over 60 […]
THE BRIEFING – SEPTEMBER 2018
THE IRANIAN ART OF CONVERSATION
When Iranians meet, the time we spend greeting and exchanging polite pleasantries can seem excessive – especially to someone from a European culture. Then when we are saying goodbye on the doorstep the whole process repeats itself and whole new conversations on brand new topics are enjoyed well into the night. I write as one born in the “old country” […]
From soap star to Christian talk show host
Soap operas are hugely popular in Turkey. But former soap actor Şemsa Deniz Tolunay reckons she has landed an even better role as host of the first live Christian women’s show available on Turkey’s national TV satellite platform. Homemade is a daily weekday show on SAT-7 TÜRK, the Turkish language channel of SAT-7. Since January 2015, the 50 million subscribers […]
Pointing children to a purpose-filled life
Nineteen-year-old Joy Basta is a presenter on the SAT-7 KIDS programme A Riddle and a Story. Being raised a pastor’s son and surrounded by church community did not exempt Joy from negative pressures at school. Here he shares his experience and gives insight into the struggles of the region’s youth today. “Although I attended a Christian school, it was in a very rough area,” […]
My School benefits me and my grandchildren
Searching for something educational and engaging for his grandchildren to watch on television, Lebanese grandfather Boutros came across SAT-7 ACADEMY’s programme My School. Now, watching My School together has become a regular family activity that benefits and bonds two generations. Boutros is a retired carpenter from Lebanon. He looks forward to spending time with his grandchildren – eight-year-old twins Aya […]
Survey reveals SAT-7 PARS’ life-changing impact
A recent survey about SAT-7 PARS shows that large numbers of viewers are growing in their personal relationship with God by watching the channel. Almost one in four viewers said they had committed to following Jesus, and over 60 per cent said that SAT-7 PARS helped them grow in their faith.* “We bypass censorship and borders to present God’s life-changing message,” shares SAT-7 PARS […]
From robber to TV pastor of Tajik church
Poverty after his father’s murder drove Rustam to robbery before a Damascus-style conversion brought him to Christ. Now a pastor who has served in both Tajikistan and Afghanistan, he recently recorded SAT-7’s first discipleship series for Tajik viewers. Growing up with 10 siblings in one of the poorest countries of the former Soviet Union meant that life for Rustam Begaliev […]
The Briefing – August 2018
Trade wars and new political tensions this month added to the challenges already faced by a region still blighted by warfare in Yemen and Syria. The nosedive of the Turkish lira that began in April accelerated this month as the US announced 50 per cent and 20 per cent taxes respectively on Turkish steel and aluminium products. Since the start […]
Bridging the generation gap
“I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on the frivolous youth of today.” The grumpy words of Hesiod, a Greek poet of the 8th century BC, show that the generation gap is nothing new and, most likely, belongs to all cultures. But in the Arab cultures of the Middle East and North Africa, where […]
Talking youth issues over coffee
Socialising over hot drinks has been an integral part of Middle Eastern culture for centuries, long before cafés first gained popularity in the Western world. SAT-7 is now showing two new youth programmes that follow this tradition. SAT-7 TÜRK’S FIRST LIVE YOUTH SHOW “Young people need practical advice,” says Uygar Duzgüner, producer of the new SAT-7 TÜRK show Turning Point. […]