Public attention at home and in the Middle East and North Africa understandably turned inward in recent months as we faced the COVID-19 pandemic. But for others the pandemic has been a cover for more menacing activities. Since January 2020 there has been a surge in attacks by so-called Islamic State (IS) groups in Syria and Iraq. Eastern areas of […]
A prayer shared live by Revd Keyvan Cyrus on SAT-7 PARS’ programme Signal created a powerful dialogue between the channel and its viewers, when hundreds of messages poured in as a response. “Let these diseases and microscopic organisms that can destroy our bodies be replaced by harmony and peace, mercy and healing in our bodies,” Cyrus prayed in response to the pandemic that has […]
The turning of the year gives us two occasions to renew our hope for the world. Christmas, the first of these, reminds us that no matter what comes to pass, our hope is secure in Christ. New Year’s Eve, the second of these, is a moment to reflect on the year behind us and look forward to opportunities ahead. Just […]
Afrouz*, a young female viewer from Afghanistan, was feeling hopeless and sad when she stumbled across SAT-7 PARS and got in touch. ESCAPING EXTREMISTS “I am 19 years of age from Kunduz in Afghanistan,” Afrouz said, sharing her story with the SAT-7 PARS Audience Relations team. “I have five brothers and two sisters. I was just into my teens when […]
On 19 August Afghanistan will mark a century of independence from British influence. But after 40 years of near continual warfare and insecurity, few Afghans are in a mood to celebrate. But growing numbers are responding to SAT-7 programmes that offer practical help and a counter-cultural message of love and forgiveness. The dream came twice in quick succession, so Behzad […]
Taraneh* is a young Afghan girl who lives in Tajikistan and regularly calls in to SAT-7 PARS’ live children’s shows. Her family do not own a television, but she travels three hours to watch her favourite programmes at a relative’s home. Taraneh’s inspiring enthusiasm and faith, despite her family’s difficult circumstances, shine through in her messages to the channel. DIFFICULT […]
Singing worship songs openly, free of fear, is something that we in the UK often take for granted. But it is a freedom many Persian-speaking Christians in countries such as Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan cannot currently enjoy. What are you doing this Sunday? If you belong to a congregation, you will probably make your way to church – and won’t […]
Many SAT-7 viewers in Iran live with fears of arrest and betrayal in addition to the economic pressures faced by all Iranians. Yet their testimonies to God’s grace and goodness are an inspiration, says Hephzibah, who has translated many of their messages. Seeing the messages sent by SAT-7 PARS viewers is both “heartbreaking” and “inspiring”. So says Hephzibah, a US-based […]
Amid a rise in religious intolerance “sensitivity” is key, Alistair Burt told delegates at a Conservative Party fringe event on Wednesday 3 October. “Incidents of religious intolerance and religious discrimination are on the rise across the globe,” Rt Hon Alistair Burt, Minister of State for the Middle East, said on Wednesday. He was speaking at a prayer breakfast on religious […]
A recent survey about SAT-7 PARS shows that large numbers of viewers are growing in their personal relationship with God by watching the channel. Almost one in four viewers said they had committed to following Jesus, and over 60 per cent said that SAT-7 PARS helped them grow in their faith.* “We bypass censorship and borders to present God’s life-changing message,” shares SAT-7 PARS […]
