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INSIGHT News from SAT-7 September 2018 CONNECTING WITH FORGOTTEN AREAS Pages 8–14 MAKING GOD’S LOVE VISIBLE

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Page 1: News from SAT-7 September 2018 INSIGHT€¦ · At SAT-7 we are passionate about making God’s love visible across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), constantly striving to

INSIGHTNews from SAT-7September 2018

CONNECTING WITH FORGOTTEN AREAS

Pages 8–14

MAKING GOD’S LOVE VISIBLE

Page 2: News from SAT-7 September 2018 INSIGHT€¦ · At SAT-7 we are passionate about making God’s love visible across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), constantly striving to

They say the road to success is not a straight ascending line, but rather a road with many ups and downs, twists and turns. Such has been SAT-7’s journey as well, but through it all God’s faithfulness has never failed us.

As we move into a new era for SAT-7, we are witnessing and initiating many changes. Our five-year strategy in the following pages describes some of these. New changes, however, come with new challenges. SAT-7 has always been about people – about our viewers, as well as our staff who diligently serve in our different departments and channels. With changes being made in the leadership of the ministry, one of our strategic goals is to strengthen the leadership and better equip our teams.

Currently, SAT-7 is in need of key leadership positions to be filled. These key positions require leaders who are in line with SAT-7’s vision and who can mentor a new generation of young people, ready to carry further what God has entrusted us with. Through perseverance and prayer, we want to equip our teams with passion, vision, and the right tools so that they can continue what SAT-7 started 22 years ago.

Enthusiastic and committed people, who believe what SAT-7 believes, and who feel called to serve, are a vital part of the ministry’s continuity and sustainability. They are the ones working behind the scenes to ensure our programs’ onscreen success and a life-changing experience for our viewers.

Please pray with us to find the right people for these leadership positions. We thank you for your continuous support and prayer as SAT-7 moves into this new season, with many changes and developments, holding true that He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.

MOVING INTO A NEW ERA

Rita Elmounayer Chief Channels Officer and CEO Designate

In this issue

04 A FAITH-FILLED FUTURE

06 NEWS FROM THE CHANNELS

08 A FORGOTTEN HISTORY

AND AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

10 BIG CHURCH GROWTH IN

ALGERIA DESPITE ADVERSITY

12 INSPIRING FAMILIES

ACROSS THE ARAB WORLD

13 VIEWERS SHARE

THEIR STORIES

14 GOD’S LOVE EVIDENT IN

TURKISH BELIEVERS’ LIVES

15 HELP US CONNECT

WITH FORGOTTEN AREAS

16 WEEK OF PRAYER

Front cover| Boy in the port city of Essaouira, Morocco.

Editor-in-Chief | Mette Swartz

Editor | Katerina Parpa

Writers | Mary Joseph, Becky Lucas, Agnes McGrane, Katerina Parpa, Alice Stout,

Graphic Design | Christiana Polyviou

Print run | 2000

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SAT-7 REACHES OUT TO REFUGEE CHILDREN

NEWS FROM SAT-7 03

It is important to support the local churches’ efforts and good work. Visiting these children helps us understand what they are facing. We get to share God’s love, and they teach us about courage, humility, and trust. Andrea Elmounayer, SAT-7 KIDS Channel Manager

Presenter Nabil Abou Ghazala interviewing refugee children and telling stories from the Bible.

In two special shows, a SAT-7 KIDS crew recently visited Syrian and Iraqi refugee families in Jordan. As the team shared Jesus’ love with the children, the programs raised awareness of their living conditions and how the local Church is supporting displaced families.

With the refugee crisis showing no signs of improvement, SAT-7 is continuing its efforts to reach out to displaced children in need of hope. In Al-Mafraq, a refugee camp on the Syria-Jordan border, the urgency of this need is painfully clear. Homeless and trapped In the camp, Syrian refugee children live with their families in tents. Since fleeing from their towns in Daraa province, the refugees have been trapped at this desolate part of the border unable to enter Jordan. The only humanitarian help they currently receive is from the Marka Church of Amman, Jordan. “The conditions here are very difficult,” Nabil Abou Ghazala, a representative of the church, told SAT-7 KIDS. “All these children have been deprived of their childhood. We pray with them for God to remove any bitterness or sadness from their hearts.” Children voice their hopes Although they do not come from a Christian background, the refugee

families welcome the church members’ support and prayers, and the children enjoy singing songs and listening to stories about Jesus. “We fled from town to town until we came here. We work in the fields picking apples now,” one Syrian refugee boy shared on camera. “I miss my family and my animals. I hope to return to them.”

