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Lowered restrictions greatly expand SAT-7's potential audience

SAT-7 has the opportunity to potentially double their viewing audience across the Arab world.

International (MNN) ― For years now, restrictions against Christian programming in the Middle East prevented SAT-7, a Christian satellite television service to the Middle East and North Africa, from broadcasting over two of the three satellites available in the Arab world.

Previously, SAT-7 had access only to the European-operated satellite, HotBird, and could not broadcast on the two Arab-operated systems. However, this recently changed.

"These restrictions have been relaxed somewhat on one of these satellite stations, enabling us to secure two channels, opening up a whole new audience for us, which will more than double our potential viewing audience overnight," said Terry Ascott, SAT-7 CEO.

Ascott said he has been working in the Middle East for 30 years.

"When we first started, the opportunities for sharing one's faith, for encouraging isolated believers, [were] minimal. We would never have dreamed of an opportunity like this," he said.

Not only does this opportunity increase their viewing audience, but it also makes SAT-7 programming more easily accessible. With new access to Atlantic Bird 4 (AB4), viewers can simply point their dishes at the popular Nilesat satellite, located at seven degrees west. In the past, to view channels, individuals would have to obtain a second dish and aim it at the HotBird satellite.

These people will be neighbors and friends of others who already receive SAT-7.

"Really, it's just more of the same amazing opportunity that we have with the European satellite system. In other words, if you can double your audience, you're doubling your impact. You're doubling the lives that will be changed," Ascott said.

This change will hopefully be brought about by SAT-7's Christian programming and the message of Christ they deliver to individuals, many of whom are hearing it for the first time.

Up to 80 million more people in the Arab world could hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. In fact, Ascott said, stories are already coming in from people who discovered SAT-7, sometimes accidentally, for the first time and the impact it has made on them.

Because the opportunity to broadcast on this new satellite appeared so abruptly, and SAT-7 knew they needed to proceed immediately, they stepped out in faith without the additional $750,000 they will need each year.

"This could be seen as sort of suicidal to take this step of faith," said Ascott. However, he added that they faced financial challenges every year. Also, this new cost only increases their budget by about 5 to 10 percent, which he believes is worth it considering how many people could be impacted.

SAT-7 also negotiated with AB4 for a 50 percent discount on this year's expenses, and they are trusting God to provide for next year.

SAT-7 is relying on people like you to help them take this next step in expanding their ministry. Click here to donate now!

Ascott also asked for prayer as they touch more people's lives than ever. Pray for many to discover these new stations quickly. Pray for individuals watching to be amazed and encouraged by the programming. Pray also that they will change their attitude about Christ and the church in the Middle East. Finally, pray for God to provide the financial support SAT-7 will need in the coming year

Iran violence increasing, Christians are concerned

Sat 7 is broadcasting Christian programming into Iran via satellite.

Iran (MNN) ― Riot police attacked hundreds of demonstrators with tear gas and fired live bullets in the air to disperse a rally in central Tehran Monday. Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard issued a warning to demonstrators that they would face a "revolutionary confrontation" if they continued to protest results of the June 12 presidential vote. It's unclear how many people have died or have been injured in the unrest.

Despite the violence SAT-7 PARS -- Christian Persian satellite television -- continues to beam programming into Iran, says SAT-7's David Harder. Harder says SAT-7 isn't taking sides politically, but they are concerned. "We are concerned about the innocent being injured. We have many youth who watch SAT-7 PARS, and we are concerned that they may have gotten caught up in these different clashes where, tragically, people are being killed."

Harder isn't surprised by the violence. "It reflects the desire that many people have--especially young people--in that country for some greater freedoms, and often that's leading people to seek spiritual answers," he says.

Satellite television is still illegal in Iran, but SAT-7 PARS continues broadcasting even though some channels have been blocked. Harder says, "Those who may be disenchanted with the political situation, whatever it is, can still seek and find answers and find the truth in the Lord Jesus by watching SAT-7 PARS."

While their programming continues, Harder says he's still concerned for Christians living there. "Often when there is anti-western sentiment, Christians are the scapegoats. Local Christians are blamed. So, we do have concern for the Christians and the churches in Iran, and we're praying they're not blamed for being political agitators."

SAT-7 believes about 1-million people watch SAT-7 PARS, but Harder believes that's a low estimate. He says the number of Christians in Iran is growing, and they need help. "There is reported to be a great movement of house churches within Iran. And so we want to provide training for house church leaders. Often the people who are leading these house churches have only been followers of Jesus for a short period of time."

