SAT-7 viewers living in Iraq sent text messages asking for urgent prayer for violence in Mosul to stop
Nicosia, Cyprus, October 14, 2008: According to published reports, at least seven Iraqi Christians have been killed in recent days and as many as 3,000 Iraqi Christians have fled the northern Iraqi city of Mosul due to severe pressure from extremists. Other reports have stated that Christian homes have been bombed and leaflets passed around threatening Christians with death unless they convert to Islam or pay a jizya tax that marks them as second-class citizens.
Iraqi Christians have been texting SAT-7 requesting urgent prayer. One wrote (translated from Arabic); Please pray for Christians in Iraq because they are killing all the Christians that are walking in Mosul. Another wrote In the name of Jesus pray for Christians in Nineveh province. We’re under the weight of killings and displacement.
SAT-7 is placing on its screen special messages calling for increased prayer for Iraqi Christians. It has also placed a message in Arabic on its viewers website from Archbishop Youhana Ibrahim, Head of the Syrian Orthodox Church and SAT-7 Board member asking for urgent prayer, the translation of which reads; This is a heartfelt call of brotherly love, spurred by the teachings from heaven, to put an end to the horrifying massacre of Christians in Iraq.. Let us maintain the right to co-exist together in the same homeland.
SAT-7 has also received an email from a pastor in Iraq, who has hosted programs on the channel, saying; We’re sending an S.O.S prayer so the terrorists who think what they’re doing is for God will wake up and know the real God. We’re also praying that Christians will get closer to Jesus. And for the many families who have lost loved ones , houses and money, to never forget that, no matter what we lose, we’ll still have the places Jesus is preparing for us in Heaven. The pastor went on to say that many Christians in Iraq are asking for others to join them in three days of prayer and fasting for the situation.
Government officials have stated that they are sending in additional police to help with the situation. SAT-7 is very concerned about Christians living in Iraq, especially in Mosul, and will continue to ask viewers to pray for the situation until it improves.
***
SAT-7 is a Christian satellite network made by and for the people of the Middle East and North Africa. SAT-7 makes Christ's message of hope available to every home in the Middle East. SAT-7 consists of three channels: SAT-7 ARABIC, SAT-7 PARS (Farsi/Turkish) and SAT-7 KIDS (Arabic). Each channel broadcasts on the Hotbird satellite platform. For more than a decade, SAT-7 has supported Christians living in the Middle East and North Africa, by providing a satellite platform through which they can strengthen their churches and witness to Christ.
To make a donation or for more information go to http://www.sat7.org/ (English), http://www.sat7.com/ (Arabic) and http://www.sat7pars.com/ (Farsi)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Lebanon Office all set for more and better live programs!
September 16, 2008
Nicosia, Cyprus
The value and appeal of live productions is undisputed. That is why our SAT-7 Lebanon Office regularly rented satellite uplink services in the past, in order to be able to include one live program in its schedule per week. Now we are happy to announce that those challenging days are nearly over! The arrival of a brand new, vehicle mounted Satellite News Gathering (SNG) dish will vastly enhance the number and quality of live programs produced in the country.
In order to make the new dish operable, an important MPEG2 encoder, which is already en route, must be installed and SAT-7 will also need to acquire an appropriate vehicle, a small generator, some cables and professional monitors. Once all those pieces are in place, a whole new era in SAT-7's broadcast capacity will begin! As Naji Daoud, the Lebanon Office Director, said: "The expansion of our programming and the launch of a new studio desperately required some fundamental changes to make our operation as a whole more effective. With our own mobile uplink permanently at our disposal, we will be in a position to significantly increase the frequency of live programs, even from different locations," says Naji. It is a dream come true for SAT-7 Lebanon, and will be a blessing for innumerable viewers!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Iran defiant in face of sanctions; ministry comforts youth
Iran (MNN) --An Iranian military official this week threatened retaliation against aggressive enemies.
Tehran is not showing signs of giving up uranium enrichment or heeding other international demands, leading to international pressure and the threat of increased sanctions.
