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
As Lebanon experiences its worst violence in almost 20 years, SAT-7’s studio in Beirut is continuing to broadcast programs offering comfort and support to people shaken by this week’s devastating airstrikes.
Nearly 800 people have been killed and thousands injured in the bombings since Monday (September 23). And tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes in southern Lebanon, heading north, mostly to the capital, Beirut.
SAT-7 ARABIC’s You Are Not Alone program is increasing from once to twice a week for the next two weeks to give a voice to those affected and bring messages of comfort. This evening’s episode will highlight how churches in Lebanon are responding to the crisis and offering help to those in need, as well as sharing personal stories from people caught up in the violence and medics who are battling to save lives.
“State of Panic”
The channel’s Viewer Support Team is connecting with people on the ground and directing them to churches in Lebanon that are offering help, as well as providing vital emotional and spiritual support.
“People are in a state of panic,” said Marianne Awaraji, SAT-7 ARABIC’s Audience Relations Manager. “We have to be empathetic and sensitive in how we share the hope we have in Christ and how we take our own fears to Him. God is giving us wisdom, and the messages we are receiving from partners and friends all over the world are really comforting us.”
SAT-7 ARABIC is using all of its platforms to bring helpful and comforting messages to people in Lebanon at this time. A crawl across the screen is featuring prayers and encouraging Bible verses as well as important emergency information.
Prayers shared on social media have attracted high levels of engagement, and large numbers are joining a live prayer session on Facebook with a Lebanese pastor on Saturdays.
Church Support
SAT-7 ARABIC programs Different Angle and Voice of the Church have heard this week from church leaders in Lebanon about how they are supporting people affected by the violence.
Dr Michel Abs, Secretary-General of the Middle East Council of Churches, told Different Angle on Tuesday (September 24) how they already have a relief program in Lebanon but are now stepping up their response:
“We are moving fast as events develop. We are following up on our network of provisions. We recruited more workers to help. We are all one in Lebanon; there’s no discrimination based on denomination. We help treat all those who need medical treatment.”
And today (September 27), Enaam Haddad from Resurrection Church Beirut shared on Voice of the Church how they are providing shelter, meals, medicine, and other essential supplies for the displaced.
“The church is going through a difficult time because of the strikes and fear around us,” she said. “There’s death and injuries and many displaced. Our church is experiencing difficulties, but this is now our chance and not a challenge for us… We also work on showing people who Christ is and what Christianity is.”
Please Pray
Pray for an end to the conflict raging in Lebanon and the Holy Land and that lasting peace and justice will be established in these troubled lands.
Pray for the bereaved, injured, and displaced, that they will experience the Lord’s comfort and help. Give thanks for the churches in Lebanon who are helping those in need.
Pray for SAT-7’s team in Lebanon as they continue making and broadcasting programs and offering support to viewers. Pray that they will know the Lord’s strength and peace as they minister to others at this difficult time.
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."
