Sarah’s story: Inspiring young Syrian woman is proof of SAT-7’s impact

A young Syrian woman who grew up with SAT-7 KIDS is living proof of the channel’s lasting positive impact. Sarah, who devotes her time to serving children, credits the Christian broadcaster with helping her develop her faith and strong values – even as she spent her entire adolescence in a warzone.

Everything I do today, I learned from SAT-7 KIDS.”

“My channel was SAT-7 KIDS. I didn’t watch anything else. So, everything I do today, I learned from SAT-7 KIDS,” says Sarah, now aged 21. Today, Sarah’s faith and Christian values are strong, and she has a particular heart for children. She works in a centre for displaced and orphaned children in Damascus, Syria, and uses SAT-7 in her teaching.

Living in a warzone

Sarah was only 10 when the war started in Syria. Her family felt that God wanted them to remain in Damascus despite the dangers, and SAT-7 KIDS, particularly the singing programmes like Let’s Sing Together, helped her through a very scary time. “I still remember the songs I heard there,” Sarah recalls. “I heard songs and programmes of hope, joy and love – which was so helpful to keep my feelings and my mind in a safe place. They stay in my mind, and I’ve kept them with me as I’ve grown up.”

Today, Sarah shows Christ-like love to the children she works with at the centre, who like her have grown up with war all around them. “These kids come from where there is no peace or joy – they are full of fear, trouble and trauma,” she says. “So through the cartoons and songs, we talk about it. We try to express that when we pray, God hears us and we feel peace.”

Seeing the change through SAT-7

The parents notice this change and ask us what we are teaching their children – because they want to learn it too!”

It is because SAT-7 KIDS had such a positive impact on her own childhood that she uses the channel’s current programmes in her work, and encourages the children to watch it at home with their families. “The songs and videos help the kids feel that they are not alone – there is new hope for them,” she says.

Sarah has noticed a huge difference in the children’s demeanour compared to when they arrived at the centre. “There is something that is changing in their hearts,” she says. “They came to the centre fearing God, and thinking that He will punish them. But they are changing in the way they speak about Him – they are filled with joy.

“The parents notice this change and ask us what we are teaching their children – because they want to learn it too!”

As an adult, Sarah still loves watching SAT-7. Her favourite programme is The Coach, which teaches parenting skills based on Christian values, and has helped her develop in her work with children. “It’s amazing, I love it,” Sarah says. “I find it has really influenced me as a teacher. He teaches me how to talk to children in the right way. I’m always waiting to watch it! It’s so helpful.”

A better life

Even as her country’s future remains uncertain, Sarah is hopeful. God has also given her a heart to work overseas one day, perhaps in an African country, and although her exact path is not clear, Sarah knows she will continue to show His love to others.

“One of my dreams is to be a mother to orphaned children,” she says. “And I always pray, ‘God, you prepare me for this. You teach me. I remember the days God woke me up and I started praying and crying for children in Africa, even though I didn’t know any of them.”

For now, Sarah is continuing to work with the children at the centre – which, despite having to close during the lockdown, is now starting to offer one-to-one sessions and small classes. Her prayer is that the children and parents she works with come to know Jesus.

“My wish is for them to have a better life. To be happy. To know Jesus,” she says. “I always pray for them, that they would know Him and how much He loves them. Because they really need love.”

 

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