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.