In fact, relations appear to be going in a different direction altogether. Nourali Shoushtari, the Deputy Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) ground forces Brigadier General, has been quoted as saying, "We will cut off hands of any enemy before being stretched towards our country."
David Harder with SAT-7 says an ongoing instability results in huge response to the SAT-7 PARS broadcasts into Iran. "Two-thirds of the people in Iran are young people, under the age of 25. They're very worried about what might happen if another war would break out and they're watching the broadcasts. Another interesting phenomenon that's going on right now, as well as the political things that are changing, is also social life."
As more young Iranians admit disillusionment, they are wondering about what the Gospel teaches. Harder says technology allows them to speak directly to this generation. "Young people do like to connect, primarily through the internet and through text messaging. In our Pars broadcast for Iran, we have a Web site; it's streaming. We also have chat rooms, and there's an interesting phenomena of putting up these chat rooms: somebody will be watching, and they'll have a question, a theological question, and they'll want to know more."
SAT-7 is receiving more than double last year's amount of text responses and contacts from viewers watching their programming. The team posts them on the air almost immediately, a move that is already popular among viewers in the region.
Harder says they're also Web streaming, or broadcasting the programs live on the Internet. Sometimes, communication through such technology functions like a church.
The staff recently received a message from a viewer who was a new believer and had questions about faith-related issues. The Christian community immediately responded with Scripture and words of help from their own walks.
Aside from the interactive programming, SAT-7 PARS is producing new shows that directly address issues their viewers face. According to the writer of this original series, "The Challenge was made to improve and develop the faith of believers and young people who have recently come to have faith in Christ, because new Christians will face many unique challenges and difficulties as they begin their spiritual journeys."
Some of the first episodes cover issues such as horoscopes and fortune tellers, blaming others and being humble, and being an undisciplined Christian. "God Told Me" is designed to help young believers understand how to seek and understand God's will for their lives.
Prayer and funding are needed to keep this project healthy. Click here if you can help.
Tehran is not showing signs of giving up uranium enrichment or heeding other international demands, leading to international pressure and the threat of increased sanctions.
In fact, relations appear to be going in a different direction altogether. Nourali Shoushtari, the Deputy Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) ground forces Brigadier General, has been quoted as saying, "We will cut off hands of any enemy before being stretched towards our country."
David Harder with SAT-7 says an ongoing instability results in huge response to the SAT-7 PARS broadcasts into Iran. "Two-thirds of the people in Iran are young people, under the age of 25. They're very worried about what might happen if another war would break out and they're watching the broadcasts. Another interesting phenomenon that's going on right now, as well as the political things that are changing, is also social life."
As more young Iranians admit disillusionment, they are wondering about what the Gospel teaches. Harder says technology allows them to speak directly to this generation. "Young people do like to connect, primarily through the internet and through text messaging. In our Pars broadcast for Iran, we have a Web site; it's streaming. We also have chat rooms, and there's an interesting phenomena of putting up these chat rooms: somebody will be watching, and they'll have a question, a theological question, and they'll want to know more."
SAT-7 is receiving more than double last year's amount of text responses and contacts from viewers watching their programming. The team posts them on the air almost immediately, a move that is already popular among viewers in the region.
Harder says they're also Web streaming, or broadcasting the programs live on the Internet. Sometimes, communication through such technology functions like a church.
The staff recently received a message from a viewer who was a new believer and had questions about faith-related issues. The Christian community immediately responded with Scripture and words of help from their own walks.
Aside from the interactive programming, SAT-7 PARS is producing new shows that directly address issues their viewers face. According to the writer of this original series, "The Challenge was made to improve and develop the faith of believers and young people who have recently come to have faith in Christ, because new Christians will face many unique challenges and difficulties as they begin their spiritual journeys."
Some of the first episodes cover issues such as horoscopes and fortune tellers, blaming others and being humble, and being an undisciplined Christian. "God Told Me" is designed to help young believers understand how to seek and understand God's will for their lives.
