God’s people across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) face many and various 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 North Africa
Christians are a small minority in most of the North African countries, and some face hostility and persecution for following Christ. SAT-7’s Arabic channels are supporting the Church in this region by broadcasting uplifting testimonies, giving viewers a voice, and providing practical discipleship content.
Jameela,* a 23-year-old Christian from Sudan, connected with SAT-7 to share her struggles and ask for help to grow in faith. After some initial conversations, Jameela explained that she is plagued with fear when she stands in the presence of God. Our team discussed with Jameela how she might overcome this, while outlining what a healthy relationship with God can look like.
Our team encouraged Jameela to keep reading her Bible and praying, while offering verses that relate to her situation and advice on how to meditate on God’s Word. She was very responsive. “I am honestly enjoying the discipleship lessons, for I have no one with whom to share the truth,” she said. “I go to church on Sundays, but no one teaches me the Word. I thank God for sending people who can explain eternal life to me. It cannot be a coincidence. God bless you!”
Jameela was then referred to a specialized discipleship team to continue her journey with God. She was very thankful for the whole interaction and concluded it by praying for the work of SAT-7. “May God make you a light to the whole world, so you are able to light the way for all those who stumble in the darkness to find the light of Christ.”
After watching the testimony-based program Free Souls on SAT‑7 ARABIC, Sibal from Morocco contacted us. She had a seed of faith, but it needed watering. “I seek repentance and a strong relationship with God,” she wrote. Our team welcomed her and briefly explained that repentance is available through the cross of Christ and His love. After a few days, Sibal contacted us again, wanting to know more about Jesus. Our team had a long conversation with her about who Jesus is and how sin and evil entered the world.
Sibal needed some time to go over everything they discussed. After a couple of days, she got back to us, wanting to know the meaning of salvation and how to pray. After we offered answers to her questions, she said, “I found refuge in knowing Jesus and what he has done for me.”
Knowing that Sibal had accepted Jesus as the Lord of her life, our team helped to prepare her for a life of discipleship, explaining how we can approach God as a Father and why it is so important to put His Word at the center of our lives.
“I understand that a relationship with God is similar to the relationship between a father and his children,” said Sibal, showing how her faith had grown. “It is a relationship that flows with love and compassion.”
*Viewer names have been changed for security.
