Indy Smith's

2012-02-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

Iranian Christians have requested our prayers following further pressure in recent days on officially registered churches and on house churches.

On Wednesday 8th February, Maasis Mosesian, an elder of the Assemblies of God church in Tehran, was arrested at his workplace. He is understood to be detained in Gohardasht, about 20km west of Tehran. No reasons have been given for his arrest. Maasis is Armenian and is married with two children. Recall that three members of the Assemblies of God church in Ahvaz, south-west Iran, remain detained.

Two other churches in Tehran, Emmanuel Protestant Church and St Peter Evangelical Church, have been ordered to cease holding Farsi language services on Fridays. The pastors were given notification of this order last week by the Ministry of Intelligence and Security, and announced the order to their congregations on Friday 10th.

This decision means that there are now no Farsi language services on Fridays in any officially registered church in Tehran. The Friday services of the Assemblies of God Church were ordered to stop in October 2009. As Friday is the main week-end day, it is difficult for church members to attend services on other days.

Some members of the Emmanuel and St Peter churches have come under individual pressure. For example, some long-standing members have lost their jobs after the authorities placed pressure on their employers.

These churches are among the small number of officially registered churches that principally serve the Armenian and Assyrian communities of Iran. Most activities are conducted in the Armenian and Assyrian languages. The order to stop Farsi services is consistent with the authorities' policy of restricting Christian activities to these traditional communities.

House churches, which have no official recognition and principally serve believers from Muslim backgrounds (BMBs), continue to be under great pressure. According to Mohabat News, ten BMBs were arrested in a raid on a house church in Shiraz on 8th February. Their whereabouts are unknown.

Iranian Christians request our prayers that:

a. Maasis will know the peace and presence of Jesus, and be released soon

b. Likewise for all other believers detained for their faith in Jesus

c. The decision will be reversed and Farsi-language services allowed to recommence on Fridays

d. Church leaders will be guided in how to respond

e. Those wishing to worship in Farsi will be able to do so

f. Those that have lost their jobs will find alternative employment

g. All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him

Open sources used: FCNN, Mohabat News

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Website: www.meconcern.org

URL of this prayer request: http://www.meconcern.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=486:iran-further-arrests-and-church-service-closures&catid=7:prayer-requests&Itemid=12

Iran: update on Christians detained following raid on a church service

2012-02-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

In December we requested prayers following a raid on an officially recognized church in Ahvaz during a service on 23rd December. Three remain detained, namely the church's pastor, Farhad, and two other church members, Davoud and Naser. Farhad's wife, Shahnaz, was detained but released on 1st January.

There is mounting concern for Farhad's health. He had been receiving medical treatment shortly before being detained. In jail, he has been denied access to a doctor and has been unable to continue his medication.

Shahnaz was released when a property title deed was deposited as bail. However, there are no known charges against her, nor against Farhad, Davoud and Naser.

Recall that many attendees of the service were detained briefly. Mobile phones were confiscated, as was the church's audio-visual equipment and Christian literature.

At least ten others remain detained in Iran because of their Christian faith. These include Noorallah (arrested in December 2010 and understood to be held in the same prison as Farhad, Davoud and Naser), Farshid (also arrested in December 2010), and Behnam (arrested in May 2011). Yousef Nadarkhani (arrested in October 2009) also remains detained, awaiting a written verdict after his death sentence for apostasy was upheld in provincial court hearings in September 2011. Many others have been released on bail and are awaiting possible court hearings.

Iranian Christians request our prayers that:

a. Farhad, Davoud and Naser will know the presence and peace and healing of Jesus, and be acquitted and released soon

b. Likewise for Noorallah, Farshid, Behnam, Yousef and other detained believers

c. Shahnaz and other family members of detainees will know the Father's strength

d. Those released on bail would be acquitted of all false and unjust charges

e. All church members will know the Spirit's wisdom and guidance, especially concerning meeting together for worship

f. Confiscated property and bail money and title deeds would be returned

g. All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him

Open source used: Mohabat

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Website: www.meconcern.org

http://www.meconcern.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=484:iran-update-on-christians-detained-following-raid-on-a-church-service&catid=7:prayer-requests&Itemid=12

Iran: four Christians detained following raid on a church service

2011-12-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

Iranian Christians have requested our prayers following a raid on an officially recognised church in Ahvaz during a service on Friday 23rd December. All attendees, including children, were reportedly detained. All mobiles were confiscated, as was the church's audio-visual equipment and Christian literature. Most were released within a few hours. However, the church's pastor (Farhad), his wife (Shahnaz) and two other church members (David and Naser) remain detained. Their whereabouts are unknown.