Prayer and funding are needed to keep this project healthy. Click here if you can help.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
COVERING IRAN WITH LOVE
SAT-7 celebrates six years of Persian broadcasts for Iran
September 9, 2008
Nicosia, Cyprus :
"We've climbed a mountain, we've gone through lots of ups and downs, but because Christ is helping us, we have succeeded," says Sara, SAT-7 PARS Executive Director. On September 12, 2002, six years ago, SAT-7 launched its first broadcasts in Farsi (also called Persian). "We've grown from one hour a week, to six hours of new programming every day on our own 24-hour channel" adds Sara.
Christians make up less than one percent of the Iranian population, but their numbers are believed to be growing. Millions of young people, who make up the largest demographic group the country of 70 million people, are disillusioned with life around them. Many are turning to drugs and even suicide, but others are searching for the hope that can be found in Christ. "Many viewers tell us that SAT-7 PARS is where they go to get their 'spiritual food,'" adds Sara. SAT-7 PARS is committed to broadcasting God's love to Iranians, and helping to disciple Iranian believers.
While SAT-7 has been broadcasting in Farsi/Persian for six years, SAT-7 PARS became its own 24-hour channel less than two years ago, in December 2006. Since then the number of staff creating or commissioning programs has grown from four to twelve and the audience response has also grown significantly. The SAT-7 PARS audience relations department currently receives about 1,000 contacts from viewers (including phone calls, emails and text messages) per week.
Here are a few recent viewers' comments:
Two years ago I came to faith in Jesus through watching your programs. At the time I was close to killing myself. Your programs are really helping me, especially lately when I had a hard time forgiving my brother-in-law. But I watched your teaching program, "The Parables of Christ" and the presenter gave a message about forgiveness. That helped me a lot and now things are going well. Thank you for your programs!
September 9, 2008
Nicosia, Cyprus :
"We've climbed a mountain, we've gone through lots of ups and downs, but because Christ is helping us, we have succeeded," says Sara, SAT-7 PARS Executive Director. On September 12, 2002, six years ago, SAT-7 launched its first broadcasts in Farsi (also called Persian). "We've grown from one hour a week, to six hours of new programming every day on our own 24-hour channel" adds Sara.
Christians make up less than one percent of the Iranian population, but their numbers are believed to be growing. Millions of young people, who make up the largest demographic group the country of 70 million people, are disillusioned with life around them. Many are turning to drugs and even suicide, but others are searching for the hope that can be found in Christ. "Many viewers tell us that SAT-7 PARS is where they go to get their 'spiritual food,'" adds Sara. SAT-7 PARS is committed to broadcasting God's love to Iranians, and helping to disciple Iranian believers.
While SAT-7 has been broadcasting in Farsi/Persian for six years, SAT-7 PARS became its own 24-hour channel less than two years ago, in December 2006. Since then the number of staff creating or commissioning programs has grown from four to twelve and the audience response has also grown significantly. The SAT-7 PARS audience relations department currently receives about 1,000 contacts from viewers (including phone calls, emails and text messages) per week.
Here are a few recent viewers' comments:
Two years ago I came to faith in Jesus through watching your programs. At the time I was close to killing myself. Your programs are really helping me, especially lately when I had a hard time forgiving my brother-in-law. But I watched your teaching program, "The Parables of Christ" and the presenter gave a message about forgiveness. That helped me a lot and now things are going well. Thank you for your programs!
- A young woman in Iran
Greetings of God to you! In the past, through my studies, I came to the conclusion that Christianity was a heresy. However, when I started watching your programs on SAT-7 PARS, I realised that it is the most complete of all religions. It is a religion that shows happiness in this world and the world to come. Jesus raised people from the dead and gave them life. Blessed are those who are the followers of this religion. Thank you for your programs.
Greetings of God to you! In the past, through my studies, I came to the conclusion that Christianity was a heresy. However, when I started watching your programs on SAT-7 PARS, I realised that it is the most complete of all religions. It is a religion that shows happiness in this world and the world to come. Jesus raised people from the dead and gave them life. Blessed are those who are the followers of this religion. Thank you for your programs.
