News
1,005 items in the archive.
2018 104 items
The challenge of progress in North Africa
In the region that sparked the “Arab Spring”, some momentous change has been achieved. But too often, lives remain blighted by inequality, poor education and illiteracy, and limited civic freedom. In the most extreme cases, vulnerable people in North Africa are being totally deprived of their human rights.
Big church growth in Algeria despite adversity
Producers Samia and Salah Kessai are no strangers to adversity – the church they attend recently reopened after months of enforced closure. But the couple, who make impactful SAT-7 programs on the ground in Algeria, refuse to lose heart. Their work is a vital support for those choosing to follow Christ.
Forgotten history and uncertain future
Stretching from the Atlas Mountains down into the arid Sahara plains, North Africa – also known as the Maghreb – has a rich history. Christianity spread across the top of the region during the faith’s very earliest centuries. But few traces of this ancient presence now remain – and today, believers face pressure, rejection, and even the threat of violence.
Coptic youth meet Pope at pioneering event
Something very special took place at a recent youth conference in Cairo, Egypt. The first-ever Coptic Orthodox World Youth Week saw young people from 50 countries join together and spend time with Pope Tawadros II. By the end of the week, they were calling their host “papa” – and SAT-7 was on hand to share their joy with viewers.
Engaging Turkish youth on social media
With half of the population in Turkey under 26 years old, the demands for internet accessibility is exponentially increasing. Between 2016 and 2017, households in Turkey with internet access rose to 80.7 percent. [1]
Kids worldwide connect to God’s love
A SAT-7 KIDS’ program offers children the chance to feel loved and cherished by their Heavenly Father. Live broadcasts offer songs and teaching, and a spiritual community where kids from different backgrounds feel connected to His family, The Family of Jesus .
Youth find answers to their questions
New SAT-7 ARABIC program, Questions & Answers in Christian Faith, offers answers to youth seeking direction. Father Bishop Helmy, an Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Priest, presents the program, speaking to the youth of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and guiding them in their faith.
From soap star to Christian talk show host
Soap operas are hugely popular in Turkey. But former soap actor Şemsa Deniz Tolunay reckons she has landed an even better role as host of the first live Christian women’s show available on Turkey’s national TV satellite platform.
Survey shows SAT-7 TÜRK supports isolated believers
Only around 150,000 people out of Turkey’s almost 80 million population are Christians. Unsurprisingly, Christians in the region can feel isolated and misunderstood. However, in a recent online survey, viewers shared that SAT-7 TÜRK is helping them understand the Christian faith and providing valuable support.
SAT-7 TÜRK pursuing impossible goals
Getting onto the Türksat satellite was a dream for many years before it became reality in 2014. Now Melih Ekener, the channel’s Executive Director, says “we see miracles every day.” Currently in their fourth year of broadcasting 24/7 on their own channel, it’s clear that Ekener and the team of almost 40 staff members are not losing momentum.
Economic boom expands Christian witness in Gulf
“I have no doubt in my mind that in the Arabian Peninsula there are easily ten million Christians,” says Venerable Bill Schwartz, OBE, Anglican Archdeacon in the Gulf and Chaplain of Qatar. In an interview with SAT-7, Schwartz spelt out some of the astonishing results of the region’s economic development.
A good barbeque needs a good marinade
Have you ever marinated chicken, as Persians do, in saffron, garlic, lime and olive oil? After two hours, it’s beginning to tenderise and take on the aroma and flavours of the marinade.
Answering new believers’ big questions
People are coming to faith in Iran in larger numbers than ever before [i] . But sadly, a lack of Christian teaching, combined with the isolation that many Iranian believers face, causes many to fall away. SAT-7 PARS show Question Mark seeks to support new believers during the critical early stages of their journey.
Fast-paced show widens young people’s horizons
Youth talking to youth: this is the theme of iNews , one of the many engaging educational shows on SAT-7 ACADEMY. Almost 100 episodes have been made so far, with two more being filmed every week, says Fadi Taher, the director of Icon Media, a Cairo production house that creates a number of programmes screened by SAT-7.
Isolated believers feel supported by SAT-7
A recent SAT-7 viewer survey produced hundreds of encouraging viewer testimonies, demonstrating how SAT-7 is providing valuable support for isolated believers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
New leaders for evangelicals in Turkey
The Association of Protestant Churches in Turkey (TEK) has chosen a new president and board of directors, reports SAT-7’s Turkish channel, SAT-7 TÜRK.
Sharing God’s love over cultural conventions
When Iranians meet, the time we spend greeting and exchanging polite pleasantries can seem extensive – especially to someone from a European culture. The process then repeats saying goodbye on the doorstep, where whole new conversations on brand new topics are enjoyed well into the night.
Shattering the social media beauty illusion
Women around the world are bombarded with media images of physical “perfection”, leaving many feeling inadequate. This summer, two SAT-7 women’s programs are tackling the sources of this pressure. By exposing the illusion of perfection, the shows are helping Middle Eastern women feel beautiful as they are.
A wholesome infusion for young people
“I love film-making. If I am not at work for one day I get withdrawal symptoms,” says Petros Mohseni, Director of the new SAT-7 PARS series Herbal Tea . The love Petros has for film-making is surpassed only by his passion for the welfare of young people.
Youth can change the MENA
Almost half of the population in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is under 25 years old. Young people face a variety of struggles – including a very high unemployment rate – but there is one issue perhaps more pressing than any other. Rita Elmounayer, SAT-7’s CEO Designate, discusses the greatest challenge facing youth today and how SAT-7 empowers young viewers to change their future.
Bridging the gap between generations
Traditional etiquette in Arab culture deems elders should be given the utmost respect. This mentality often means their opinions cannot be questioned – and it is creating a growing divide between generations.
Giving hope to hopeless youth
Faced with devastating barriers to education, employment, and independence, many Middle Eastern young people desperately need hope. SAT-7’s impactful youth programs are pointing them to Jesus Christ – and the everlasting hope found in Him.
Pointing youth to a purpose-filled life
Nineteen-year-old Joy Basta is a presenter on the SAT-7 KIDS’ program A Riddle and a Story. Being raised a pastor’s son and surrounded by church community did not exempt Joy from negative pressures at school. He shares his experience and gives insight into the struggles of the region’s youth today.
Breaking the sex education taboo
As in many parts of the world, sexual abuse is rife in parts of the Middle East and North Africa. To make this worse, sex education is taboo. Many young people are adrift in a sea of misinformation. The SAT-7 ARABIC program Speak Up is helping parents communicate with their teenage children to better protect them from harm.