Support continues for viewers in Iran amid ongoing grief
International headlines are quick to move on from devastating world events. But at SAT-7, we continue to stand with those whose heartache continues long after the story has dropped down in the news. For SAT-7’s viewers in Iran, the fear, grief and pain of recent weeks has not ended. The need for prayer, encouragement and connection remain as urgent as ever.
Many thousands of Iranians are mourning loved ones killed during the protests that erupted at the end of December and escalated over the following weeks. Others are awaiting news of those detained amid reports of mass online trials and the issuing of death sentences. In Iran, it is a tradition to mark the 40th day since a person’s death and many such commemorations have been taking place there this week.
“Oh God, I bring before You all the lives that have been taken from us,” says one woman, messaging SAT-7 from inside Iran. “Lord, I pray that You heal those who are broken in body and spirit. Be their comfort. Oh God, the grief is too great to bear and the injustice is too much. Please bring it to an end.”
CONSISTENT PRESENCE
Following a prolonged near-total internet shutdown that began on 8 January, connectivity is being restored in Iran, though only partially. SAT-7 PARS is receiving increasing daily messages – up to 50 – from viewers inside Iran. These include growing requests for counselling, as individuals seek help in coping with grief, anxiety and psychological strain.
SAT-7 PARS has continued to send encouraging devotional messages and teaching materials to viewers in Iran, who are accessing them as and when they can.
“Thank God for these teaching sessions. You cannot imagine how important and meaningful they are,” wrote one viewer. “When the internet was down, I would use the brief moments it was available to review your lessons, striving to be a light. Likewise, the network programs during the difficult days gave us hope, reminding us that you were thinking of us and standing by our side.”
Broadcasts via satellite TV continue 24/7 with a particular focus on worship as a means of lifting people’s spirits during these dark days. SAT-7 PARS recently broadcast a four-hour special event, Wave of Worship, from the Netherlands, led by Iranian worship leaders Dariush Golbaghi, and Niloufar, Melody, and Rouzbeh Najarnejad. The gathering brought songs, prayer, and intercession dedicated to Iran, creating a shared moment of faith and unity for viewers inside the country.
“We believe worship, especially at these times, could have an important impact on people’s spiritual states and can help them to relieve some of this grief and grave sorrow they are carrying,” said Reza Jafari, SAT-7 PARS Multimedia Senior Manager.
This focus was affirmed by viewers themselves. One viewer called SAT-7’s International Office in Cyprus with a simple message from her sister in Iran: “We need more worship...”
SHARING PRAYERS
SAT-7’s Partners and supporters around the world are continuing to stand with Iranians in prayer. Children have sent video prayers, which have been subtitled in Persian and broadcast during SAT-7 PARS children’s programs.
At Norea Media Mission’s annual conference in Norway, attendees relayed prayers for protection, healing, and comfort for the Iranian people. These, along with dozens of others from SAT-7 supporters across Europe, the UK, the US and Canada, are being translated into Persian and shared directly during SAT-7 PARS broadcasts, assuring those in Iran that they are not forgotten.
The messages are an encouragement, too, to SAT-7 PARS staff, many of whom have loved ones inside Iran and are feeling the emotional strain of recent events.
To our viewers, our colleagues, and all those living through these difficult days, our message remains constant:
We are with you.
ما با شما هستیم
As the International Day of Social Justice is marked on 20 February, SAT-7 affirms the rights and freedoms of all people, and stands with those who are raising their voices for dignity, safety, and the right to determine their own future.