Stories
313 items in the archive.
All years 313 items
World Refugee Day: Iranian Christians “in exile”
“Iranian Christian refugees feel they are living in exile,” says Reza Jafari, Presenter of the SAT-7 PARS live program Signal . In this blog written for World R efugee D ay (20 June) , Reza shares how the challenges Iranian Christians face do not end when they leave I ran , and how SAT-7 PARS is a lifeline to them.
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.
A year with COVID-19: Iranians speak out
The Coronavirus pandemic has taken lives, damaged economies , changed circumstances and created much uncertainty across the world. Christian viewers of SAT-7 PARS in Iran have shared how their faith in Christ is supporting them one year on.
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.
SAT-7 parenting support gives hope to bereaved mother
The words of bereaved mother Maryam* show the vital impact of SAT-7’s parenting support. When advice from the SAT-7 ACADEMY counselling program The Coach transformed her young son’s life, Maryam did not know the coming months would be his last – but in her grief, she clings to her memories of this joyful time.
Inspiring young Syrian woman is living proof of SAT-7’s impact
A young Syrian woman who grew up with SAT-7 KIDS is living proof of the channel’s lasting positive impact. Sarah Rose, who devotes her time to serving others, credits the Christian broadcaster with helping her develop her faith and strong values – even as she spent her entire adolescence in a warzone.
Are you free to follow your faith?
In many parts of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), people, and Christians in particular, are persecuted, discriminated against, and marginalised for their faith. Through culturally sensitive programming, SAT-7 aims to help break the silence and encourage open discussions on human rights such as Freedom of Religion and Belief (FORB).
Saghi’s Story - Rescued From Isolation
Saghi*, a viewer from Iran, felt isolated and vulnerable when she first turned to SAT-7 for support in desperate times. Her life miraculously transformed when she unexpectedly found comfort, support, and her own faith.
SAT-7 KIDS viewers cry out to God for Syria – will you?
As fresh violence devastates northern Syria, the children’s worship program Family of Jesus is uniting its young viewers in heartfelt prayer for the country. Will you join SAT-7 KIDS viewers in crying out to God?
The girl who forgave ISIS
In December 2014, a SAT-7 KIDS crew visited Iraqi Kurdistan, where they planned to tell the stories of child refugees who had fled from ISIS. But in a camp in Erbil, something even more profound took place. Presenter Essam Nagy met a little girl who would change his life and inspire millions around the world.
Finding freedom through forgiveness
Alborz’s* life was devastated when his 25-year-old brother was killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Consumed with hate, Alborz spent years seeking revenge, but it was only through forgiving his brothers killers that he found true healing.
Forgiving, a step to healing
The ringing of the phone breaks the silence of the SAT-7 TÜRK office, which is shut for the night. The answering machine picks up, and after the tone, a woman’s voice echoes through the silence.
Celebrating life beyond disabilities
A flight of stairs can seem like Mount Everest if you’re sitting in a wheelchair. Without sight, walking beside a busy road is like walking along the edge of a cliff. Everyday life suddenly becomes challenging when dealing with a disability. However, SAT-7 TÜRK’s program, Obstacle Overcomers , explores the lives beyond such limitations.