The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll led the news in many Middle East states last weekend and prompted messages of condolence from national leaders. Jordan and Lebanon respectively declared seven and three days of mourning. The patriarch of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Christians, Pope Tawadros ll, led Christian tributes when he said he was “personally thankful for the interaction […]
Middle East Briefing – September 2022
SAT-7 TÜRK FINDS DEVOTED VIEWERS ACROSS TÜRKIYE
“Nora…. hey, Nora! Is that you? Oh, I’m so excited! You don’t know me, but I know you. You’re one of my favourite presenters on SAT-7 TÜRK!” Bahar* is a really devoted viewer of SAT-7 TÜRK. She watches all the programmes and knows the names of all the presenters, camera operators, directors, and lighting crew. Her favourite presenter is Nora […]
SAT-7 VIEWERS FACE RIPPLE EFFECT OF RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
Soaring prices for staples are hurting the most vulnerable families and communities around the world, including in Egypt. To help us focus our prayers on those who are struggling, including our Christian brothers and sisters, SAT-7 Egypt Communications Officer Mary Joseph shares the impact she sees around her. Millions of poorer Egyptians who rely on the country’s round, brown flatbread […]
FOR CHRISTIAN YOUTH, A CHANCE TO BE HEARD
“I am Leen Abou Jaoude. I am 11 years old, and this is my voice.” These words begin a story that shows what young people can do for God’s kingdom when they are given a chance to flourish and be heard. Reflecting on her appearance on the SAT-7 ARABIC programme You Are Not Alone, Leen says, “For eight years I silenced […]
Cairo church fire: church members and neighbours pay tribute to victims
One week after a fire destroyed a church in a densely populated area of Cairo, Egypt, church and family members have paid tribute to the victims on SAT-7. Two programmes addressed the tragedy that shocked citizens across Egypt. Fire took hold at the Abu Sefein church in Imbaba, Giza, in greater Cairo during a morning mass on the 14 August. […]
Afghanistan: “God is our only hope”
One year on from the capture of Afghanistan by the Taliban, SAT-7 viewers there are describing the disastrous impacts of tyranny, unemployment, and food shortages. A questionnaire sent by our viewer support team to those with whom we are in regular communication asked what life is now like for them on the ground. “An atmosphere of fear and intimidation rules […]
A YEAR IN AFGHANISTAN: CHRISTIANS LIVE IN FEAR – BUT WITH FAITH
17 August 2022 A survey of SAT-7 viewers in Afghanistan has shown that Christians continue to live in fear one year after the Taliban seized power in the country. “Fear and dread have taken all of Afghanistan and have especially affected religious and ethnic minorities,” explains Daanesh*, one of many Afghan viewers who correspond with the SAT-7 Christian TV and […]
FROM CHASING VENGEANCE TO FINDING FORGIVENESS: AN AFGHAN MAN’S TRANSFORMATION
“Perhaps many people will ask, ‘How is it possible for an Afghan man to become a Christian?’” queries Soroush*, an Afghan man who was once bent on violence and vengeance. Now a pastor, Soroush shared his journey of faith on SAT-7’s live Persian language programme Signal, in hope that God would use his story to touch the lives and hearts […]
CHRISTIANS URGED TO STAND WITH BELIEVERS WHO “PAY THE ULTIMATE PRICE”
A new Free to Believe? campaign was launched at the New Wine festival this week by Christian satellite TV and digital media network, SAT-7, with the support of Egyptian Archbishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Christians attending New Wine were urged by Archbishop Angaelos and SAT-7 Founder and President, Dr Terence Ascott, to become advocates for Freedom of Religion […]
A challenging year: SAT-7 viewers share on-the-ground experiences in Afghanistan
“Hunger, famine, and unemployment are gathering momentum. Most people would be happy to die, but my hope is in the Lord,” writes Amin*, a man from Afghanistan. Almost a year since the Taliban took control of the country, SAT-7 viewers in Afghanistan are providing a window into the challenges they face every day, while also speaking of their shared hope […]