- An SMS received from Iran
I became a follower of Christ six years ago, and I like to watch SAT-7 PARS very much. My 11 year-old daughter has also started to watch your programs for children and youth, and I can really notice a difference in her character since she started watching. Thank you very much!
- A mother in Tehran
To watch a live Internet stream of SAT-7 PARS programs click here.***
SAT-7 is a Christian satellite network made by and for the people of the Middle East and North Africa. SAT-7 makes Christ's message of hope available to every home in the Middle East. SAT-7 consists of three channels: SAT-7 ARABIC, SAT-7 PARS (Farsi/Turkish) and SAT-7 KIDS (Arabic). Each channel broadcasts on the Hotbird satellite pladforma. For more than a decade, SAT-7 has supported Christians living in the Middle East and North Africa, by providing a satellite platform through which they can strengthen their churches and witness to Christ.
I became a follower of Christ six years ago, and I like to watch SAT-7 PARS very much. My 11 year-old daughter has also started to watch your programs for children and youth, and I can really notice a difference in her character since she started watching. Thank you very much!
- A mother in Tehran
To watch a live Internet stream of SAT-7 PARS programs click here.***
SAT-7 is a Christian satellite network made by and for the people of the Middle East and North Africa. SAT-7 makes Christ's message of hope available to every home in the Middle East. SAT-7 consists of three channels: SAT-7 ARABIC, SAT-7 PARS (Farsi/Turkish) and SAT-7 KIDS (Arabic). Each channel broadcasts on the Hotbird satellite pladforma. For more than a decade, SAT-7 has supported Christians living in the Middle East and North Africa, by providing a satellite platform through which they can strengthen their churches and witness to Christ.
To make a donation or for more information go to http://www.sat7.org/ (English), http://www.sat7.com/ (Arabic) and http://www.sat7pars.com/ (Farsi)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
An Alternative to Ramadan TV Viewing
August 28, 2008
Violence is a daily threat to millions of people who live in the Middle East and North Africa. Bombings, riots, wars and domestic violence destroy lives throughout the region. In addition to physical violence, televised violence is also common—local TV channels often show gory details of violent events or utilize drama in films, and even cartoons, to portray martyrdom and death.
Violence is a daily threat to millions of people who live in the Middle East and North Africa. Bombings, riots, wars and domestic violence destroy lives throughout the region. In addition to physical violence, televised violence is also common—local TV channels often show gory details of violent events or utilize drama in films, and even cartoons, to portray martyrdom and death.
During Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, which begins on Monday, September 1, most TV channels in the Middle East will be broadcasting new programs, including violent Hollywood movies. “Ramadan is the biggest TV viewing time in the Middle East and North Africa. As soon as sunset comes and Muslim families break their day-long fasts, many sit for a big meal and watch TV. Local TV channels compete to capture the biggest audience share, and they know that violent and controversial films can help,” says David Harder, SAT-7’s Communications Manager
Christians who live in the region also are drawn to these new programs during this major TV viewing month. But how should the local church respond, when they themselves are often the victims of real violence? SAT-7’s Bible based programs, 80% of which are made in the region by Middle Eastern Christians, offer a positive alternative. As Christ said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
That scripture is the foundation for SAT-7’s new “Peace Amidst Violence” campaign, which is a joint effort between SAT-7 and a number of local media ministries and Bible Societies. “It’s about promoting the idea that if we have Jesus in our lives, we can have peace, no matter what situations we may face,” says Rita El Mounayer, the Programming Director for SAT-7 Arabic channels.
In addition to its daily seeker-sensitive and in-depth Christian programs for women, children, youth and families, SAT-7 has created a number of promotional TV spots specifically addressing the issue of violence, challenging viewers to think about Christ and how they can respond to violence around them.Goals of the campaign include:
Violence is a daily threat to millions of people who live in the Middle East and North Africa. Bombings, riots, wars and domestic violence destroy lives throughout the region. In addition to physical violence, televised violence is also common—local TV channels often show gory details of violent events or utilize drama in films, and even cartoons, to portray martyrdom and death.
