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A recent report says that persecution of Christians worldwide has “significantly worsened” over the past 12 months.[1] Here are some first-hand accounts from SAT-7 viewers who are facing persecution. We also consider how SAT-7 is supporting believers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in living faithfully in these difficult conditions.
“SEVERELY BEATEN”
Not all SAT-7 viewers live under regimes that restrict or completely outlaw the practice of Christianity. But they can still face fierce opposition from their families and communities, as Zachariah from Egypt found out the hard way.
“I was too excited to apply all that I read and to share the Gospel wherever I went, until I got into trouble with my father,” the young man shared with SAT-7. “He kicked me out of the house because of my faith in Christ.
“I was severely beaten after I professed Christ. I was despised by many people who treated me poorly. I had no idea that I would live carrying this inner pain because I put my faith in Christ and read the Bible.”
Joining a discipleship group and finding fulfilling work – translating at Christian events – has strengthened Zachariah’s faith. But in other parts of the MENA, like Iran and Afghanistan, near-total isolation awaits those who decide to follow Jesus.
“Believers in Iran and Afghanistan are living under great pressure,” explains SAT-7 PARS Executive Director Panayiotis Keenan. “Many are forced to practise their faith in secret, and the risks they face remain immense: from imprisonment to ostracisation and even violence. But despite their challenges, we are seeing incredible resilience among the Christian communities in both countries.”
Our Persian-speaking viewers regularly share their struggles with us. Anahita, an Iranian woman, has been mocked for following Jesus by her own family. But she says, “I have faith that our God is mighty and hears our prayer. Even if we are experiencing persecution, He will help us and grant us His peace.”
Edin, a SAT-7 PARS viewer from Afghanistan, contacted us to say, “In the neighbourhood where we live it has been noticed that we have not been involved in religious rituals like before. People are talking about how our behaviour has changed. This is causing serious concerns for us and our children in particular.”
Many Christians in the Arab World are also facing high levels of persecution. In Libya and Yemen, the few Christians must follow Him in secrecy. In Sudan and Syria, there is a greater Christian presence, but expressing Christian faith can still carry risks. Believers in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco face a wide range of restrictions on their faith and often cannot gather for worship.
PROVIDING A LIFELINE
“[SAT-7] provides a lifeline of spiritual support, hope, and encouragement,” explains Panayiotis. “Our programmes offer not only Bible teaching and worship but also practical guidance for living out faith under oppression. We can reach believers in even the most restricted environments, giving them access to the fellowship and pastoral care they are often denied in person.”
A discipleship group launched on Zoom last year is proving to be a great support for isolated believers like Jamil from Afghanistan. “I thank God for you at SAT-7 who are thinking of us and are providing these classes for us,” he said. “We have no one here in Afghanistan apart from you.”
SAT-7 PARS’ long-standing discipleship programmes continue to support viewers for tough times. During a recent episode of Sanctuary of the Heart, the presenter declared, “We put our trust in the promises of God, which we cannot lose. One of these promises is that through our suffering and hardships, God will work through us for His glory and turn it into good.”
In Algeria, 44 out of 45 Protestant Church of Algeria congregations have been closed down by the government in recent years, and SAT-7 is helping Christians in the country to adapt to this huge wave of persecution. New programme Home Church from Algeria features Bible teaching, worship, and prayer with a small group of believers who share food and fellowship.
“This is very important to the Christians in Algeria right now,” says Salah, the programme’s producer. “It gives them tools and shows them how to meet together in homes and how to form smaller communities.”
“We are deeply committed to standing with our brothers and sisters in the region,” says Panayiotis. “Our mission is to be a light to those who feel isolated and alone. We are continually inspired by their courage, and we remain committed to amplifying their voices and sharing the message of hope and resilience in Christ.”
[1] Global persecution of Christians has worsened – report
SAT-7 brings joy to millions in the Middle East through faith-filled television and digital media. To learn more visit sat7uk.org
