An Egyptian pastor delivered a passionate and personal defense of religious freedom on the SAT-7...
“Please pray for us and for the war in Sudan to end” – Fatima, SAT-7 viewer.
After two years of civil war in Sudan, SAT-7 is continuing to stand with viewers there, offering prayer, support, and a special program made by Sudanese Christians in the lead-up to Easter.
The situation in Sudan has been described as the “world’s largest humanitarian crisis.”1 Tens of thousands of people have been killed; over 12 million people are displaced; and around half the country – around 25 million people – are facing acute hunger.2
While it has been an extraordinarily difficult period for the entire population of Sudan, the suffering of Christians in the country has been compounded by other factors.
Before the war began, Sudan’s two million Christians were already highly vulnerable to persecution, especially those from different religious backgrounds. But the civil war has intensified the discrimination against them, with Christian communities being targeted by religious extremists on both sides of the battle, and reports of Christians being abducted and killed.
Over 100 churches, Christian buildings and private homes belonging to Christians have been forcibly occupied during the civil war,3 and local communities have been refusing to give food aid to the believers in their midst.
Sudanese believers have a desperate need not only for physical security but also for spiritual encouragement to help them persevere. SAT-7 is supporting the Church in Sudan through its Christ-centered programming and ongoing Viewer Support services. Prior to Easter, SAT-7 ARABIC is broadcasting a short series made by Sudanese Christians called Light of The Resurrection, featuring teaching and worship.
“Jesus arose from the dead; Jesus is alive tonight,” a group of Sudanese musicians sing joyfully during one episode. “Jesus died for us, so we could have life. Jesus arose in glory; He defeated the devil. Jesus came as the living God. Hallelujah to our Lord Jesus! God’s grace for us is great.”
SAT-7’s content has been encouraging and equipping viewers in Sudan. Salam, a Sunday School teacher, told us how she is using SAT-7 materials with children in camps for displaced people.
“Due to the war and losing most of my resources, I use your videos and hymns. I edit or adapt them slightly to fit the children’s age, environment, and circumstances before presenting them. May God bless your hard work. I’m thrilled to be sharing and receiving from you.”
In recent months, there have been some significant changes that offer cause for hope.
In the first quarter of 2025, the number of internally displaced people in Sudan fell for the first time in nearly two years, as nearly 400,000 people returned to Aj Jazirah, Sennar, and Khartoum states.4
March witnessed a major power shift on the battlefield, when the Sudanese Armed Forces recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum, going on to secure the capital. Analysts think that this strategic victory could accelerate the end of the war, but fighting rages on for now, and the journey to peace could be long and complicated.
In the meantime, Sudanese Christians are holding onto God’s Word for hope and comfort.
SAT-7 heard from Khalil, a 25-year-old viewer from Sudan, who is currently living in Egypt. “I’ve been under tremendous pressures lately,” he told our Viewer Support Team. “I’m here alone in a strange country, and my whole family lives in a war-torn country. I’m trying to focus on my studies while thinking about how I can support my family.”
God’s Word and SAT-7’s content have been helping him stay strong. “I learned so much through following your page. Everything you post makes a difference in my life and is a blessing to me,” he said. “God’s help in times of trouble as declared in the fourth verse of Isaiah 64 [has] helped me to regain some peace despite all the turmoil surrounding us.”
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him” (Isaiah 64:4, NIV).
Sources
1 AP News
2 UN News
4 UN News
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