SAT-7 Offers Hope amidst Egypt Power Struggle
Tahrir Square has been nothing short of a spectacle in recent days as the Muslim Brotherhood leads a crowd of thousands in demonstrations. During this time of great change, SAT-7 provides stabilizing counsel to a community wrought with anxiety over power struggles.
Egyptians in the Square are protesting military rule, just days after the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF) declared the elections of the Islamist-led parliament unconstitutional, dissolved the parliament, and limited the powers of the incoming president.
Former Prime Minister Ahmad Shafiq and longtime Muslim Brotherhood member Muhammad Morsi were both claiming victory in the elections, with Muhammad Morsi ultimately winning by a slim margin with 51.73% of the votes. Meanwhile, former President Mubarak, recently sentenced to life in prison, is in deteriorating health and surviving on a respirator.
Bridges airs from Cairo
The events of the past few weeks have revealed serious divisions in society, and many Egyptians are stunned. Farid Garas, the Executive Director of the SAT-7 studio in Egypt, has said, “SAT-7 has played the role that it should… presenting hope through faith, encouraging people to trust God–Who is in control.” SAT-7 prepared viewers for elections by airing a special episode of the current affairs show, Bridges–discussing apprehensions about voting and advocating for Christians to vote. As an organization that does not take political positions, SAT-7 supports viewers by teaching how they can apply Christian principles to everyday life.
George Makeen, Programming Manager for SAT-7 ARABIC, and himself an Egyptian, says, “I believe our main task in the coming few months is to explain the situation to our people, so we keep them encouraged to know that the future does not depend on one step or one person being elected.” This forward-looking philosophy is shaping SAT-7 programming. It emphasizes the need for an attitude of reconciliation between election winners and losers, as well as a readiness for participating in writing a new constitution. Above all else, Mr. Makeen believes Christians should stay involved, saying, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. We cannot afford the luxury of withdrawing because of fear or despair now.”
Launched in 1996 with international headquarters in Cyprus and US headquarters in Easton, MD, SAT-7 provides a spiritual solution and hope to the region using Christian programming created by and for people of the Middle East and North Africa. SAT-7 programming includes five channels: SAT-7 ARABIC, SAT-7 PARS, SAT-7 TÜRK, SAT-7 KIDS and SAT-7 PLUS. SAT-7 has an estimated 15 million viewers (InterMedia research, 2009) and broadcasts 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 sat7.org. For more information about SAT-7, visit us online at sat7usa.org.
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If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact Dr. Rex Rogers, President of SAT-7 USA, at rexrogers@sat7.org or 616-891-6982.
Blessings on you! May the Lord give you creativity, strength, boldness, safety, and provision as you proclaim he Gospel!
Love and prayers,
Janet