Violence is a daily threat to millions of people who live in the Middle East and North Africa. Bombings, riots, wars and domestic violence destroy lives throughout the region. In addition to physical violence, televised violence is also common—local TV channels often show gory details of violent events or utilize drama in films, and even cartoons, to portray martyrdom and death.
During Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, which begins on Monday, September 1, most TV channels in the Middle East will be broadcasting new programs, including violent Hollywood movies. “Ramadan is the biggest TV viewing time in the Middle East and North Africa. As soon as sunset comes and Muslim families break their day-long fasts, many sit for a big meal and watch TV. Local TV channels compete to capture the biggest audience share, and they know that violent and controversial films can help,” says David Harder, SAT-7’s Communications Manager
Christians who live in the region also are drawn to these new programs during this major TV viewing month. But how should the local church respond, when they themselves are often the victims of real violence? SAT-7’s Bible based programs, 80% of which are made in the region by Middle Eastern Christians, offer a positive alternative. As Christ said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
That scripture is the foundation for SAT-7’s new “Peace Amidst Violence” campaign, which is a joint effort between SAT-7 and a number of local media ministries and Bible Societies. “It’s about promoting the idea that if we have Jesus in our lives, we can have peace, no matter what situations we may face,” says Rita El Mounayer, the Programming Director for SAT-7 Arabic channels.
In addition to its daily seeker-sensitive and in-depth Christian programs for women, children, youth and families, SAT-7 has created a number of promotional TV spots specifically addressing the issue of violence, challenging viewers to think about Christ and how they can respond to violence around them.Goals of the campaign include:
- Empowering families to establish loving relationships.
- Affirming the role of young people to spread peace in a violent world
- Advocating justice for the underprivileged
- Encouraging the persecuted and helping them persevere through the peace of Christ.
- Mobilizing the Church to reach out to victims of violence.
Muslims Hope for Peace during Ramadan
International (MNN) -- During the month of Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance into the future, and try to purify themselves. The daily fast is broken at sundown with a large feast. David Harder with SAT-7 says it's also the time when families get together to watch television. "All the satellite channels that are focused on the Middle East put their best shows on, trying to capture this huge audience. Right now, what we at SAT-7 are doing is also trying to capture some of the audience with some of our programs to help people find out more about Jesus and about the peace that they can have through knowing Jesus." SAT-7's new "Peace Amidst Violence" campaign uses its programming to address the issue of violence, challenging viewers to think about Christ and how they can respond to violence around them. "People can be praying that those who are seeking to know the true God will experience Him, and we're hoping at SAT-7, both for new Christians and for those who may be seeking, that they'll really come to know the true and living God during this time."
Full story: http://www.MNNonline.org/article/11626
Full story: http://www.MNNonline.org/article/11626
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
ARE CHRISTIAN ATHLETES WEAK?
A new documentary on SAT-7® for a Middle Eastern audience explores how
Christian athletes survive victory and defeat.
Nicosia, Cyprus, Aug. 7, 2008— Just in time for the 2008 Summer Olympics, SAT-7 will be airing a new documentary in Arabic, Farsi and Turkish in which six Olympic athletes discuss their greatest challenges and victories. The documentary, entitled “Struggle and Triumph,” is produced by Athletes in Action and profiles six different Olympians from sports ranging from long distance running and sprinting, to swimming and badminton. The athletes vary from a gold medal winner, to several silver medalists, and also include competitors who didn’t win an Olympic medal but vividly demonstrate how someone can be victorious in surmounting overwhelming odds.
