Supporting viewers in Iran as protests spread
Live programmes on SAT-7 PARS are offering hope and intercession for the people of Iran as protests continue to spread across the country.
The channel went live across all its platforms on Monday (5 January) with Towards the Light, a special program in response to the situation, which featured biblical reflections, worship and prayers for different groups of people in Iranian society.
Yesterday (7 January), Sanctuary of the Heart, a regular live programme that offers intercession and fellowship for Persian viewers, is giving Iranians a space to connect and pray. SAT-7 PARS has also been connecting with Iranians through social media and collaborated with another Persian network, Channel 7, in a live Instagram broadcast on Saturday (3 January).
The protests started on 28 December when shopkeepers took to the streets of Tehran in anger over the country’s failing economy. The rial has sunk to a record low, and inflation has risen to 40%, leaving many ordinary Iranians unable to buy basic goods. Over the last ten days, protests have spread to many other parts of the country and at least 36 people have reportedly been killed.
A Christian woman in Iran sent this message to SAT-7 PARS:
“Please pray for freedom for Iran and for us Christians in the country. The conditions are very hard, and I have not been able to get my medicines for several weeks. Foodstuffs are no easier to find; the state of education is unsatisfactory, with children feeling discouraged and young people struggling with hopelessness. Please keep Iran in your prayers.”
Broadcasting into iran
As the protests escalated, SAT-7 PARS shared messages of hope and offered prayers for people in Iran during the special Towards the Light programme, presented by the channel’s Viewer Support Manager, Ashraf Khalilpour, with contributions from other team members.
Omeed Jouyandé brought a powerful message about the “living hope” that all believers have in Christ and encouraged viewers to hold onto that hope in the midst of trials. “True hope comes to life and grows only in the midst of hardship, darkness and challenge,” he said. “As Paul points out in Romans 8, who hopes for what they already have?”
Omeed continued, “The truth is that no one can choose the era, the circumstances or the moment in history in which they live. But each of us can choose how we respond to the conditions before us.”
The programme also featured prayers for people affected by the economic situation and protests in Iran:
The program also featured prayers for people affected by the economic situation and protests in Iran:
PLEASE PRAY:
- For God’s will to be done in Iran, and for His peace and justice to be experienced there.
- For all Iranians who are suffering as a result of the country’s failing economy.
- For believers in Iran to be salt and light, and for them to take comfort from the “living hope” they have in Christ.
