A US announcement this month brought a decades-long conflict to the fore, even as peace appeared on the horizon in Iraq with victory over Islamic State. Meanwhile, hopeful signs of religious tolerance emerged elsewhere in the region. The status of Jerusalem became a focus of anger this month. Since a 1995 vote by Congress, four US presidents have promised to […]
The Briefing – December 2017
Sexual harassment on the streets of Egypt
The recent allegations of sexual harassment over decades lodged against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein and the domino effect on other public figures has sent ripples worldwide. The #metoo hashtag on social media united not only female victims but also many male supporters. My experience in Egypt, however, is that sexual harassment isn’t limited to the workspace but is loud […]
A mother’s journey to peace
Egyptian mother, Nahla Faheem, is inspiring Christian parents today as she looks back on her daughters’ short lives and the suicide bombing that stole them from her. One year after the bombing of St Peter and Paul’s Coptic Church in Cairo that left 25 people dead, she spoke to presenter Magda Gad on SAT-7’s Speak Up programme. A pendant containing […]
Switched on kids: SAT-7 KIDS turns 10
Christmas came early ten years ago when a brand new channel called SAT-7 KIDS, planned as a present for the children of the Middle East and North Africa, was launched on 10 December 2007. Instantly well-received, it has proved a bright, welcoming haven for millions of young viewers. Luke 2:52 tells us that when Jesus was a child He “grew […]
Arabic Christian children’s channel celebrates 10 years on air
A Christian TV channel watched by at least 4.6 million* Arabic speaking children in the Middle East and North Africa is putting up the bunting, banners and balloons for when it celebrates its 10th birthday on 10 December. “We would need the largest cake ever made if we could invite all our precious viewers over for a party,” said SAT-7 […]
Candlelight Shines Brightly in Sudan
A Christian choir asked to perform at an inter-governmental meeting in Sudan in order to promote peace and goodwill have appeared on SAT-7 ARABIC for the second time. Viewers of the first appearance by Sudan’s Candlelight choir deluged the channel with enthusiastic comments, delighted by the multiracial choir’s lilting praises. Keep on Singing producer Andrew Gamal therefore had no hesitation […]
German Bishop encourages Middle East Church at Reformation anniversary
Egyptian Christians welcomed a very special guest at a recent celebration for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in Cairo. Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohn from Germany spoke at the event, which was held on 18 November and also featured a powerful performance of worship songs through the ages. The Bishop, who is chairman of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) council […]
The Briefing – November 2017
Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon: Why a month is a long time in the Middle East Massive political shifts and out-of-the-blue developments have made this month a remarkable one even by the normally volatile standards of the Middle East. The aftershocks of the Kurdish independence referendum in Iraq continued, as a strengthened central Iraqi government in Baghdad relentlessly pushed forward, […]
Young Afghan friends find new life in Christ
While the younger generation in much of the Persian world is disillusioned by its hard line religious leaders, their thirst for spiritual reality remains strong. Every week Iranians contact our Audience Response Teams for spiritual advice and prayer and many speak of how their lives have been transformed when they have turned to Christ. More occasionally such encouraging stories also […]
A father’s fight for his autistic son
Amir struggled to get his autistic son the help he needed. Schools were rejecting him and getting him to learn was painstaking. Yet Amir knew that “God never makes anything bad”. On a recent episode of the SAT-7 show Speak Up, Amir shared how faith and perseverance changed his son’s future. School is a challenge for many parents. The constant […]