After an extraordinary year of hardship and isolation, a SAT-7 ARABIC Christmas special will join Christians across the Middle East and North Africa together in joy and service to others. Families from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria will participate from their homes, in a celebration that will give aid to struggling and homeless families in Lebanon. “During hard […]
As Tunisia prepares to mark the tenth anniversary of the start of its “Jasmine Revolution” on 17 December, Christian broadcaster SAT-7 announced the first TV programmes it has made in this North African country. Christmas from Tunisia and a discussion show entitled Standard Talk will be the first productions made by Perpetua, a new Christian production team in Tunis that […]
A long-contested enclave on the fringe of the Middle East hit the headlines this month as a new upsurge of fighting claimed at least 300 lives in Nagorno–Karabakh. This mountainous enclave (known as Artsakh by Armenians) neighbours Iran, is near neighbour to Turkey, Russia and Georgia, and sits between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Despite its majority Armenian population, it was made an autonomous zone within Azerbaijan when both states came under Russian control in the 1920s. There have been cycles of clashes since the collapse of the Soviet Union and a 1988 decision by the enclave to become as an independent republic. Full-scale fighting between 1992 and 1994 killed tens of […]
In a world of constant change, new Algerian programme Rest in the Lord is inviting new believers into a discussion about the unchanging ways of God. The table is set, the discussion has begun, and female viewers of Rest in the Lord are welcomed into the homeliest of atmospheres. Don’t let the creative décor and plate of treats fool you, […]
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 […]
For those who received a Christian upbringing, complete with youth weekends away, Bible study groups and church worship events, it can be easy to take all this for granted. Young believers in Algeria, on the other hand, are surrounded by tension and pressure. Christian activities are restricted by law, making it difficult for believers to share their faith with others. […]
When armed authorities came to close down Riki Church in north-eastern Algeria, they were met with the peace of Christ. In a new SAT-7 documentary, Riki Church’s leader and other Algerian pastors speak out, sharing their stories of injustice and how believers are standing for their rights while remaining peacemakers in their communities. “Three cars showed up here with men […]
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 […]
Lebanon last month joined the wave of unrest that has swept across several countries that were barely affected by the 2011 uprisings. Some commentators are already talking about an “Arab Spring 2.” In reality, the protests are in many ways a continuation of the same anger with authorities and demands for change that we saw in 2011. Sadly, protests in […]
“You can seal our churches but you can’t seal our hearts” is the cry from Algeria as churches are being sealed shut despite Article 42 of the Algerian Constitution guaranteeing its citizens freedom to worship and the freedom to meet for a service. The 15 October closure of the largest of these – the 1,200-member Full Gospel Church of Tizi […]