Offering education A second episode showed the work that The Good Shepherd Service of Marka Church is doing with Iraqi Christian refugee families living in Jordan. As the refugees are not allowed to work, the church provides housing support and helps them make money from handicrafts. They also provide the children with basic education and share Bible stories, songs, and prayers. One young girl shared “Today we learned about loving others and about Jesus.”

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A FAITH-FILLED FUTURE At SAT-7 we are passionate about making God’s love visible across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), constantly striving to improve the quality of our programming and grow our audience. Here we outline some of the strategic goals we are focusing on over the next five years in order to have an even greater impact in the region.

04 SAT-7’S 5-YEAR STRATEGY

Our priority is making God’s love visible through excellent and inspiring programming. We believe that this can change the world. “In the midst of all the challenges and bad news reports in the MENA region, we want to share something different – God’s good news and hope,” explains Rita Elmounayer, Chief Channels Officer and SAT-7 CEO Designate. “We constantly seek more engaging and creative ways to communicate the Gospel. We want to use our platforms to tell inspiring stories of triumph and victory, tackle practical challenges people are facing, and support them in all areas of their lives. Most importantly, we want people to grow in faith in Jesus Christ.” • Viewers relate more to on-screen personalities than specific channels, so we will continue to invest in emerging talent and individuals who embody our values. For our viewers, these hosts and characters are not just the face of SAT-7 but the face of the Gospel. • We will address issues of education, health, and human rights through social impact programming on all channels. • We will continue to assess and improve the quality of our programs, ensuring they focus on specific groups of viewers and their needs.

CHANGE THE WORLD

THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS

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SAT-7’S 5-YEAR STRATEGY 05

The SAT-7 studio in Limassol, Cyprus has recently upgraded all their production equipment, ready

for HD recording and broadcasting.

DEVELOP NEW INCOME

STREAMS

As we pursue bold goals over the next five years, we need to increase our

income to support our growing ministry.

Over the past few years, we have expanded the number of our channels and invested in new equipment, but our budgets have barely kept pace with inflation. We are currently held back from producing many of the new programs we need for the amazing opportunities we have,” shares David Middleton, Chief Development Officer. “We urgently require increased income in order to achieve our ministry goals and to continue to faithfully broadcast the message of God’s love to those who desperately need it.” Our Support Offices raise funds for SAT-7 in their locations, engaging believers around the world in supporting the vision of a strong and growing church in the Middle East and North Africa.

Our recent online viewer survey helped us understand viewer preferences and how SAT-7 programs are impacting their everyday lives. This helps us improve our future programming.

SAT-7 is committed to continuous improvement and delivering on our mission. We want to carry out reliable research to evaluate our impact and respond to our audience’s needs and preferences. • SAT-7 will conduct regular audience research that tells us who is watching, their viewing habits and preferences, and how they feel their lives have been affected by our programs. • We will also carry out research into the attitudes, opinions, interests and felt needs of the people of the MENA. This will help us to understand where to best direct our programming efforts and how to meet the needs of people in the region.

More and more people across the MENA are watching television in High Definition (HD). As HD televisions and channels become cheaper and more accessible, we must move to HD in order to continue to engage our current audience and attract new viewers.

“We aim to launch HD channels for each of our three language groups by 2022,” says Panayiotis Keenan, Acting IT & Broadcasting Director and SAT-7 PARS Executive Director. “This is an ambitious goal, but we must keep pace with the television industry and our audience so that God’s message is heard.”

Comedy programs and films were voted the most popular types

of programs by our viewers

viewers say that SAT-7 is a source of support for them during times of difficulty1 in 3

BE DATA

DRIVEN

DEVELOP NEW INCOME

STREAMS

LAUNCH HIGH DEFINITION

BROADCASTS

Rebekah Pine, Executive Representative for SAT-7 Asia (based in Hong Kong), and Reinaldo Santos, SAT-7

Brazil’s new Executive Director. SAT-7 Asia and SAT-7 Brazil have recently been launched to raise awareness

and funds in their respective regions.

