The negative impact of the coronavirus continues to be heard, seen, felt and televised around the world. But crises have a peculiar way of opening our eyes to what we could not see before.
Although COVID-19 has caused a whole catalogue of crises, it has also been a catalyst for change. Many people are digging deeper and asking new questions. “During this pandemic, people are rethinking their priorities,” explains Pastor Cem from Turkey. “People fear that due to the virus people’s faith will be weakened, but we are seeing the exact opposite! Many are turning towards God, and I believe they will continue to do so as they re-evaluate their lives.”
CS Lewis commented beautifully on this: “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Many of our viewers seem to be listening.
Across all channels there have been massive increases in audience engagement. Viewers are calling in to the live programmes and messaging our online platforms in droves; SAT-7 KIDS’ Facebook user engagement has increased by more than 500 per cent!
Many lives continue to be changed by God in the Middle East and North Africa. “It is three days since I have turned to Christ… Please pray for me that my faith will endure, and I will stand faithfully.” says Kiarash*, an Iranian man. “I have been living in darkness for quite some time… Watching your programme, I sensed a spark deep within me. I have put my future into the holy hands of Jesus.”
If there is one thing people are searching for, it is peace. How fantastic it is to know the Prince of Peace! A viewer from Tunisia shared this with us: “I like the love and peace of mind I see in the Christians near me. Pray for me to find out how to have that peace they say is from Jesus.”
*Name changed and image used for representation purposes only.
PRAY
- Pray for Kiarash as he requested, that his faith will endure and he will stand faithfully.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to stir up more questions in our viewers’ hearts.
- Thank God that He reveals Himself to anyone who seeks Him.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7 (NIV).