We are pleased to report that another Iranian Christian, Shahla Rahmati, was released on 20th December having been cleared of all charges against her. She had been detained since 9th March.

Iranian Christians request our prayers that:

a. Farhad, Shahnaz, David and Naser will know the presence and peace of Jesus, and be released soon

b. All church members will know the Spirit's wisdom and guidance, especially concerning meeting together for worship

c. All confiscated property would be returned

d. Shahla would know the Father's love and healing as she adjusts to normal life

e. All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him

Open source used: Elam, FCNN

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Website: www.meconcern.org

NEW MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY

2010-06-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

After knocking on a lot of doors and waiting on God to show us just the right place to serve Him, it has finally come.

On June 15th I began working for Aramaic Bible Translation (ABT) as a Language Advisor. I will also serve as their Funding Coordinator. We are very excited about this opportunity and looked forward to serving here. To facilitate our support we have joined Wycliffe Associates and will be on loan to ABT.

Aramaic was the language the Christ spoke. Today there are five moden dialects of Aramaic spoken and it is the goal of ABT to publish both the Old and New Testaments in every Aramaic dialect. The plan includes not only the publication of Bibles but also booklets and children's books.

You can find out more about ABT at http://www.aramaicbible.org

Announcement Coming

2009-12-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

Keep checking back for an announcement on change in the Smith family. Please do pray for us as this time.

Thanks

Jim

Lowered restrictions greatly expand SAT-7's potential audience

2009-10-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

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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2009-05-31T15:45:00.001-07:00

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Papal visit encourages Christians in Iraq

2009-05-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-24T04:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-23T06:38:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-01-28T16:29:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-10T14:40:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

“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

Iraqi Viewers Plead for Prayer

2008-10-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

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)

Lebanon Office all set for more and better live programs!

2008-09-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

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.Â 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

2008-09-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-04T05:32:00.000-07:00

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

ARE CHRISTIAN ATHLETES WEAK?

2008-08-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

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).

Article about SAT-7 in Turkey from Mission Network News

2008-07-30T11:57:00.001-07:00

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.

Last Night Here

2007-11-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

This will be my last post from the Middle East. I hope to post more pictures and reflections on what we did when I return home.

We spent two days up north at the Sea of Galilee and some of the area cities. Our visits reminded us of the many things that Jesus did in that area. One of the cities we visited was Nazareth, the city where our Lord was raised.

One of the joys I had while visiting here is going on a boat ride on the Sea. It was a nice boat and they stopped long enough for us to have a time of prayer and scripture reading together. I had the privileage of leading this time.

Today our bus took us over the northern end of the Sea of Galilee and then along the eastern side of the Sea. From there we crossed the Jordan River and followed it until it flowed into the Dead Sea. In the next couple of days I will post a picture of me floating in the Dead Sea. We also visited the city of Jericho before returning our hotel in Bethlehem.

Tomorrow we leave our hotel at 3:45 AM to catch our flight back to London and then on to New York. It has been a great two weeks and I am so grateful that I was able to come and be apart of this trip.

Thanks for your prayers and I look forward to talking to many of you first hand about what God is doing here.

In HIS Love and Mine,

Jim

Old City and Going North

2007-11-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

Our day started with our leaving our hotel in Bethlehem passing by the wall that separates Palestine from Israel and going into Jerusalem.

Due that this was the Sabbath I could not take pictures of the Wailing Wall today when we were there. I was surprised that 8:00 AM there was already a large crowd praying at the wall.

From there we started going through the "Stations of the Cross". There are 14 stations, but we only got through 8 before we had to leave. Here is a shot of one of the streets where we walked.

Then we went to the Garden of the Tomb. This has to be the highlight of the trip for many of us. This area is different than most because the land was purchased by a charity in the UK and has kept it as much like it was at Jesus time, rather than building a church or shrine. It was very nice and we had a nice guide that was special to this site. He did an excellent job.

Here is the entrance to the tomb.

After we looked into the tomb we gathered at a special place that was set aside just for us, read some scripture and had communion together.

Then it was off to Ceaserea and then up to Haifa , where we saw this great sunset and then drive inland to Tiberias along the Sea of Galilee. Tomorrow we will take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, visit Nazareth, and other important sites in this area.

Thanks you for praying for our safety. We are grateful that no one has become ill or injured on this journey.

