God’s people across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) face a variety of challenges. As SAT-7 seeks to support the Church all over the region through discipleship programs, Viewer Support services, and prayer, testimonies from our viewers reveal how God is using our ministry to strengthen the faith of individuals in many different circumstances. This series of articles provides examples from every major part of the MENA.
Stories From the Arab World
Many of SAT-7’s viewers in the Arab World live with the harsh realities of war, social unrest, and persecution. Our Arabic channels are strengthening faith in Christ in these challenging contexts through high-quality Christian teaching, the broadcasting of live church events, and holistic Viewer Support services.
Dany,* an elderly man from the Holy Land who now lives in Syria, had long been interested in the teachings of Jesus but had never decided to follow Him. “I have been reading about Christianity for a long time now,” he said. “I like what I have seen so far. It is not an extremist ideology… Christianity is a message of life for humans.”
SAT-7’s Viewer Support Team pointed him to the Gospel of John, asking Dany to read it and summarize his thoughts. It proved to be a turning point for Dany. “I saw that John’s Gospel is where Christ’s deity is revealed; Jesus Christ is the Lord,” he said. After some discussion, a member of our team asked Dany if he wanted to commit to following Jesus. “Yes,” he responded. “I want to receive Him as my Lord and Savior.”
Over the subsequent weeks, the team helped to strengthen Dany’s new faith by answering his questions and explaining Jesus’ crucifixion, the new creation, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
“Thank you for everything you explained to me,” he said. “I now know why Jesus was crucified for me and how it is possible to get rid of the past and advance into a new life… I’m grateful, and my heart has found peace.” Dany’s new understanding is having a real impact on his day-to-day life. “I’m learning to love Him and those around me… I thank God for strengthening me to do my work, and when I go home, I continue to read the Holy Bible. God’s Word is my support.”
SAT-7 also supports viewers who have been believers for a long time, strengthening them in their faith.
When Salwa – a Lebanese woman living in the United Arab Emirates – first contacted our Viewer Support Team, she had been a Christian for ten years but wanted to grow by connecting with other believers.
“I watch you from time to time,” she wrote. “I’d like to know if there are any online meetings available.”
Our team began an initial discipleship with Salwa, suggesting how she might spend daily time with the Lord. After a few weeks, she explained the impact this was having. “The Lord’s Word is imprinted on my daily life,” she reflected, “and it has become very important to me, guiding me in every action.” Our team was then able to refer Salwa to a specialized discipleship team in her country to help her continue growing in her faith.
*Viewer names have been changed for security.
