In the past, I didn’t believe in God, but recently I was baptized. My mother-in-law is not a Christian but supported me in becoming a Christian. We were both watching your channel when you invited us for a prayer. And she lifted up her hands and prayed with you. I was very surprised and impressed. You are making really good and effective programs. The Lord works in places you cannot always see."
— Viewer in Türkiye
As tensions continue to rise across the Middle East, a powerful episode of SAT-7’s Voice of the Church has offered comfort and hope to viewers in Lebanon and beyond.
During the episode, entitled “Lord, Have Mercy on Us,” church leaders and other believers lifted up heartfelt prayers for Lebanon and the wider region, calling on God for peace and help. In this way, the program offered a Christian perspective on unfolding events to support the faith of viewers and encourage them to depend on God.
Father Essam Ibrahim, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Haret Hreik, Lebanon – an area recently hit by an airstrike – said:
“People are looking for happiness, but it cannot be found from this world. Only God can give us joy and peace in our hearts, around us, and in the Middle East and the whole world. Lord, there is no time more than this to ask You to deliver us from evil.”
Another guest, George Tassous, expressed his robust faith in God’s reign and presence even in the midst of danger. “Give us faith that You are still on Your throne. We have faith in Your sovereignty. We have faith that You are with us, Lord, even if we walk in the valley of the shadow of death. You are with us and among us, Lord.”
Throughout the program, which was broadcast live on August 2 from SAT-7 ARABIC’s Egypt studio, presenter Verena Hermas and guest musician Kyrollos Ayyad led viewers in worship songs and prayers. Guests included Lebanese residents and church leaders, who joined the show live by phone or video.
Several people prayed that Christians might be peacemakers and bring light into the darkness of war and suffering. Sandra El-Hajj’s prayer included this moving petition:
“We ask that You lift our eyes, our hearts, our feelings to You and remain steadfast in You. Guide our footsteps, our feelings, and our behavior so that we become the light and salt of this world. I pray for every person in pain, abandoned, or hurt to receive Your touch. Lord, heal all wounds.”
And Elie Elkhweiry, a pastor from Grace and Truth Baptist Church in Dekweneh, Lebanon, reminded viewers of the power of God to bring peace and transformation to Lebanon and the wider region:
“We pray according to Your will that You do great things in this country and in the world. Use us to pray and to worship You. We have faith that You can do great things and make changes. Lord, give us peace. Despite the war, give us faith that You will not leave us.”
Now in its second season, Voice of the Church is a weekly live program that was launched in 2023 to support those affected by the wars in the Holy Land and Sudan. Production alternates between SAT-7’s Beirut and Cairo studios. The program has proved very popular, and it provides a platform for church leaders and other Christians to call in and share their prayers. In this way, it also attests to the unity of the Church in a deeply divided region.
Please Pray
For the people of Lebanon, especially those who are feeling afraid and anxious, and in particular for young people and children.
For the Holy Land, for God’s mercy and a cessation of violence. Ask Him to stir the hearts of leaders towards peace.
For Christians across the region, that they will remain steadfast in their faith and encouraged in their eternal hope.
For SAT-7 teams in Lebanon and Egypt, who are on standby to respond to events as they happen.