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06 NEWS FROM THE CHANNELS

Recently, the Ain Shams Teachers Assembly gathered in Cairo, Egypt, where awards were presented to founders and members of the assembly, as well as to SAT-7, for its contribution to education through SAT-7 ACADEMY. SAT-7 representative Amgad Samir accepted the award on behalf of the organisation. The SAT-7 ACADEMY project received tributes from many of the attendants who have benefited from SAT-7 ACADEMY’s approach and methods of teaching. “I personally watch the educational programs and I learn a lot about methods of teaching the English language. The teachers on the My School program have a unique way of teaching the children. It is great!” – Isaac Naguib, English language teacher and member of Ain Shams Teachers Assembly.

SAT-7 RECEIVES AWARD FOR EDUCATION

FORMER SECULAR SINGER GUIDES VIEWERS IN THEIR SPIRITUAL WALK In a new SAT-7 ARABIC program, Pastor Ayman Kafrouni (right) guides viewers in their walk with Christ. Follow Me, produced in partnership with The Church of the Nazarene in Lebanon, discusses topics such as implementing one’s spirituality in everyday life, and dealing with the pressures of following Christ. Once a famous night-club singer who entertained the masses, Pastor Kafrouni is now committed to guiding believers in their spiritual walk. “Pastor Kafrouni has a certain charisma which enables him to reach viewers with a message of relevant spirituality.” – George Makeen, SAT-7 Arabic Channels Program Director.

challenges. Comedy and drama, rather than teaching, is used to address common social

issues such as unemployment, addictions, and relational problems. SAT-7 PARS

aims to encourage and inspire a wide range of Persian-speaking

viewers, through this unique series.

MODELLING A GODLY LIFESTYLE An entertaining new drama series from SAT-7 PARS features an Iranian Christian couple living in London. House No. 30 focuses on their encounters with different travellers who are renting a room in their house. Each episode reveals complex situations and shows how the main characters model a godly lifestyle as they face these

Isaac Naguib, English language teacher and Amgad Samir

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NEWS FROM THE CHANNELS 07

LIVE DEVOTIONAL SHOWS FOR TURKISH AUDIENCE With popular program The Power of Prayer on a break in production, Pastors Cem Ercin (pictured) and Vahan Isaoglu have begun two separate weekly live shows with prayer time and devotion. Pastor Vahan presents Beyond the Veil. Before Jesus’ resurrection, in the temples only the priests were allowed to go ‘beyond the veil’ to speak with God. But because of Jesus’ sacrifice, people can now go directly to God and have a personal relationship with Him. And that is the message that Pastor Vahan wants to communicate: “People are asking questions and seeking something more,” he explains. Pastor Cem presents Essence of the Gospel. Each episode touches on the main points in a passage of Scripture and also devotes time for viewers. SAT-7 TÜRK Programming Manager Cuneyt Arıkan explains: “This was a good opportunity for us to include more teaching, and to see how our audience would respond to seeing men pray on TV rather than a woman, and if that would be a factor in viewership. So far, the feedback we have received is mainly positive.”

I AM SAT-7*Farah Audience Relations CoordinatorWhat does your role with SAT-7 involve? I answer telephone calls from viewers calling in during live shows on SAT-7 PARS, and I also connect with viewers contacting us on messenger apps or social media. I respond to viewer requests, and pray with those who request it. I also write encouraging messages and prayers to be shared on our programs. What aspects of your work do you especially like? I like that I am able to enter people’s lives and let them know about the love of God. I get to see lives transformed, and hear wonderful testimonies of the things God is doing among Persian-speakers and the people of my home country (Iran). Tell us about some encouraging conversations you have had with viewers. I am especially happy when I can speak to women and children about the love of God, and tell them how valuable they are to Him. I know by experience that life in Iran can be especially difficult for women. I love it when I get to tell a woman: “God loves you as you are regardless of your background, what you have done, or what you look like.” I am overjoyed when I see a woman turning from tears to laughter because there is a God who loves her.

If you could sit down with Jesus today, what would you like to ask Him? When I first came to faith I had many questions. Why me? When I am alone, where are you? The ‘whys’ were many. Now, after many years of experiencing a relationship with Him I can honestly say I no longer ask Him these questions. What is your passion outside SAT-7? Spending time with my family (my daughter and son). At work I pour out my energy to others, so I listen to worship songs to fill myself up again. I also enjoy walking in nature, travelling, and shopping.

