My family is following SAT‑7 all the time. It is the channel for families! Everything is so great... None of the other channels can compare."
— Libya
After five successful seasons with over 200 episodes, the SAT‑7 PARS youth program Hashtag has come to an end. As well as entertaining countless Persian-speaking children across the region with wholesome fun and games, the program will leave behind a legacy in the hearts of viewers who now “know the Bible in a deeper and better way.”
Hashtag began in 2019, aimed at ten to 16-year-olds whose needs were not being met by SAT-7 PARS’ programs for younger children. The program was engaging from the start, packed full of entertaining segments such as DIY tips and tricks, new mobile apps, science experiments, world facts, and quizzes.
“I like every part of Hashtag,” said Hovan, a young boy from Iran. “I watch the games, the crafts, and the stories… This is an informative program and is both excellent and entertaining.”
To participate in the games and quizzes, viewers must pay attention to the Bible story presented at the beginning of each episode. One young girl named Ariana originally started watching Hashtag because she enjoyed the games but ended up growing in her faith. “I kept watching and took part in competitions over a few weeks,” she explains. “As I listened carefully to the stories and topics you were covering, my faith in the Lord became stronger.”
Learning About the Bible
From the very outset, Hashtag aimed to help young people meet God through His Word. Before the first season began, the show’s presenter Parastoo said that “Hashtag will be an opportunity for both Christian and non-Christian youth to hear the Good News and learn more about the Bible.”
A message we received from Deena, a young girl from Iran, shows just how much children have been learning about the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. She said:
“Hashtag has helped me become better acquainted with Jesus Christ and with God’s prophets and get to know the Bible in a deeper and better way. Before I watched Hashtag, I didn’t know anything about maybe 80% of the prophets, and now I am very happy that I’ve come to know about all of them, and I know that I will continue to learn more every day.”
This Bible knowledge has borne much fruit in Deena’s life. “[The program] has caused me to speak more to God, to tell Him about the love that I have for Him and to thank Him for His gifts. It has even helped me to have a better relationship with my family and with the people around me.”
“Bringing Hope and Transformation”
Parastoo began working for SAT-7 when she was a teenager, back in 2007. Having worked on a wide range of projects and programs, she feels it is the right time to take a break from presenting after the finale of Hashtag this month.
Reflecting on her experiences of working on the program, Parastoo shared about the impact it has had on her own faith journey:
“As I prepared for each episode, I spent hours studying and meditating on the Bible, seeking to understand its message and how to communicate it effectively to young children… Doing this has not only strengthened my faith but has also allowed me to share the Good News in a way that is relatable and interactive for young viewers.”
Parastoo is continuing her studies in communication and digital media, having seen firsthand how effective media can be. “I have witnessed the positive impact of SAT-7 PARS in bringing hope and transformation to individuals and communities,” she said. “I have learned valuable lessons at SAT-7 about the power of media and how it can be used for the greater good.”
A new SAT-7 PARS youth program called Youth Light will go live in October. Aimed at a slightly older audience, it will help young Persian viewers who have grown up watching Hashtag to mature further in their faith. As well as including fun and entertaining segments, Youth Light will feature stories and testimonies and help viewers integrate Christian values into daily life, covering topics such as career, education, and relationships.
Please Pray:
Give thanks for Hashtag and the wonderful impact it has made in young lives over its five seasons.
Pray that the Word of God that has been implanted in viewers’ hearts and minds will continue to guide and strengthen them.
Pray for God’s blessing on Parastoo and His guidance as she considers her next steps.
