I watch all of your live shows. Sometimes I watch for 4-5 hours a day. I owe the changes in my life to SAT‑7’s programs; I don’t have any other source, as I have no Christian friends and no Bible."
— Lebanon
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 Persian World
SAT-7’s viewers in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan face persecution and isolation and often lack Christian resources and fellowship. SAT-7’s Persian channel, SAT-7 PARS, supports and strengthens them in their faith, offering solidarity through listening and prayer, and providing Bible teaching and discipleship content. It also offers opportunities for connection with other believers through Zoom discipleship sessions. Here, we share testimonies from participants in the classes about how they are growing in their faith.
Hovan* from Iran contacted SAT-7 for help with questions he had about the Christian faith. “Despite feeling very much drawn to Christianity, I still had my doubts,” he said. “I kept asking questions, and someone at your channel provided some very helpful answers.”
After having a profound dream, Hovan shared it with a member of SAT‑7’s team, who helped him to understand its meaning and explained about the death and resurrection of Jesus. “My doubts melted away. I believed in the truth of Christianity and that Jesus is alive,” said Hovan.
His relationship with God is continuing to deepen, especially since he took part in the Zoom discipleship sessions. “For the last two months, I have been joining many of the Zoom teaching sessions and I am being blessed by your teachings,” he said. “I study the Bible every day; I follow SAT-7 PARS programs; and I am a member of the PARS Telegram channel. Because of my faith in Christ, the way I see things has changed, especially in relation to the future. I need your help to make sure I am following the way as I ought… I thank God that He found me.”
Fereydoun, another Iranian man, has been greatly encouraged by the sessions. “I would like to thank you for the fellowship,” he wrote in a recent message. “As a result of these sessions, I am growing so much more quickly than before, and in the midst of the difficult circumstances and spiritual isolation I have been experiencing, the sessions have connected me with my heavenly family. Words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude. This message is the least I can do to thank you.”
The Zoom sessions provide in-depth Bible teaching and also opportunities for participants to share fellowship and prayer needs. “I thank God for you,” said Jahaver, a woman from northern Iran. “I feel so light and unburdened. I am grateful that we were able to speak and that you stood with me in prayer. I love you very much.”
Jahaver’s husband is not a Christian, but she is hopeful that, through prayer, he will have his own encounter with Jesus. “Please continue to pray for my husband and me,” she asked. “Although he is not a believer, he tries to listen in on our Zoom classes as much as he can. Thank you that you are there and praying for us.”
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."