Hello to the team of Family of Jesus. Thank you for showing our video on the program. My friends, who were in the video were not Christians, but they follow your program. They memorised your theme song and enjoy your music, and verses. When they saw our video on the screen, they invited their relatives to watch the program. We love you so much! Shereen from Sudan to SAT-7 KIDS’

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A FORGOTTEN HISTORY AND AN UNCERTAIN FUTUREStretching from the Atlas Mountains down into the arid Sahara plains, North Africa – also known as the Maghreb – has a rich history. Christianity spread across the top of the region in the faith’s very earliest centuries. But few traces of this ancient presence now remain – and today, believers face pressure, rejection, and even the threat of violence.

Originally inhabited by the Amazigh (also called Berbers), the modern countries of Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania have a long history of conquest. The north of the region was dominated by the Carthaginians before becoming part of the Roman Empire. Christianity spread across the Roman-ruled region early on. Despite facing waves of persecution, believers established a flourishing church in Carthage, in modern-day Tunisia. North Africa was home to the church fathers Tertullian, Cyprian, and Augustine – and in the fourth century, Christianity became the provinces’ official religion. Pressure and threatsToday, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco all officially protect religious freedom. But in reality, the situation for the Christian minority is far more restrictive. Every Maghreb country but Morocco appears on Open Doors’ World Watch List, which ranks the countries where anti-Christian persecution is at its worst. North Africans who become Christians often face pressure, rejection, or even the threat of violence from their families or others in society. In Mauritania, a new believer even risks losing their citizenship. As a result, many Christians in the region follow Jesus in isolation.

Limited freedom Although foreign Christians are generally able to worship freely, there are often restrictions on their activities. Evangelism is prohibited in Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania, and access to bibles is also tightly controlled in these states. In recent years, Christians have been at greatest risk of

violence in Libya, which is seventh on the World Watch List. Since civil conflict erupted after the fall of Gaddafi’s regime in 2011, believers have often had little protection from terrorist groups.

New challenges In Algeria, the picture has recently been much brighter. Church growth has been strong, particularly among Amazigh in the Kabylie region. But as political tensions have recently begun to grow, churches have been subjected to a government crackdown, with several being closed down.

Believers there are not losing heart, though. SAT-7 ARABIC Programming Director George Makeen explains: “Our contacts are still very encouraged. They have the attitude of people who love God and who don’t give up easily, but still, it is a very stressful time. When you are stopped from doing what you want to do – what you are called to do – this can sometimes be even worse than being arrested.” SAT-7 is supporting isolated North African Christians throughout all the challenges they face. The following pages tell their stories. Please pray as you read.

08 CONNECTING WITH FORGOTTEN AREAS

Christians make up less than

of the population across most of North Africa

1%

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c. 60 AD Mark the Evangelist

is believed to have arrived in Alexandria,

in nearby Egypt.

1516 Algiers falls to the

Ottoman Empire, which goes on to loosely control most of the

region

2011 Protests in Tunisia

spark the “Arab Spring” revolutions

across the Middle East

354 The Church Father

Augustine is born in modern-day Algeria

1951 Libya becomes

independent from European control,

followed by Moroccan (1955), Tunisian

(1956), and Algerian (1962) independence

from France

180 A group of Christians, the “Scillitan Martyrs”, are executed in Carthage (Tunisia)

1830 French control begins in Algeria, later covering much of North Africa

697-8 Arab invaders seize Carthage as part of their conquest of North Africa

1992 Algeria’s decade-long civil war begins

CONNECTING WITH FORGOTTEN AREAS 09

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1 2

3

4 5

1 New believers benefit from the valuable Christian teaching in shows such as The First Step. Here, guest speakers, Kahina (left) and Sarah (right), discuss the topic of God’s faithfulness. 2 The new children’s program A Verse and a Story helps the youngest believers grow in their faith. This SAT-7 KIDS broadcast, is the first children’s program from Algeria. 3 My Church in Algeria brings church services to isolated believers. “The church fits 700 people, and yet every week it is crowded,” says Producer Salah Kessai. 4 Believers worship during SAT-7’s broadcast of the Sunday service of My Church in Algeria.The growing Church in Algeria is in great need of the spiritual support provided by SAT-7’s programs. 5 Samia Kessai interviews a female believer on Free Souls. The program shares powerful testimonies from Algerian believers from all walks of life. Many seekers attend church after hearing a testimony, longing to experience God’s love for themselves.