In HIS love and mine,

Jim

Palestine - Day 2

2007-11-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

Today we spent the day visiting two of our ministry partners - Rev. Dr. Mitri Rahib of the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem and Dr. Bishira Awad of Bethlehem Bible College. We were encouraged by what both of the ministries are doing despite the hardship of living in a walled city. The things that these men shared about their work and the impact they are having in Palestine is so exciting and I am so pleased that SAT-7 has a part to play in both of these ministries.

I told you that yesterday we visited some of the sites near Jerusalem and I wanted to share with you just a couple of the pictures I took from the places we visited. Our first visit was at the Mount of Olives. What struck me was the view you had of the walled old city of Jerusalem from the Mount. Here is a shot of the dome of the Rock from where we were.

Near this view is a chapel built where tradition says that Jesus wept for the City of Jerusalem and here a is view from that Chapel that really portrays by heart for this region. See if you resonate with this as well.

What I haven't been prepared for was the amount of churches or chapels that have been erected at each of the places that are thought to be holy.

This was the door of one of the places where we visited depicting what they said happend at this site. I was surprised how heavy these doors were. This is a engraving on steel.

As I have never been to this area before, it has been good to be hear and see the sites I have only read about and heard others talk about, but I have to be honest and say that what I really enjoyed was our meetings this morning with our brethren in ministry here in Palestine.

In that light, I want to encourage you to read a book by Brother Andrew called Light Force. It doesn't just talk about this country, but it talks about all the Christians in this region and the struggles they face.

You can order it directly from Open Doors or you can get it on Amazon.com. Hey, if you live near me and want to borrow a copy of it I would be glad to lend you mine. Dr. Awad mentioned it today when we visited with him and that gave me the idea to recommend it here on my blog.

Well, tomorrow we will spend time in the Old City, I think we are visitng the wailing wall, and then we are off to the North to Tiberias and the Sea of Galillee.

Thanks again for your prayer and please keep praying.

In His Love and mine,

Jim

Arrived in Palestine

2007-11-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

After a very early start ( a 4 AM wake up call) we flew from Cairo to Tele Aviv and then an hour bus ride to Jerusalem where we had a very full day visiting a number of what are considered important sites in Jerusalem like the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemene, the upper room and the the tomb of David.

After our visits had another hour drive to get to Bethlehem in Palestine where were are staying at a wonderful hotel. It is very nice and not very busy because not many of the tourists who come to visit the area go to the trouble to go through the checkpoints between Israel and Palestine to get to Bethlehem.

It also surprised some in our group to see the 28 foot wall that is being built by Israel to divide Israel from Palestine.

I will post some of my photos tomorrow after I get caught up on my rest.

Thanks for praying and please continue to do so. Tomorrow we want to spend time encouraging and supporting our Christian brothers here in Bethlehem.

In His care,

Jim

Last Day in Egypt

2007-11-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

Today was a very full day. We visited three of our ministry partners and heard about the work that they are doing.

Our first visit was at the Anglican Cathedral in downtown Cairo. What a joy it was to hear about the refugee work they were doing among the Sudanese who have fled their country. It is so good to see how they are reaching out to those in need.

After our visit to the Cathedral we went to the largest Evangelical church in all of Egypt and had a wonderful time with one of their staff that helps with outreach. Again it was great to hear about the work of this church and how the church and our ministry are working together for the Gospel.

Then our final visit took us to the famous Cave church. The story is way to long to tell here about how God has moved to provide a place of worship for the many garbage collectors of Cairo. To get to the Cave Church and Monastery we had to pass through "Garbage Village." The garbage collectors go into Cairo and collect the garbage, bring it back to their homes and sort it out to those things they can feed their pigs, those things they can use and those things that can be recycled. You can't imagine the smell as you drive through this place. It is just overwhelming, and to think that these people live in it day in and day out. The only rays of hope I saw was knowing of those who are reaching out to these people and their children, knowing that the Cave Church is their and that many of them have satellite and can receive our programs and hear the good news.

After you pass through Garbage Village you then arrive at the "Cave Church and Monastery". It is a fabulous story of how God raised up a simple shoe maker to reach out to the people that all of society wanted nothing to do with. Here are just a couple shots of two of the three different places of worship here. These pictures really don't do it justice but they will have to do until you can come and see for yourself.

Our time in Egypt concluded with a Fluka ride. After spending so much time in a city that has 20 Million inhabitants it is so nice to get in a sail boat that designed after the same boats that have sailed the Nile for centuries and rest. I would highly recommend it, and I am not one that likes to be on the water.

Tomorrow, very early we fly to our next destination. We will be leaving our hotel at 5 AM to catch our flight.

Thanks again for checking in and thanks for your prayers.

Jim

Time In Egypt

2007-11-06T13:03:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who have been following my trip on the blog. I apologize for the lack of posts for the last couple of days.

