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!

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.

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!

- 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.

- 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.

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)

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:

• 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.

To watch some of the “Peace Amidst Violence” TV spots go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yycXLk2B_Y

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