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BIG CHURCH GROWTH IN ALGERIA DESPITE ADVERSITYProducers Samia and Salah Kessai are no strangers to adversity – the church they attend recently reopened after months of enforced closure. But the couple, who make impactful SAT-7 programs on the ground in Algeria, refuse to lose heart. Their work is a vital support for those choosing to follow Christ.

Like many Christian leaders in Algeria, Samia and Salah have witnessed amazing church growth in recent years. “Every three months, the church holds baptisms, sometimes for more than 100 people. In June, 67 people were baptised,” says Salah. But as political tensions have increased, churches have been subject to greater interference from the authorities. “They refuse to grant permission for churches to operate, and then they close them down because they don’t have official permission,” Salah explains.

Eleven churches have been closed, including Salah and Samia’s in Aïn Turk, near Oran. It was shut down for seven months before thankfully reopening in June. Undeterred, Salah simply says, “The more problems the Church faces, the stronger it grows.” Many people experience God The couple produce lively church service broadcasts as well as Christian teaching programs and talk shows. “SAT-7 programs have a great impact on viewers, who like to watch shows in their own dialect,” says Salah. “Many people experience a personal relationship with God through watching the programs.”

The impact of the programs is not limited to Algeria. Salah describes meeting a group of Christians from Morocco, saying, “They told me that they meet in a home for their prayer meeting and watch My Church in Algeria. They pray that one day they will have a church like this in Morocco.

Difficult to be a Christian Salah explains, discipleship can be a big challenge in North Africa. Believers often face pressure on their journey of faith from those around them. Samia says she encourages them to learn from the example and heritage of Christians in the region’s past.

To help provide for the needs of the country’s youngest believers, Samia and Salah are producing A Verse and a Story, a new children’s program in which two young presenters share about Jesus through drama and songs.

Producer Salah (man in

red shirt) prays with the guests of the program before filming begins.

CONNECTING WITH FORGOTTEN AREAS 11

Prayer is the key to everything. Without it, we can’t do anything Salah Kessai.

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INSPIRING FAMILIES ACROSS THE ARAB WORLD

In a patriarchal society, where fathers are authority figures to be respected and feared, children are rarely encouraged to ask questions or voice their opinions. Sons are often favoured above daughters who are seldom empowered to strive for anything more than to be a good wife and mother. Hamid, a Moroccan father, and Aya his teenage daughter, offer a different example through their SAT-7 KIDS show Me and My Daughter. A healthy father-daughter example Now in its third season, this inspiring program showcases the complexities of a father-daughter relationship. Hamid and Aya re-enact their daily struggles, arguments, and conversations with each other on screen through comedy, drama, song and Bible readings. “We are acting what we are living,” says Hamid. “We argue about clothes, studying, lying, and other such everyday topics. In our last episode we held a discussion about asking questions. In MENA society children cannot ask questions. They are only allowed to listen and obey.”

“I would like kids to learn how to be more comfortable with their fathers,” shares Aya. “I would like them to know that it’s okay to disagree and to argue sometimes; it’s normal!”

“We also encourage kids and their parents to reflect on the Bible verses we share. We don’t want our show to be only about comedy,” explains Aya. A program for parents as well Educational and impactful on several levels, the program also indirectly models effective child-rearing approaches for parents. Viewers from across the region often communicate with Hamid and Aya via social media, sharing how the program has impacted their families. One viewer, a mother, posted an episode on her Facebook account saying, “Mothers be aware of what your children watch on TV that damage your efforts to raise them with good values. I recommend Me and My Daughter to all parents!”

Hamid and Aya, a Moroccan father and daughter, show what a healthy parent-daughter relationship looks like through their SAT-7 KIDS program Me and My Daughter. By re-enacting their real-life everyday ups and downs, they indirectly encourage viewers of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to strive for healthy family relationships.

My father advises me to not be passive, but to be proactive… I want all children to feel free to have such discussions with their parents. Aya

12 CONNECTING WITH FORGOTTEN AREAS

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I met Christ five years ago. I am a regular viewer of the SAT-7 programs. I cannot always watch your programs on our television because my family does not approve, so I watch them through the SAT-7 App on my phone. I want to watch more programs that speak with my dialect and to the people in my country. Bahaa from Tunisia

A special postcard arrived for the SAT-7 ARABIC

team from a viewer named Gamal, from Morocco.

