“Today, more than ever, the people of Iran need your prayers.”
– SAT-7 PARS viewer in Iran
During brief windows when Iranians have been able to access the internet over the last few days, SAT-7 viewers inside Iran have contacted our Persian channel to ask for ongoing prayer and express their hopes for the country’s future after weeks of turmoil and tragedy.
“Greetings to you. Our hope is the freedom of our country, Iran,” one viewer wrote. “Our hope is the health of the young people of our country and their victory. I pray that all the people of Iran remain alive and are present at the celebration of Iran’s freedom. My hope is that God does not leave this spilled blood unanswered.”
On Saturday (January 17), Iran’s supreme leader publicly acknowledged for the first time that thousands of people were killed during the protests, which started on December 28 and spread throughout the country.
“Pray for Our Children”
The internet has been cut off since January 8 and communication from inside Iran has been very limited with the Starlink service also being jammed. But over the last few days, there have been very brief periods when Iranians have been able to send messages.
“Pray for Iran. Pray for our children who were present at the demonstrations. Pray that no harm comes to them and that they face no problems. In hope of victory for the people of Iran,” wrote another viewer.
SAT-7 PARS is continuing to broadcast live and pre-recorded programs into Iran 24/7 via satellite, ensuring all content is relevant to the current situation. Our Neighborhood discussed crisis management, emphasizing the importance of both prayer and action, while youth program Generation of Hope addressed constructive ways of dealing with anxiety.
Live children’s program Church4Kids explored the topic of bravery and how we can be courageous even when we feel afraid. Another live children’s show Golpand addressed the current situation in Iran in a sensitive and age-appropriate way, acknowledging pain and fears, and offering prayers and messages of reassurance for young viewers.
One viewer sent a message of thanks for the channel’s support:
Thank you very much for your sympathy and kindness. Please pray that the people of Iran achieve victory as soon as possible. I hope for the day when we can all see each other again. I am grateful to each and every one of you.”
Please Pray
- Pray for all those who are grieving loved ones killed in the protests and for others who are anxious about the safety of friends and family members.
- Give thanks for the brief windows of opportunity that some Iranians have had to make contact with the outside world. Pray that the internet blackout will end soon.
- Pray for wise and just governance in Iran that will promote the rule of law and protect human dignity, allowing all Iranians to flourish.