That's why they've started a broadcast called SOTA, which stands for Seminary of the Air. Harder says, "They are Iranian professors, and they can help answer questions that really reflect life in Iran and help these churches grow. We want to see them become self-sustaining with leaders who are being equipped and then can be successful in leading those churches."

SAT-7 PARS, says Harder, is also broadcasting programming for youth. "75-percent of Iranians are under age 30. So we're trying to meet the needs of the youth who are watching, as well."

Christian satellite radio and television programming is essential for spiritual growth for Christians in Iran. "There simply aren't many resources for Iranian Christians. For many of them, television and radio are just about the only way they can get resources. For some people, they can't get a Bible. They write down verses as they see them on the screen."

Funding is needed to provide satellite air time and pay production costs. As you give financially, you're helping Iranian Christians grow in their faith, as well as providing programming that is reaching a seeking generation.

Pray that God will call more people to give to SAT-7 PARS. Pray also that believers would be strong in their faith. Pray also for protection of church leaders in Iran.

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Papal visit encourages Christians in Iraq

Posted: 14 May, 2009

Iraq (MNN) ― Christians used to be a vital force in the Middle East, but the rise of radical Islam and violence in recent days has driven many away. In 2008, churches were attacked or damaged by bombs, Christians received death threats, and several Christians were murdered, abused and/or kidnapped.

Their plight has not escaped notice. The Pope took time during his visit this week to encourage them and shed light on the gravity of the situation. In a Saturday service in Jordan, he said: "I urge diplomats and the international community they represent, together with local political and religious leaders, to do everything possible to ensure the ancient Christian community of that noble land its fundamental right to peaceful coexistence with their fellow citizens."

The words come following yet another attack on Christians. According to Compass Direct, gunmen in Iraq shot five Chaldean Christians in their Kirkuk homes on April 26 in two separate attacks, killing three and injuring two.

Tom Doyle with E3 Partners calls the papal address timely. "We talked to our leader in Iraq, and he said there's about ten major terrorist groups. It's their job to persecute Christians and go after them."

Christians make up less than four percent of Iraq's people. Doyle says that in spite of the thousands who have fled to Syria and Turkey, there is still a corps of dedicated and godly leaders to lead the remnant church. "We do know of significant numbers of Christians that are staying and have a fruitful ministry, and God is working in their midst."

E3 Partners continues to work in the region with what is fast becoming an underground church. He urges prayer for the believers who remain because "it is a daily battle that they are in. They're living their faith one day at a time, using each day to bring glory to Christ, to share the Gospel, to disciple new believers and to make an impact. Each day for them is tenuous."

Christians at higher risk after UN conference

Posted: 23 April, 2009

International (MNN) ― Several national leaders continue to seethe after Iranian President Ahmadinejad inappropriately made anti-Semitic remarks at a United Nations conference on racism.

The dispute over Iran's and Israel's issues caused such a distraction that more pressing matters which should have been addressed in a discussion about racism were dismissed. David Harder of the Christian satellite television network for the Middle East and North Africa, SAT-7, notes the discrepancy from the conference.

"One of the things that's overarching is that by bringing up issues that Iran has with Israel, they was able to completely neglect the treatment of Christians in the Middle East and North Africa."

The topic of Muslim subjugation seems to be brought up quite often in international circles, while the persecution of the Christian minority in the Middle East and North Africa is very much ignored. "There are Christians that live in every country in the region and they suffer; they have difficult times," says Harder. "Sometimes the pressure is very overt, and sometimes it's very subtle. Unfortunately, those things weren't dealt with."

Christians in hostile areas are at even higher risk now that many of their leaders feel contempt toward the West, due to some Western delegates walking out of the UN conference.

"Whenever there is animosity towards the West in general, unfortunately the Christian believers in other countries throughout the region are often targeted because many people view Christianity as a Western religion. They don't realize that it truly is a Middle Eastern religion."

Harder notes that many people in the West seem to forget this, too, and often do not think about Christians living in the Middle East or North Africa. Although they may be a minority, their presence is still vibrant.

To help brothers and sisters in Christ in these areas, Harder encourages you to find and support a ministry that works there. SAT-7 creates television programs to encourage these believers, as well as to reach out to unbelievers. The ministry has seen a great deal of transformation in the region and continues to watch people in countries such as Iraq and Jordan come to the Lord, especially as a result of recent SAT-7 Easter programs. To help SAT-7 reach more for Christ, click here.

Above all, these persecuted Christians need prayer. Pray for their safety and protection as tensions rise toward the West. Pray that they would be free to worship as many of other religions are able.