Last Sunday we spent time with our co-workers in Farsi in their studio in Cyprus learning about their work and their needs. They are doing marvelous work with minimal resources. Then we came back to Larnaca and spent some visiting St. Lazarus Greek Orthodox church before going to the Airport. We were scheduled for to leave at 8:15, but ended up leaving around 11:00 which caused us to arrive in Cairo after midnight. After collecting our luggage and getting on our bus, we didn't' arrive at our hotel until nearly 2 AM.

Our first day in Egypt was spent visiting our co-workers here, seeing their work first hand. It is amazing what they accomplish with so little. Here is a picture of part of the group I am traveling with in the studio here.

After having lunch with our co-workers we took off to cross the city to visit with one of our Ministry partners at the Egyptian Bible Society. They have exciting plans for how to make the Bible available to all the people of Egypt.

Of course when you are here you have to stop and shop for gifts which we have been doing.

Today, we were truly tourists. We visited all the "important" sites in Cairo including the pyramids and two ancient Coptic Orthodox churches. There is so much to see and so little time.

This sign above the door to one of the churches reads - Ask and it shall be given, Seek and you shall find, knock and it will be opened to you.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. I have so much to share that should not go here on the blog, but I would love to talk to you personally about them.

In HIS love and mine,

Jim

Saturday and we move on tomorrow

2007-11-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

Network 2007 is history, and I am in overload with all the information. I just hope I can remember all that I have heard. It has been good to meet all the team and to see how we fit into the bigger picture of SAT-7.

Today I did take the opportunity to go into the sea. I didn't actually swim, but I did wade out a good distance. Here are some shots I took from the beach and from the sea after I waded out.

As the sunsets over Cyprus we close our time here on this tranquil island tomorrow and move to the teeming city of Cairo. But before we leave the island we will be making a trip to Limassol to see where many of our Farsi programs are produced and take in some of the sights.

Thanks for reading my ramblings and check back for more.

In HIS love and mine,

Jim

Palm Beach Hotel

2007-11-01T03:11:00.001-07:00

The Network conference is at the Palm Beach Hotel. I have a great view of the beach from my room. Maybe I will get some time to enjoy the beach.

In HIS love and mine,

Jim

Arrived In Cyprus

2007-10-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

After an all night flight from JFK in New, York, to Heathrow in the UK which took 6 hours, we were rushed through Heathrow airport and without more than a 15 minute delay, just enough time for a bathroom break and buy a bottle of water, we were put on another BA flight from Heathrow to Cyprus. That was a four hour flight. Thankfully, all the flights went well.

We arrived in Cyprus a little late, and then found that one of our groups luggage was lost. Hopefully it will come in on the flight tomorrow from the UK. While my co-worker Dennis was helping them with there luggage, I went out looking for our bus to take us to the hotel where we will be staying for the first leg of our journey.

I finally located the bus, had all 27 people following me, pulling their luggage and we were able to get on easily, got to the hotel, got checked in and had time for a quick shower before the meetings started.

Tomorrow I will upload some photo's of the hotel and the few from my room that looks out onto the hotel pool and the beach.

Two things have stood out to me so far on the trip. The first is how diverse the group is that God has put together for this trip. It is just a very small sample of what heaven will be like, except then we will all be perfect.

The second is how God is at work in amazing ways to see His church encouraged and His Word go out to the all the people of this part of the world.

God bless and thanks for praying.

In HIS love and mine,

Jim

JFK

2007-10-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

I am here with the group waiting to leave from JFK. My flight from Indy on Delta went well. It so happened that the other person from Indy on the Vision trip was on the same flight that I was on and just one seat away.

I am looking forward to a bigger plane this leg of the trip. My first flight was on a commuter jet and I could barely stand up in the aisle, but the flight was very smooth and had plenty of leg room.

Have a good day and I will get back on from Cyprus after we land as I don't think I will have time or connections in UK.

Good day,

Jim

Packing & Preparation

2007-10-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

The big question always is - what to take and what not to take. I am never very good at this. Just ask Deb. I always over pack.

Well, on this trip I need to be very careful. We are only allowed one suitcase and one carry one. Because we are flying with a overseas carrier (British Airways) we have to go by their standards which is one case that weighs no more than 50 lbs (sure glad my toothbrush doesn't weigh to much :-)) It just means I can't pack to many books in my suitcase - but how can you go anywhere without a stack of books and magazines to read? Not that I will get to them, but I have great intentions.