NORTH AFRICAN VIEWERS SHARE THEIR STORIES

Hello and peace be upon you! After 20 years of following SAT-7, I want to extend my gratitude and thanks. I’ve been watching your channel since I was a boy in school and now I’m an adult. I spent 20 years seeking God’s love. Thank you very much!

Thank you, Pastor Elie, for your church service on SAT-7. Thank you also to SAT-7 for praying for my family. My husband found work, but I also want to request prayer for him to get to know Jesus. I pray for myself to be baptized by the Holy Spirit and for my son to be blessed. Female viewer from Algeria

CONNECTING WITH FORGOTTEN AREAS 13

“Hello, I am 13 years old from Morocco and in the second grade of prep school, I am not a Christian but I love SAT-7 KIDS and follow all your programs. My favourite programs are Stories of Bahamman and Me and My Daughter with Moroccan dialect. I’m glad you became my pen friend. Could you tell me more about Jesus and the Holy Spirit, please?” - Sawsan from Morocco

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14 CONNECTING WITH FORGOTTEN AREAS

GOD’S LOVE EVIDENT IN TURKISH BELIEVERS’ LIVESSAT-7 TÜRK viewers Sedat and Gülay are among the tiny number of Christians in Turkey, a country of approximately 80 million people. At a time of great hardship, they turned to Jesus – and since then, He has done many miracles in their lives.

I saw Him so clearly, dressed in white. He said, ‘I am He. Don’t be afraid.’

““I was so scared. I kept hearing a voice saying, ‘Don’t be afraid’. Then I saw Him so clearly, dressed in white. He said, ‘I am He. Don’t be afraid.’” With tears in her eyes, Gülay recounts the moment she encountered Jesus in a hospital room. She was seven months pregnant and facing the possibility of lifelong disability. Starving for love This was not the first time that Gülay and her husband, Sedat, had faced adversity. They struggled to find hope in Turkey’s majority faith. When problems surfaced, and life became overwhelming, they couldn’t see a way out.

The couple wondered if Christianity might hold the meaning they were looking for. They visited one congregation in their home city of Antalya, and they received a loving welcome. “We found what was missing,” Sedat remembers. “Our hearts were ready. We had been longing for so long.” The church continued to show them God’s love and supported them when Gülay developed back problems.

Light in the darkness Soon afterwards, and while heavily pregnant, Gülay was hospitalised. Told she faced permanent paralysis and must undergo an operation, Gülay was terrified. She planned to discharge herself –

even if she had to crawl out of the hospital. “I was just about to leave, but there were no lights on,” she says. “Suddenly, I heard someone say my name, and I could clearly see a figure in the light. I was scared but at the same time I felt peaceful.” When Gülay woke up after the operation, the doctor told her it was the most successful procedure he had ever carried out. She knew it was God that had guided the doctor’s hand. God is faithful This was only the beginning of God’s work in Sedat and Gülay’s lives. Although they have continued to face hardship, they have seen His hand at work many times. Like many other believers in Turkey, Sedat and Gülay struggled to find Christian resources to help them grow and share their faith. This, they say, is where SAT-7 TÜRK makes a big difference.

“We really love SAT-7 TÜRK, and we watch it a lot,” says Gülay. “Just this morning I was almost late for work because I had to finish a program! I love the programs because they are very clear.”

“I was so scared. I kept hearing a voice saying, ‘Don’t be afraid’. Then I saw Him so clearly, dressed in white. He said, ‘I am He. Don’t be afraid.’” With tears in her eyes, Gülay recounts the moment she encountered Jesus in a hospital room. She was seven months pregnant and facing the possibility of lifelong disability. Starving for love This was not the first time that Gülay and her husband, Sedat, had faced adversity. They struggled to find hope in Turkey’s majority faith. When problems surfaced, and life became overwhelming, they couldn’t see a way out.

The couple wondered if Christianity might hold the meaning they were looking for. They visited one congregation in their home city of Antalya, and they received a loving welcome. “We found what was missing,” Sedat remembers. “Our hearts were ready. We had been longing for so long.” The church continued to show them God’s love and supported them when Gülay developed back problems.