Live Easter program planned

April 2, 2009

Nicosia, Cyprus

The SAT-7 KIDS channel has planned its second-ever live program which will broadcast from Beirut on Monday, April 13. SAT-7 ARABIC and SAT-7 KIDS Executive Director Rita El Mounayer, who is also a children’s program presenter and will be one of the hosts of the show, is really looking forward to the broadcast.

“What excites me the most about these live programs is the chance to connect directly with viewers. I talk to them and it’s not just letters or emails. I hear them laughing and the whole family around them and I’ll be celebrating Easter with them, and that’s really exciting.”

Rita will host the program along with Naji the Scientist and Mr. Knowledge, two of the most popular characters on SAT-7 KIDS.

An Iranian's hope for new beginnings in the new year

Iran (MNN) ― It's a time for new beginnings in Iran. The Islamic republic is celebrating the Persian New Year, and U.S. President Barack Obama is making overtures toward better relations between the two countries.

In a videotaped message marking Nowruz, the Persian New Year, Obama said, "The promise of opportunity for our children; security for our families; progress for our communities; and peace between nations. Those are shared hopes. Those are common dreams."

It's a conciliatory note, and observers hope it will bring more opportunities for dialogue.

David Harder notes that there also seems to be a window of opportunity for SAT-7 PARS. "At this time when many Persians are celebrating the beginning of a new year, it's a time when people can think about new beginnings. We know that they are looking, and churches in Iran are there to provide hope for people who come. Through our broadcasts, we're able to reach millions of people with the good news of Jesus."

Millions of young people--who make up the largest demographic group in 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.

However, as fast as the church is growing, life as a believer can be hard in Iran. The open witness of the Good News is banned, and government spies monitor Christian groups. Believers are discriminated against in areas of education, employment, and property ownership and also face arrests, imprisonment, and sometimes even death.

Harder says, "We need to be praying for the church in Iran that they will have freedom to worship, that the church leaders will be protected, and for our programs. People can be praying that our producers will make the kind of programs that answer questions that people have and really provide the tools to help Christians living there be able to walk the way Jesus wants them to walk and live."

97% of Iraqis have Satellite TV

Most Iraqi families spend many hours in the relative security of their homes watching satellite television. Many have turned to SAT-7 for hope and encouragement.Data just released from a nation-wide study in Iraq found that 97% of the population has access to satellite television and that 18.8%, or 5.3 million people in that country alone (out of an estimated 2008 population of 28 million), watch SAT-7. The study also found that 2.6 million are watching on a regular daily or weekly basis!

Intermedia, the independent audience research firm which conducted the study, also provides data on such channels as Al Jazeera and BBC Arabic. In fact, according to the study SAT-7 is only 1.7 percentage points behind BBC Arabic in the number of people aware of the channel!

SAT-7 CEO Terence Ascott says the figures show that SAT-7 is offering tremendous return on donations given to the ministry. “It’s quite amazing when you consider that BBC ARABIC has an annual budget of 25 million British Pounds. A year ago when the BBC channel launched, that amount was worth about 50 million dollars. SAT-7’s total budget, split among three channels in 2008, was only 13 million dollars. Talk about value for your money!”

In addition to reaching a high number of viewers for a low cost, SAT-7 is also providing vital support to the struggling Christian community in Iraq. “Iraqi Christians have really suffered in recent years and many have fled the country,” says David Harder, SAT-7’s Communications Manager. “Iraqis often call and text us asking for prayer. Fortunately, through our programs SAT-7’s Arabic producers and hosts can show God’s love and offer encouragement. We’ve had responses from Iraq for years, but now we know that literally millions of Iraqis, Christian and non-Christian, are watching the broadcasts.”

To watch a live feed from the SAT-7 ARABIC channel, click here.

SAT-7 program has unexpected demographic

SAT-7 produces several types of programs to reach as many as possible with the Gospel. Iraq (MNN)

A Lebanese television program is unexpectedly reaching hundreds of Iraqis with the Gospel.

A new live program produced by SAT-7, "From Me to You," features a Lebanese worship band intended to encourage people and reach them with Christ's love. SAT-7's David Harder says this program speaks live to its viewers and has had a phenomenal response from Iraqis.

"In Iraq, because life is so difficult there, people do stay in as much as they can, which means they watch a lot of television," says Harder. "Many people have been contacting 'From Me to You' from Iraq. They've been asking for songs, talking about their fears, and interacting."

As the show has become popular, the ministry has been able to use this leverage as a way to reach people with the Gospel. Programs are geared toward people at all different stages in their faith, some who are merely curious, and others who are ready to make a decision for Christ. Regardless, Harder explains that the Gospel is central to every program.

People who call into "From Me to You" are able to speak directly with those running the program to ask questions about faith or to request worship songs. Harder says one man called asking how to be born again. The host of the show was given the opportunity to tell about what this meant and what Christ had done for each person watching.

