You could help save a marriage, prevent a fight between neighbours, or even heal a divided church. Your support for SAT-7 enables the SAT-7 PARS channel to air a new programme teaching Farsi speakers how to manage difficult conversations biblically.
This is especially valuable in a region of the world where mainstream culture does not teach people how to handle disagreements lovingly. Sectarianism leads to religious persecution and political oppression, and community disputes can lead to blood feuds.
In early 2016, SAT-7 PARS will begin airing the programme I Beg to Differ, based on a book of the same title by Christian author Tim Muelhoff. Presenters Rev. Sasan Tosli and Nikoo Ordodary (pictured above) will model “navigating difficult conversations with truth and love” by voicing their opposing views on various topics during the episodes.
It’s easy to go into an argument focused on winning and showing the other person that he or she is wrong. But Muelhoff’s book calls for a change in thought, where the goal of communication is biblical unity. He points out Scripture encouraging readers to be gentle with one another (Galatians 6:1), listen carefully to one another, and rely on God to manage their heated emotions (Proverbs 17:27).
The first season of the series includes 15 episodes, each lasting a half hour and covering a chapter of the book. Four main stages of communication are outlined, suggesting viewers empathise with the person they’re engaging by asking:
1. What does this person believe?
2. Why does this person hold this belief?
3. Where do we agree?
4. Based on all I’ve learned, how should I proceed?
Thinking behind the programme is drawn from Scripture and Communications theory. Communicating in a godly manner can not only avoid conflict, but is also an opportunity to show respect and build someone up with affirmative words. Thanks to your support for SAT-7, programmes like this give Middle Eastern viewers the tools they need to build stronger understanding and communication within marriages, families and other relationships in work and the community.
“After so many years of marriage, it seems God has given my wife a brand new husband. Now I can see, love and appreciate her.” (SAT-7 PARS viewer)