Stories
313 items in the archive.
2022 12 items
How do Christians celebrate the birth of Christ in Iran?
“We can’t openly celebrate Christmas,” explains Setareh* an Iranian woman. “It is forbidden for us to say we are Christians and to speak the name of Jesus as Lord.”
Unexpected encounter brings encouragement to SAT-7 TÜRK
"Nora…. hey, Nora! Is that you? Oh, I’m so excited! You don't know me, but I know you. You’re one of my favourite presenters on SAT-7 TÜRK!"
A challenging year: SAT-7 viewers share on-the-ground experiences in Afghanistan
“Hunger, famine, and unemployment are gathering momentum. Most people would be happy to die, but my hope is in the Lord,” writes Amin*, a man from Afghanistan. A year since the country’s previous government collapsed and the Taliban took control, SAT-7 PARS’ Afghan viewers are providing a window into the challenges they face every day, while also speaking of their shared hope in Christ.
For Christian youth, a powerful chance to be heard
“I am Leen Abou Jaoude. I am 11 years old, and this is my voice.” These words begin a story that shows what young people can do for God’s kingdom when they are given a chance to flourish and be heard. The power of Leen’s voice shows why ministering to children, especially through the witness of their peers, is a key priority for SAT-7.
From vengeance to forgiveness: an Afghan man’s transformation
“Perhaps many people may ask, ‘How is it possible for an Afghan man to become a Christian?’” queries Soroush, who was once bent on violence and vengeance. Now a pastor, Soroush shares his testimony on SAT-7 PARS live program Signal , in hope that God will use his story of transformation to touch the lives and hearts of viewers facing enormous challenges in Afghanistan and Iran today.
An Afghan man’s longing for freedom of religion or belief
Since August 2021, Elham , * a man living in Afghanistan , has been in contact with the SAT-7 PARS Viewer Support team , who have walked virtually with him through the turmoil of Taliban control in Afghanistan and Elham’s ongoing search for truth and freedom .
Refugees: Being heard, finding hope
Nashwan from Iraq owned a flourishing business and a house, but militants who overran his area threatened to kill him and his family. They all fled their home and later moved to Egypt, but Nashwan can neither obtain a work permit and find suitable employment, nor enrol his daughters in school.
“No matter what happens, I will continue to watch”
Testimonies recently received by SAT-7’s Turkish-language channel show how deeply its message of God’s love affects people’s lives. “I take joy in watching your channel. Because I am watching, my entire household has turned against me. But no matter what happens, I will continue to watch,” one viewer says.
Honouring marginalised women in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan
SAT-7 PARS’ live women’s program Insiders is challenging culturally accepted actions and behaviour that restrict women’s rights and lives in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, and reinforce the notion of women as second-class citizens. A special episode of Insiders broadcast on Women’s Day, 8 March, will highlight the role of women as heads of households and as breadwinners.
Iranian woman testifies to SAT-7 PARS’ impact in her life
Laleh*, an Iranian viewer of SAT-7’s Persian-language channel SAT-7 PARS, recently described how the channel has helped her grow in faith and find peace in Christ. Through its programs and dedicated viewer support teams, SAT-7 PARS has been serving viewers in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan for over 15 years.
Afghan mother speaks of hope in Christ despite extreme isolation
Afia*, a Christian mother in Afghanistan, reached out in response to the hopeful messages on SAT-7 PARS’ program Golden Advice: Jungle of Golpand . Afia says that since the Taliban regained control of the country, six months ago, as a Christian and a woman she is “isolated as though diseased” – and yet she is sustained by Christ. Please pray for Afia and her children as you read her story.
Bijan’s prayer: an Iranian boy’s story of faith
Thirteen-year-old Bijan from Iran recently got in touch with Persian children’s show Hashtag , asking to give his life to Jesus. Here, he shares his story of faith – ending with a beautiful prayer that blessed the whole team.