"We're glad that the Gospel is able to go forth and minister both to those who have never heard it before, as well as to those brothers and sisters who need encouragement and sometimes need to be reminded of the basics of their faith," says Harder.

The response to live programs like this is typically very large and encourages people to watch SAT-7's other programs, such as films and game shows which also share the love of Christ. Although live programs tend to be the most popular, they are also, unfortunately, more costly and more difficult to produce.

SAT-7 would like to create more live shows to reach more hurting people with the love of Christ. If you can help provide the extra funding necessary to produce these shows and reach more people for Christ, click here.

What is SAT-7?

SAT-7 is Christian satellite television by and for the People of the Middle East and North Africa. In a part of the world where religious freedom is often limited, a group of Middle Eastern Churches and other ministries saw and seized upon the opportunity when large numbers of people began watching satellite television. The appeal was that they wanted to receive news and other programming that was not censored by their governments. Since the satellite signal goes directly from the satellite in space to the receiver's dish, it cannot be censored.

Although satellite dishes were illegal at first, they became so popular that the governments generally just gave up trying to control them. At present, more than half of the people in the area have satellite television, and the numbers are growing. Satellite dishes can be seen on virtually every rooftop throughout the area.

In the Middle East, Christianity is often described as a "western" religion, although it started in the Middle East. SAT-7 breaks down that prejudice because virtually all of the faces and voices seen and heard on the network are from the Middle East and North Africa. Programs are produced in SAT-7 studios in Egypt, Lebanon, and Cyprus. For this reason, SAT-7 broadcasts are tremendously encouraging to Christians in the Middle East, where they are often an invisible minority. By watching SAT-7, they see that the churches in the Middle East are not invisible or powerless, as they may have thought. They receive sound Biblical teaching and encouragement in living a Christian life in a difficult situation. They worship with Christians of various Middle Eastern nations and across denominational lines. Many pastors of tiny congregations (some secret) have little, if any, theological education, but they receive sound teaching from SAT-7, which they can then pass on to their congregations.

Partners needed.
Although SAT-7 is by and for Middle Eastern Christians, partners in other parts of the world are needed to help SAT-7 expand and reach its full potential. There are many kinds of giving opportunities available – from broadcast time and program sponsorship, to donations of equipment and help with the purchase of land and construction of buildings. If you would like to receive more information about partnership opportunities please email usa@sat7.org or phone the U. S. office at 410-770-9804 or toll free at 1-866-744-SAT7 (7287).

Check out the new website http://www.sat7usa.org/

Broadcasting Prayers of Peace for the Middle East

For more than a week, as bombs have fallen in Gaza and Israel tragically taking innocent lives, SAT-7 has encouraged its viewers to pray for peace. Shortly after the fighting intensified, SAT-7 began running a text crawl at the bottom of its screen asking viewers to intercede on behalf of those who were suffering. SAT-7 has also recorded prayers from Christian leaders and is broadcasting them continuously.

“What’s happening right now is particularly tragic for children in Gaza. In one of the prayers, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb of Bethlehem mentions seeking God as a refuge. More than 50% of the people living in Gaza are children or youth under the age of 17, but there is simply no place available for them as a refuge, other than in the Lord,” says Terence Ascott, SAT-7 CEO. “We feel that it’s important for our viewing audience to see that Christians are serious in believing that prayer can change situations, even ones as tragic and serious as that transpiring in Gaza and Israel today.”

The prayers, with recorded audio and an accompanying photo of the pastor, are from leaders of the Evangelical Church in Egypt and the Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. Three prayers are listed below:

· We pray to God for the women, children, and the elderly people in Gaza who are suffering from a lack of water, electricity and are under attack. We pray to God for real peace in this land and for freedom for the Palestinian people. We also pray for the politicians to have wisdom to seek peace not war. Christians in the West Bank pray day and night for the protection of the people of Gaza, Christians and Muslims, during these difficult moments. We ask our brothers across the world to join us in prayer. Jesus Christ by his death and resurrection changed this land from being a land of war to a land of good news. We pray that He will do the same today in Palestine and particularly in Gaza. God, you are our refuge and to you all the glory and power.
Rev. Dr. Mitri El RahebLutheran Church, Bethlehem

· As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ (celebrated in Egypt today on January 7), instead of hearing hymns of peace we hear the sound of fighting in the Promised Land- the land of peace. We appeal to the conscience of both sides and to the global community and to all Peacemakers around the world to stop this bloodshed and save the lives of innocent children. May peace prevail in the land where Jesus was born and may they accept the words of the Savior of the world, who commanded us to make peace. He said, “blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the Sons of God.” We pray this land will experience joy instead of tears.
Rev. Dr. Safwat El Baiady Head of the Evangelical Church in Egypt