Dieudonne Disi is a world class distance runner from Rwanda. In the 2004 Olympics he came in 17th place in the 10,000 meter race. But other runners probably had no idea that he had already run the race of his life. Disi recalls what happened the day he escaped a murderous rampage during the Rwandan genocide, “On my last day with my father, there were 8 people in the family, my father and mother and my brothers and sisters. My father said we are all going to die. He wanted to pray a prayer to prepare to go to heaven. My family started to pray, but I went outside. I heard the rebels knock on the door. It opened, they said something to my family…it was ‘death, death!’ In the end, everyone within 400 meters was killed.”
But Disi found the inner strength to go on with his life, “I used to pray every day, but when my family was killed I stopped praying. For many years I did not pray. I realized that if I was ever going to see my family again, I needed to start praying again. In the Bible it says there is only one way to heaven— through Jesus Christ.”
Disi’s story is just one of the emotionally powerful interviews included in the film. These stories are important to tell in the Middle East and North Africa says SAT-7 Acquisitions Manager George Makeen. “Athletes in the Arab world are stars and people really look up to them. The model of Christianity in this region is often that Christianity is only for the weak, for those who are simple and have no other options. So it’s important, especially for young people in this area, to see athletes who are famous and successful and are still followers of Christ.”
SAT-7 will be airing “Struggle and Triumph” in Arabic on its 24/7 Arabic channel, in Farsi on SAT-7 PARS and in Turkish on TURK-7(SAT-7’s Turkish programming provider).
Launched in 1996, SAT-7 is a Christian television service created by and for the people of the Middle East and North Africa with U.S. headquarters in Easton, Md. Each week between 9 and 10 million people tune in (Intermedia research, 2004 – 2006). Broadcast in three languages—Arabic, Farsi and Turkish—SAT-7 can be viewed via satellite in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, much of Central Asia and worldwide at www.SAT7.org.
For more information about SAT-7 go to www.sat7.org (English), www.sat7.com (Arabic) and www.sat7PARS.com (Farsi).
Christian athletes survive victory and defeat.
Nicosia, Cyprus, Aug. 7, 2008— Just in time for the 2008 Summer Olympics, SAT-7 will be airing a new documentary in Arabic, Farsi and Turkish in which six Olympic athletes discuss their greatest challenges and victories. The documentary, entitled “Struggle and Triumph,” is produced by Athletes in Action and profiles six different Olympians from sports ranging from long distance running and sprinting, to swimming and badminton. The athletes vary from a gold medal winner, to several silver medalists, and also include competitors who didn’t win an Olympic medal but vividly demonstrate how someone can be victorious in surmounting overwhelming odds.
Dieudonne Disi is a world class distance runner from Rwanda. In the 2004 Olympics he came in 17th place in the 10,000 meter race. But other runners probably had no idea that he had already run the race of his life. Disi recalls what happened the day he escaped a murderous rampage during the Rwandan genocide, “On my last day with my father, there were 8 people in the family, my father and mother and my brothers and sisters. My father said we are all going to die. He wanted to pray a prayer to prepare to go to heaven. My family started to pray, but I went outside. I heard the rebels knock on the door. It opened, they said something to my family…it was ‘death, death!’ In the end, everyone within 400 meters was killed.”
But Disi found the inner strength to go on with his life, “I used to pray every day, but when my family was killed I stopped praying. For many years I did not pray. I realized that if I was ever going to see my family again, I needed to start praying again. In the Bible it says there is only one way to heaven— through Jesus Christ.”
Disi’s story is just one of the emotionally powerful interviews included in the film. These stories are important to tell in the Middle East and North Africa says SAT-7 Acquisitions Manager George Makeen. “Athletes in the Arab world are stars and people really look up to them. The model of Christianity in this region is often that Christianity is only for the weak, for those who are simple and have no other options. So it’s important, especially for young people in this area, to see athletes who are famous and successful and are still followers of Christ.”
SAT-7 will be airing “Struggle and Triumph” in Arabic on its 24/7 Arabic channel, in Farsi on SAT-7 PARS and in Turkish on TURK-7(SAT-7’s Turkish programming provider).