Light in the darkness Soon afterwards, and while heavily pregnant, Gülay was hospitalised. Told she faced permanent paralysis and must undergo an operation, Gülay was terrified. She planned to discharge herself –

even if she had to crawl out of the hospital. “I was just about to leave, but there were no lights on,” she says. “Suddenly, I heard someone say my name, and I could clearly see a figure in the light. I was scared but at the same time I felt peaceful.” When Gülay woke up after the operation, the doctor told her it was the most successful procedure he had ever carried out. She knew it was God that had guided the doctor’s hand. God is faithful This was only the beginning of God’s work in Sedat and Gülay’s lives. Although they have continued to face hardship, they have seen His hand at work many times. Like many other believers in Turkey, Sedat and Gülay struggled to find Christian resources to help them grow and share their faith. This, they say, is where SAT-7 TÜRK makes a big difference.

“We really love SAT-7 TÜRK, and we watch it a lot,” says Gülay. “Just this morning I was almost late for work because I had to finish a program! I love the programs because they are very clear.”

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SUPPORT SAT-7 15

Christians of North Africa face the highest persecution in the region. Legally they can freely worship but are socially discriminated against, facing pressure, rejection, and even threats of violence. Those young in their faith are even more at risk. Bibles and other Christian resources are scarce, and many believers struggle to connect with a Christian community and enjoy the blessings of fellowship. Through programming produced in North African dialect, for children and adults, SAT-7 aims to meet the needs of the isolated believers of the region. Christian teaching programs, entertaining storytelling shows, and church service broadcasts help connect North African believers to God’s hope and fellowship through television.

Your donation will help communicate Jesus’ love and transformational message to millions seeking Christian teaching in their local dialect. Will you help them today?

HELP US CONNECT WITH FORGOTTEN AREAS YES, I want to make

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SAT-7 ARABIC SATELLITE: Nilesat (E7WA) at 7° West, 11.353 GHz Vertical;

Covering Middle East & North Africa.

ONLINE: www.sat7.com / www.facebook.com/sat7ar

www.youtube.com/user/SAT7ARABIC

Smartphone App: SAT-7

SAT-7 KIDS SATELLITE: Nilesat (E7WA) at 7° West, 11.353 GHz Vertical;

Covering Middle East & North Africa.

ONLINE: www.sat7kids.com / www.facebook.com/sat7kids

www.youtube.com/user/SAT7KIDS

Smartphone App: SAT-7 KIDS

SAT-7 ACADEMY SATELLITE: Nilesat (E7WA) at 7° West, 10.727 GHz Horizontal;

Covering Middle East & North Africa.

ONLINE: www.sat7academy.com / www.facebook.com/sat7academy

www.youtube.com/user/SAT7ACADEMY ???

Smartphone App: SAT-7 KIDS ???

SAT-7 TÜRK SATELLITE: Turksat 4A at 42° East, 11.824 GHz Vertical;

Covering Turkey, Europe & Central Asia.

ONLINE: www.sat7turk.com / www.facebook.com/sat7turk

www.youtube.com/user/SAT7TURK

Smartphone App: SAT-7 TÜRK

SAT-7 PARS SATELLITE: Eutelsat Hot Bird 13B at 13° East, 10.949 GHz

Vertical; Covering Middle East, North Africa & Europe.

Yahsat 13 at 52.5º East, 11.958 GHz Vertical;

Covering Middle East

ONLINE: www.sat7pars.com / www.facebook.com/sat7pars

www.youtube.com/user/SAT7PARS

Smartphone App: SAT-7 PARS

(ARABIC)

(TURKISH)

(ARABIC)

How to find SAT-7

Europe [email protected]

UK [email protected]

USA [email protected]

Contact details

SAT-7 ARABIC SATELLITE: Nilesat (E7WA) at 7° West, 11.353 GHz Vertical;

Covering Middle East & North Africa.

ONLINE: www.sat7.com / www.facebook.com/sat7ar

www.youtube.com/user/SAT7ARABIC

Smartphone App: SAT-7

SAT-7 KIDS SATELLITE: Nilesat (E7WA) at 7° West, 11.353 GHz Vertical;

Covering Middle East & North Africa.