· Dear God, as we celebrate Christmas, our brothers in Gaza are suffering. God hear our prayers today. You are the God of peace – You are the Lord of peace – You are the Peacemaker. God have mercy on us. We ask this of you not only as a church, but as a community of worldwide believers. Hear our prayers, for you are merciful and compassionate.
Rev. Dr. Sameh MauriceKas El Dobara Church in Egypt
(the largest Evangelical church in the Middle East)

Around 1,500 Arab Christians of several denominations live among the approximate 1.5 million people who inhabit the Gaza strip, though in recent times many have fled because of the increasing instability and violence.

Christmas Continues in the Middle East

SAT-7 provides special programming for Coptic and other Christians who celebrate Christ’s birth on January 7th.

Nicosia, Cyprus: The Christmas holidays may be over in much of the Western world, but for many Christians living in the Middle East, especially in Egypt, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. This is due to a difference between the Western (Julian) calendar and the Eastern (Gregorian/Coptic) calendars. In 2003 Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak declared the date as a national holiday, not only for Christians, but for all Egyptians.

To reach and bless viewers who will be watching the channels throughout the extended Christmas season, SAT-7 ARABIC and SAT-7 KIDS will continue to broadcast special Christmas programs until January 7th. Programs airing on the channels include the first ever live program for children on SAT-7 KIDS. During this program, children from countries including Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, the Gulf, and Iraq phoned to talk to the hosts live on air. The program also received many SMS messages from children living across the region.

The response was overwhelming says Naji, host of “The Naji Show” (a teaching program featuring science experiments), who also served as one of three hosts on the special live KIDS Christmas special. “We were amazed by the response. I wasn’t expecting that we would get so many people calling. The phones were ringing all the time and people were texting to say they couldn’t get through.” The KIDS team made the program fun, but also wanted to offer a Christian alternative to the usual holiday programming. “We had Santa come on later in the show, but he was upset. When we asked why, he said ‘because people have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. It’s not about me, but about Jesus and that he came for the salvation of all people.’ So the show helped our young viewers remember the true meaning of Christmas,” added Naji.”

The live SAT-7 KIDS Christmas special was delayed 45 minutes because of technical problems, but despite the delay it was hugely successful and more children called in to talk than the phone lines or on-air hosts could handle. SAT-7 KIDS producers say the learning experience will help them with plans to transmit many more live programs in 2009.

SAT-7 ARABIC also transmitted a live Christmas Eve service from the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, and will rebroadcast it, along with the live KIDS show later. Additionally, the channels are broadcasting numerous musicals, cartoons, films and original Christmas programs to help viewers understand the true meaning Christmas. Please Click Here to watch a live feed from the SAT-7 KIDS channel.

Christmas Present for Iran

“Sometimes people don’t want to use their names over the phone or in a text message, so I use their phone numbers instead when I pray,” says a SAT-7 PARS counselor. She adds, “One day I was talking to a woman who didn’t want to say her name, so I prayed, ‘Lord, please bless number 123, and lead her and help her. Lord, I know that you know her and that you want to touch her life.” This unique prayer style is just one example of how SAT-7 PARS is helping its viewers.

For the last two years, since it first launched on December 18, 2006, SAT-7 PARS has provided a satellite television platform for Iranian Christians to bring the Good News of Christ to their neighbors and help them build their own congregations.

Christians in Iran have limited access to Christian training materials, and satellite TV provides a means to bring inspirational, educational, and encouraging programs to young Christians who need support. “Your channel gives me hope, “said one viewer during a recent phone call. “When I watch SAT-7 PARS, I see I’m not alone. I see my brothers and sisters on your programs, and that gives me energy to go on.”

While Christians have lived in and around Iran for centuries, they currently make up less than 1% of the Iranian population, though their numbers are reported to be growing significantly. SAT-7 PARS offers a variety of programs for young people (around 60% of Iranians are under age 25), children, families and women. The channel also offers in-depth theological training and basic Christian discipleship programs which viewers say they desperately need.

In 2008, SAT-7 PARS experienced dramatic growth in both the volume of programs produced and responses. “The highlight of the year for me has been God’s faithfulness,” says Sara, SAT-7 PARS Executive Director. “We survived with only a small team and limited finances. And actually, we did more than survive; we saw the number of responses from viewers and the number of programs we produced more than double!”

To watch a live Internet stream of SAT-7 PARS programs click here: http://www.sat7.org/tv2/TV2_pars.html