When the power goes out, faith offers strength
How the widening Middle East conflict is impacting daily lives across the region
While the West counts the cost of the widening Middle East conflict at the petrol pump, people in countries across the region itself are feeling the daily pressure of energy blackouts, sharply rising costs and disruption to supply lines – on top of growing tensions and ongoing attacks.
“I want to share with you that we here in Syria are suffering, surrounded by war,” Rima told SAT-7 last week. “We have been without electricity for seven days and because there is no electricity, we no longer have water. I need you to pray for us that the electricity issue gets resolved; many people do not even have light in their homes or water to drink.”
She explained how road closures were preventing food supplies from getting through to them, adding to the pressure. But amid the chaos and disruption, Rima shared a remarkable message of faith:
“In the name of Jesus, I am confident that, although they are bombing and although they are closing the roads, the Lord is a great God and He is the one who opens and no one can shut. May the Lord intervene… Please pray for us.”
BEYOND THE PETROL PUMP
In the West, the recent escalation across the Middle East has largely been discussed in terms of oil markets, shipping routes and rising fuel prices.
For those living within the region, the consequences – though underreported – are far more immediate.
The continuing Iran-US conflict has severely restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Meanwhile, renewed fighting in Yemen and Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast have placed further pressure on vessels passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Together, these narrow waterways carry enormous quantities of oil, gas and goods. When supplies are interrupted and fuel prices rise, the effects travel quickly through transport networks, electricity generation and water-pumping systems, affecting the cost and availability of food. Recent Houthi attacks on energy sites in Saudi Arabia pose a further threat to supply lines.
For Middle Eastern families already living with unreliable services and limited incomes, another sharp rise in fuel costs is not a minor inconvenience. It can make everyday life impossible.
Last week, protests erupted in several Syrian cities after the government raised fuel prices by up to 40 percent on diesel and 28 percent on petrol.1
In southern Lebanon, where Israeli attacks continue despite a ceasefire, Yusuf described the challenges facing families in Rmeish. He told SAT-7 ARABIC’s You Are Not Alone programme that many people have lost their jobs and are struggling to provide for their family’s basic needs as costs continue to surge. “How is a man supposed to keep his children warm when a barrel of diesel costs 300 dollars?” he asked.
How is a man supposed to keep his children warm when a barrel of diesel costs 300 dollars?”
Yusuf, Lebanon
SIX HOURS WITHOUT POWER
In Rasht, Iran, SAT-7 viewer Alvand reveals that electricity and water are frequently cut, and that relatives have left their homes in Tehran in fear of further bombing.
Another Iranian viewer, Forogh, describes sudden power cuts lasting as long as six hours, sometimes from 10am until 4pm. At another time, she says, she would not have been able to endure such disruption. But the practical Christian teaching she has received through SAT-7 PARS now returns to her during those long hours without power.
“This is very valuable to me because in every single moment that I am living my daily life, the lessons come to my mind,” she said. “This shows me that this is truly the work of the Lord in my life.”
When electricity comes, we turn on the TV, and we watch you. We are very happy!”
Jacky, Syria
viewers are drawing strength from their faith – and each other.
A LIGHT THAT REMAINS
Across the Middle East, as the systems on which daily life depends become increasingly precarious, many are feeling the strain.
But a simple message from Jacky, a young Syrian viewer, is a powerful reminder of the comfort that SAT-7’s programs are bringing into homes across the region during these challenging times: “When electricity comes, we turn on the TV, and we watch you. We are very happy!”
SAT-7 is also providing a platform for viewers in different places and situations to connect and support each other. From Iraq, Bishara asked for God’s protection over “every neighbouring country that is suffering from this war”.
In homes where the power is frequently cut, SAT-7 viewers are drawing strength from their faith – and each other.
PLEASE PRAY:
- That families facing shortages of electricity, water, food and other essentials will receive the resources they urgently need.
- For the protection and comfort of people displaced, isolated or living in fear across the Middle East and North Africa.
- That SAT-7’s programs and Viewer Support teams will continue to offer hope and connection for families during these difficult days.
- Protests break out across Syria over fuel price increases
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/14/protests-break-out-across-syria-over-fuel-price-increases ↩︎