SAT-7 URGES PRAYER FOR IRAN

Nicosia, Cyprus, June 24, 2009:  SAT-7 is urging its friends and supporters to continue to pray for peace in Iran, where street demonstrations following recent elections have led to bloodshed and loss of life.

Sara Afshari, SAT-7 PARS Executive Director is very concerned about how people in Iran are being treated, “We have many young viewers and we worry about those who have been caught up in the violence.” Ms. Afshari believes the current political unrest in Iran reflects an even greater disillusionment with life in general. “Everything in Iran is difficult. Even before the election, many people in Iran had become disillusioned. Some have turned to drugs, immoral lifestyles and even suicide. Others have been seeking hope elsewhere. This factor has led to the unprecedented interest so many have to find out more about the Christian faith.”

SAT-7 PARS, the ministry’s Persian language channel, has begun broadcasting prayers for peace in Iran, and placing encouraging scriptures on the screen. Verses include those from the 23rd Psalm and 1 Peter 5:7 which urges viewers to “cast your anxieties on Him, for He cares for you.” SAT-7 PARS producers are scrambling to adjust their broadcast schedule to include new programs designed to comfort viewers. They also plan to send scripture verses to all SAT-7 PARS viewers who have registered a cell phone number or an email.

However, reaching people living inside Iran is difficult. Cell phone and Internet service have been partially or fully blocked in many areas and even land-line phones seem to be working only sporadically. While information is hard to access, some Iranians report that they are able to see SAT-7 PARS’ broadcasts, while others say all satellite TV has been blocked in their area during daytime hours.

Several SAT-7 PARS staff members have friends and relatives who have been directly impacted by the recent violence and the PARS team worries that the situation could worsen. SAT-7 PARS is urging all friends of SAT-7 to set aside some time each day at 12:00 noon to join them in praying for Iran. Thank you so much for your interest and support of SAT-7 and its millions of viewers. Thank you also for praying for Iran and SAT-7 PARS broadcasts during these challenging days.

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Launched in 1996, SAT-7 is a Christian television service created by and for the People of the Middle East and North Africa with U.S. headquarters in Easton, Md. SAT-7 makes Christ's message of hope available to every home in the Middle East. Each week between 10-12 million people tune into the channels (Intermedia research, 2004 – 2006). Broadcast in three languages—Arabic, Farsi and Turkish—SAT-7 can be viewed via satellite in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, much of Central Asia and worldwide at www.SAT7.org. For more information about SAT-7 go to www.sat7usa.org (English), www.sat7.com (Arabic) and www.sat7PARS.com (Farsi).


CONTACT:
SAT-7 USA
(410) 770-9804 or (866) 744-7287
usa@sat7.org

Date: 7/16/2009 4:22:47 PM