The other big question, at this time of year, what it the weather going to be like. If you look at the weather websites, it looks like it is really going to be warm - 80's and 90's during the day and 60 - 70's at night, but do I really trust those sites? I guess I will take clothes for warmer weather and then take layers to add if I get cold.

Today, I went in to make sure my "world" cell phone would work overseas and ran into some complications that I have to wait until Monday to work out. Of course at the rates I was quoted for overseas calls, I am going to spend more time on Skype than I will my cell. Hopefully we will have good Internet connections at the Hotels we are staying in.

The one thing I would ask is that you pray for this trip. Pray for me as I help lead and for Debbie and the kids as I am away. Also pray for all those who are going on the trip as well. There are a total of 25 on the trip.

Thanks and have a great day.

Jim

test

2007-10-23T19:27:00.001-07:00

test

Thanks for Visiting.

2007-10-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Hey, thanks for visiting our blog. I hope to keep you updated daily on my upcoming trip to the Middle East. Please check back often.

Here is a recent photo of my lovely bride and myself we had taken. We appreciated Jamie taking this for us.

Finally Landed

2007-10-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Who would have thought we would end up working for SAT-7. If you have never heard of SAT-7 I would invite you to look at our web page at http://www.sat7.org/. I think what SAT-7 does is so awesome and I am sure you will too.

I started with this ministry on August 27th and have been on a steep learning curve ever since. I serve as the US Director of Church Connections for Eastern USA for SAT-7, but my first major task is to raise our support. We need to get it back to the level it was before we left MECO and then we need to double it. I know God is able to make this happen and I am really excited about how He is going to do it, but at the same time, in my self, I am worried it won't come in.

Just a quick update on what we have been up to - I have made two trips to our Maryland office. (That doesn't count the trip to Maryland Deb and I made together for the job interview.) The first trip was in August for 4 days of training. It was great to get to know the staff at the office better and to begin learning about the ministry and what God is doing through it. I was blessed that my co-worker Dennis came out to spend some time with me as well during my training.

September was real busy with fund raising and soccer - yes, soccer. Since I didn't have full time work this summer, I helped with my daughters high school soccer team, so when we joined SAT-7 I told them I needed to finish out my commitment with the Soccer team What a great time of working with a super bunch of girls. We had tons of fun and for a building season we did pretty well - we finished over .500 for the season.

Then on the first weekend of October I made my second trip to Maryland. This time to spend time with the International CEO and Founder of SAT-7, Terry A. I also had the opportunity to meet the International Chairman of the Board while I was there. I had the privilege of joining Terry at Calvary Community Church of Riva, in Riva Maryland where he spoke briefly in two different worship services and in three different Sunday School classes. What a great time for me to observe what our CEO thinks is important to share with the church in the US.

Then on the second weekend of October I had the privilege of speaking at Grace Evangelical Church in Indianapolis. They can be found at http://www.indygrace.org/. I really appreciate the prayer and support my family receives from this church and am grateful for the opportunities I had to share at this church last weekend.

This past week, I was at the Great Lakes District Conference of the EFCA. It was held at the Evangelical Free Church of Naperville, in Naperville, IL.

Then today I spoke at First Community Church in Lebanon, Indiana. First Community is another church that stands behind our family with their prayers and support. It was great to share with them about the ministry God has led us to be apart of.

God is so good and I am excited about my new work and look forward to sharing with you regularly about the ministry God has called us to be apart of.

Also I will be making a trip to the Middle East for two weeks starting the 30th and I hope to post photos of that trip on here as well.

God bless each and everyone of you,

Jim

Still Pressing On

2007-07-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been unemployed nearly a month now, had four interviews, taking numerous temperament and personality tests. We still don't know where God is leading us to serve next. He has closed one door so far, but has already opened another possible opportunity.

You would think with a month a no work I would get lots done around the house, but it took us nearly three weeks to get everything out of the office that was in our home. We still have lots of stuff to put away and sort.

Besides the changes with the job, I am still sorting out all the things from my sister. I am thinking of venturing into EBay sells and see if I can get rid of some of the many things she was collecting.

Stay tuned and see what God does. We are excited.

Love and peace,

Jim

On the Move

2007-06-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

It is hard to imagaine that after being with the same organization for 25 years, we will be moving on.

I wish we knew where we were going, but at present we are still in the process with two groups. Hopefully we will know something soon.

God has remained faithful through the whole process and we have had so many confirmatins over the past month that we have made the right decision.

In His love and mine,

Jim

Rebirth

2007-05-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

My blogging has been reborn on this new site. I am looking forward to putting things on here as God continues to teach me about Himself and as He uses me in His work.

God bless you all.

In His love and mine,

Jim