For almost two weeks, people across Iran have taken to the streets to express their profound anger...
SAT-7 PARS is continuing to broadcast live and pre-recorded programs into Iran via satellite television – a vital lifeline of hope and encouragement amid the country’s ongoing internet shutdown.
All of the Persian-language channel’s live programs are focusing on the situation in Iran, where people have been protesting on the streets for more than two weeks and thousands of people are feared to have been killed.
The SAT-7 PARS team is also updating the channel’s schedule of pre-recorded programs for all ages to ensure the content is relevant to Iranian viewers at this tumultuous time.
“We are standing in solidarity with the people of Iran,” said SAT-7 PARS Executive Director Panayiotis Keenan. “Our 24/7 satellite programming is a vital reminder that we have not forgotten them, that we feel their pain, and that we are praying for them all day, every day.”
Through its live programming, SAT-7 PARS is providing emotional and spiritual support, offering prayer, worship, and biblical encouragement; affirming the rights of all people to freedom, justice, and dignity.
On Friday (January 16), a special program called Freedom and Hope will explore the responsibility of Christians in this situation, and will also offer counseling advice to support people’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
The topical weekly show Insiders is helping viewers to navigate different issues relating to the current situation. An episode last week examined the role of media in shaping narratives and advised viewers how they can examine different news sources for truth and reliability, stressing the importance of critical and analytical thinking. They also discussed citizen reporting and social media, and how these can make different voices heard but also can create confusion.
Yesterday’s episode (January 13) explored communication during times of protest and disagreement, and the impact on relationships when emotions are running high. Expert guest Maryam Hantoosh Zadeh encouraged people to find points of agreement when expressing different views:
Insiders was joined by expert guest Maryam Hantoosh Zadeh (middle) in an episode exploring communication.
“So where do we start? With shared pain. That is, when I create empathy and say, ‘Look, I know you’re angry… I know you’ve been hurt; I’ve been hurt too.’ When we start by establishing a common ground – things we agree on – it creates a much safer space for our brains to engage in dialogue.”
Prior to the nationwide internet shutdown, which started at the end of last week, viewers inside Iran were sharing with SAT-7 PARS their heartfelt hopes and fears about the protests, and urging ongoing prayers and support for the Iranian people.
“We know that your hearts are beating for Iran and I am grateful for you,” said one viewer in Iran. “These days more than any other time we need your spiritual support, encouragement, and solidarity as we live with fear and anxiety.”
Another said: “We must pray unceasingly since we don’t know what might happen the next moment. There are men and women here in this land who are standing with valor.”
The channel’s Viewer Support Team is continuing to hear from Iranians outside the country, who are contacting SAT-7 PARS to express their solidarity and to pray. “I am praying night and day for the people of Iran,” said an Iranian woman in Germany. “God, help the people of Iran. Give them hope and sustain them in body and soul. Grant freedom and peace, and open and sanctify all the churches through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
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