Stories
222 items in the archive.
All years 222 items
From presenter and viewer to friends and sisters
Mariam used to present SAT-7 PARS ’ children’s program Golpand in Cyprus. During her time as presenter, she developed a strong friendship with Anousheh, a 12-year-old girl living in Iran. Through this friendship, Mariam shares how she was able to help Anousheh through a very challenging time.
Isolated believers: North Africa
“As Christians, we always felt few and lonely. Now, as part of the SAT-7 family, we are excited to support the growth of the Church and its ability to witness to Christ,” shares Samia Kessai , SAT-7 Producer and Presenter in Algeria. Samia joined Open Studios along with her husband Salah and Pastor Moez Mediouni from Tunisia.
A viewer’s life transformed: Maya’s story
Mariannne Awaraji Daou , Arabic Audience Relations Manager, shares the story of a viewer whose life has been changed . We are telling “ Maya’s ” story here with her permission, and with her name changed to protect her identity.
Guiding viewers on their journey
As part of the digital transformation of SAT-7’s Arabic media, both our social media and our Audience Relations departments are making a vital shift. Once, both acted only as support functions for SAT-7’s satellite broadcasts. While they will continue to do this, they are now also becoming platforms for God’s love in their own right – platforms that interact seamlessly to support viewers on their journey.
SAT-7 PLUS: God’s love made accessible
SAT-7 is once again pioneering in the Middle East and North Africa. SAT-7 PLUS, the region’s first on-demand streaming service of Christian content, launched in early 2021. Antoine Karam, Broadcast and IT Director, shares how this platform is a key element of SAT-7’s digital transformation.
Nurturing new branches of SAT-7’s ministry
Jan Ørskov , SAT-7’s Chief Operations Officer, joined the ministry in January 2020. After an extraordinary first 18 months , in which crisis propelled innovation and great faith was required, he shares how SAT-7’s operations are evolving as the ministry turns 25.
Leading the way after 25 years of serving SAT-7
Twenty-five years ago, Rita El- Mounayer was standing at a crossroads, unsure where God was calling her. In this special reflection, SAT-7’s CEO remembers how a chance encounter with Dr Terence Ascott and his team from SAT-7 opened a door –– a door she was hesitant to walk through, but one that led to a rich journey o f service and faith.
Growing up with SAT-7
In a message on the 25th anniversary of the channel, a woman shared a personal message of her lifelong journey and long-term relationship with SAT-7.
Gods encouragement through the Holy Spirit
Maggie Morgan, a creative film director who partners with SAT-7, has produced a culturally pioneering project to help Arab viewers feel seen, connected, and understood when dealing with difficult emotions.
Afghan presenter speaks of fear and hope as troops withdraw
Afghan pastor and presenter Shoaib Ebadi shares how locals fear the impact on their safety and human rights as the United States and NATO forces withdraw from Afghanistan. Despite this, Pastor Shoaib is heartened by his faith and by the strength of Afghanistan’s young people – and he calls for unity at this crucial moment.
The cry for women’s legal rights in Turkey
As thousands of women in Turkey prepare to protest the country’s formal exit on July 1 from the Istanbul C onvention , an international treaty to prevent violence against women, G ü ls ü m I., Deputy Executive Director of SAT-7 T Ü RK , s hares how the channel supports women to know their legal rights to protection from domestic abuse.
Syrian boy: SAT-7 Worship songs helped me during kidnapping
Jad*, a 17-year-old Syrian boy, called in to SAT-7 KIDS to tell his favourite presenter how much the channel’s programs mean to him. When he was displaced and kidnapped by militants in 2015, Jad says, recalling songs from a sing-along worship show brought him comfort.
Exposing mothers' lack of legal protection: Samira's story
For five years and six months, Samira* shares, she was separated from her two young children with no recourse to see them or fight for custody. A recent episode of SAT-7 ARABIC’s You are Not Alone tells Samira’s story and highlights the lack of legal protections that can leave Middle Eastern women, and their children, very vulnerable.
SAT-7's First Broadcast
As SAT-7 turns 25, Founder and President Dr Terence Ascott looks back on its beginnings. In this excerpt from his upcoming book Dare to Believe! , Dr Ascott recalls the landmark day of SAT-7’s very first broadcast.
Family finds healing in Christ, father thanks SAT-7
Pascale and Najwa, married SAT-7 viewers from Lebanon, shared their faith story live on the program Spiritual Evening . Before Pascale encountered Jesus through SAT-7, he was filled with anger and hopelessness and his marriage to Najwa was on the brink. Now, he is transformed – and so is their marriage and family life.
New hope at Nowruz
On 20 March, the Persian-speaking world will celebrate Nowruz, or New Year, under pandemic restrictions. With its celebration of spring and new beginnings, Nowruz has a deeper meaning for Christians as they reflect on their new life in Christ. This year, special programming on SAT-7 PARS helps them celebrate in isolation.
Follow the women
Working from home due to the pandemic, Maia Woodward, Communications Manager at SAT-7, reflects on when she cycled for peace in 2004 with 250 women across the Middle East. This Women’s Day, Maia shares the stories of some of the remarkable women she met; Middle Eastern women who experienced pain and conflict, and yet still held on to hope.
Bearing witness to destitution in Beirut: Blanche’s story
As Lebanon remains mired in suffering six months after the Beirut blast, SAT-7 ARABIC amplifies the voices of those worst affected by the compounded crises. Through the story of one family who are homeless and hungry – and yet bolstered by their faith in Jesus – the channel has brought viewers together in prayer and support.
From flying kites in Kabul to beaming the Gospel in Persian
Mikael Tunér, Director of many SAT-7 PARS programs, had more adventures while growing up than most have in a lifetime. Here, he shares with SAT-7 staffer Lindsay Shaw how his eventful childhood in Afghanistan helped shape his heart for sharing the Good News in the Persian-speaking world.
Experiencing Jesus' love while battling COVID-19
“I strongly felt the presence of Jesus with me during my long days in self-isolation, after I fell ill with COVID-19. I felt His care for me as if I were sleeping in His arms,” Presenter Karen Khoury recently shared her story on SAT-7 KIDS, to encourage viewers and counter a message many encounter – that contracting the virus is cause of shame.
An example of overcoming encourages youth
Ten years after a shattering cancer diagnosis, an Egyptian tennis champion returned to the court more powerful and resilient than before. In an interview on SAT-7 ARABIC’s new youth program A Way for Tomorrow , he shares his experience of battling the disease and his inspirational story of resilience and rebuilding.
From bully to brother in Christ: Jordan pastor shares story
“If I had continued living the way I was, I would not be alive today.” Pastor Khalil Halaseh was a victim of bullying who went on to bully others – until he met Jesus. On the very first UN International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, SAT-7 ARABIC shares his story of transformation to help viewers find healing, and also offers parents support.
Freed from hate to witness and love his enemy
By the power of God’s love, Abdel-Nour was delivered from the dark valley of hatred to the mountain of faith, light, and love. On the SAT-7 ARABIC program Free Souls , which is produced in Algeria, he shares his testimony of how meeting Jesus Christ let him taste freedom and experience salvation.
Breakthrough at the eleventh hour
With war coming ever closer to their home in Syria, Rev. Wael Haddad and his wife, Maram Nafe Tahhan, turned to God for guidance and began seeking to migrate to Dubai. But every door they tried slammed shut – until God intervened at the eleventh hour. The couple tell their story on a special Gulf edition of Keep on Singing on SAT-7 ARABIC.