Launched in 1996, SAT-7 is a Christian television service created by and for the people of the Middle East and North Africa with U.S. headquarters in Easton, Md. Each week between 9 and 10 million people tune in (Intermedia research, 2004 – 2006). Broadcast in three languages—Arabic, Farsi and Turkish—SAT-7 can be viewed via satellite in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, much of Central Asia and worldwide at www.SAT7.org.
For more information about SAT-7 go to www.sat7.org (English), www.sat7.com (Arabic) and www.sat7PARS.com (Farsi).
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Article about SAT-7 in Turkey from Mission Network News
Bombing widens division in Turkey
Posted: 29 July, 2008
Turkey (MNN) ― Deadly twin blasts in Turkey this weekend heightened insecurities over the secular-religious rift. SAT-7's David Harder says partner TURK-7 feels the pressure. "Turkey is in a very tense time. The ruling political party is on trial right now to prove that it should exist. It's a very complicated scenario. Nobody knows how it will play out. That is a big threat in the background to the stability of the country."
The Constitutional court's decision could shut down the Justice and Development Party's government for alleged Islamism. Doing away with it would fly in the face of the nationalist thinking that ‘"To be Turkish is to be Muslim, and to be Muslim is to be Turkish." Analysts think any changes to the 85-year-old system could trigger months of political upheaval. Already, the rumblings can be felt in the streets. Add to that the shock of the terror attacks, and the tensions go up even higher.
Christians are often singled out in times of sectarian violence. While the Turkish constitution includes freedom of religion, worship services are only permitted in "buildings created for this purpose," and officials have restricted the construction of buildings for minority religions.
The few who dare to profess Christ face harassment, threats and prison. Evangelism is difficult. According to a 2007 report from I.N. Network, a ministry working in the country, the number of believers reportedly declined from 22% to only .2% between 1900 and 2000, and most of these Christians are non-Turkish.
Even so, the TURK-7 team shares the hope of Christ through programs produced in Istanbul.
Harder says no one from their ministry was hurt in the bombings. He urges prayer for the team in Turkey because "they are members of the community. They are the ones who can most effectively train and encourage the Christians who are living near them. SAT-7 is working within the local community, making the program locally, because they will be the most effective to minister in the region."
With a population of 70 million people, of whom 99% are Muslim, the evangelical church of the 21st century desires to build relationships with their Muslim neighbors.
Posted: 29 July, 2008
Turkey (MNN) ― Deadly twin blasts in Turkey this weekend heightened insecurities over the secular-religious rift. SAT-7's David Harder says partner TURK-7 feels the pressure. "Turkey is in a very tense time. The ruling political party is on trial right now to prove that it should exist. It's a very complicated scenario. Nobody knows how it will play out. That is a big threat in the background to the stability of the country."
The Constitutional court's decision could shut down the Justice and Development Party's government for alleged Islamism. Doing away with it would fly in the face of the nationalist thinking that ‘"To be Turkish is to be Muslim, and to be Muslim is to be Turkish." Analysts think any changes to the 85-year-old system could trigger months of political upheaval. Already, the rumblings can be felt in the streets. Add to that the shock of the terror attacks, and the tensions go up even higher.
Christians are often singled out in times of sectarian violence. While the Turkish constitution includes freedom of religion, worship services are only permitted in "buildings created for this purpose," and officials have restricted the construction of buildings for minority religions.
The few who dare to profess Christ face harassment, threats and prison. Evangelism is difficult. According to a 2007 report from I.N. Network, a ministry working in the country, the number of believers reportedly declined from 22% to only .2% between 1900 and 2000, and most of these Christians are non-Turkish.
Even so, the TURK-7 team shares the hope of Christ through programs produced in Istanbul.
Harder says no one from their ministry was hurt in the bombings. He urges prayer for the team in Turkey because "they are members of the community. They are the ones who can most effectively train and encourage the Christians who are living near them. SAT-7 is working within the local community, making the program locally, because they will be the most effective to minister in the region."
With a population of 70 million people, of whom 99% are Muslim, the evangelical church of the 21st century desires to build relationships with their Muslim neighbors.
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