ONLINE: www.sat7kids.com / www.facebook.com/sat7kids

www.youtube.com/user/SAT7KIDS

Smartphone App: SAT-7 KIDS

SAT-7 ACADEMY SATELLITE: Nilesat (E7WA) at 7° West, 10.727 GHz Horizontal;

Covering Middle East & North Africa.

ONLINE: www.sat7academy.com / www.facebook.com/sat7academy

www.youtube.com/user/SAT7ACADEMY ???

Smartphone App: SAT-7 KIDS ???

SAT-7 TÜRK SATELLITE: Turksat 4A at 42° East, 11.824 GHz Vertical;

Covering Turkey, Europe & Central Asia.

ONLINE: www.sat7turk.com / www.facebook.com/sat7turk

www.youtube.com/user/SAT7TURK

Smartphone App: SAT-7 TÜRK

SAT-7 PARS SATELLITE: Eutelsat Hot Bird 13B at 13° East, 10.949 GHz

Vertical; Covering Middle East, North Africa & Europe.

Yahsat 13 at 52.5º East, 11.958 GHz Vertical;

Covering Middle East

ONLINE: www.sat7pars.com / www.facebook.com/sat7pars

www.youtube.com/user/SAT7PARS

Smartphone App: SAT-7 PARS

(ARABIC)

(TURKISH)

(ARABIC)

How to find SAT-7

Europe [email protected]

UK [email protected]

USA [email protected] Canada [email protected]

Contact details

(PERSIAN)(PERSIAN)

Bank transfer: US DOLLAR ACCOUNTAccount number: 57319020Account name SAT-7: International TrustBank: Pax-Bank eGIBAN: DE19 3706 0193 0057 3190 20BIC (SWIFT-address): GENODED1PAX EURO ACCOUNTAccount number: 57319011Account name: SAT-7 International TrustBank: Pax-Bank eGIBAN: DE68 3706 0193 0057 3190 11BIC (SWIFT-address): GENODED1PAX

Bank transfer: US DOLLAR ACCOUNTAccount number: 57319020Account name SAT-7: International TrustBank: Pax-Bank eGIBAN: DE19 3706 0193 0057 3190 20BIC (SWIFT-address): GENODED1PAX EURO ACCOUNTAccount number: 57319011Account name: SAT-7 International TrustBank: Pax-Bank eGIBAN: DE68 3706 0193 0057 3190 11BIC (SWIFT-address): GENODED1PAX

Page 16: News from SAT-7 September 2018 INSIGHT€¦ · At SAT-7 we are passionate about making God’s love visible across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), constantly striving to

Do you have a heart for the Middle East and North Africa? Do you want to be part of a global Week of Prayer, joining thousands of believers in prayer for this region?

Sign up for week of prayer Visit www.sat7.org/week-of-prayer-2018 for more information and use the sign-up form to receive Week of Prayer and other SAT-7 updates. We thank you for your commitment to pray with us.

Material you can use We have created a prayer guide which will help give you further insights into what to pray about, each day of the week. It can be used by individuals, prayer groups, and church congregations.

More material is also available for download at www.sat7.org/week-of-prayer-2018, including our printable poster and invitation. Share these with your friends, neighbours, and communities.

FACEBOOK SAT7Network

TWITTER @SAT7Network

YOUTUBE SAT7Network

LINKEDIN SAT-7

SAT-7 International P.O. Box 26760, Nicosia, Cyprus, CY-1647

+357 22761050 | [email protected] www.sat7.org

16 WEEK OF PRAYER

FAITHFUL WITNESS IN A CHANGING WORLD WEEK OF PRAYER | 4–11 NOVEMBER 2018

Sign up for SAT-7’s Week of Prayer and receive your very own prayer package! Inside you’ll find an immersive prayer guide booklet, custom-made stickers, and a bookmark to use during the Week of Prayer! Go to www.sat7.org/week-of-prayer-2018 to find out more.

Sign up for week of prayer Visit www.sat7.org/week-of-prayer-2018 for more information and use the sign-up form to receive Week of Prayer and other SAT-7 updates. We thank you for your commitment to pray with us.

Material you can use We have created a prayer guide which will help give you further insights into what to pray about, each day of the week. It can be used by individuals, prayer groups, and church congregations.

More material is also available for download at www.sat7.org/week-of-prayer-2018, including our printable poster and invitation. Share these with your friends, neighbours, and communities.