Beauty from ashesOvercoming Persecution with the Egyptian Church 04

News from SAT‑7 DECEMBER 2013

Christian satellite TV by and for the people of the Middle East and North Africa

Uplink

T he Persecuted Church’ has become a much used phrase in our Western churches, but is often used rather patronisingly, as if our

persecuted brothers and sisters are to be pitied. But the Bible tells us that those who are persecuted are spiritually blessed! Jesus himself said in Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

On page 9 Steve Dengate, new trustee and long-term friend of SAT-7, says that what differentiates SAT-7 for him is that its focus is not on how the Middle East church is suffering but on giving it a tool for service and outreach.

As you will read on page 3, during recent persecution of Christians in Egypt, SAT-7 has served as a voice for Christians, a forum for rigorous debate and an encouragement to those who are suffering. As one Egyptian journalist and parent put it recently, “With your help we are able to build a strong generation committed to Jesus Christ forever.”

Thank you for your prayerful support for this ministry.

Rachel Fadipe Executive Director, SAT-7 Trust

A letter from the Executive Director

this issue

sat‑7 trust’s Patrons are:The Baroness CoxRt. Hon. Lord Carey of CliftonRev D Coffey OBERt Rev Mario Conti, Archbishop of Glasgow (Retired)His Grace Bishop Angelos

Front cover: Children in the ruins of

Mallawi Evangelical Church in El Minia, Upper Egypt,

being filmed for SAT-7’s programme ‘Message from Sunday School’

Egypt – the worst persecution of Christians for 700 years 04

GPS Navigates the Bible on SAT‑7 KIDS 06

Open Dialogue on Women’s Issues 08

Why I support SAT‑7 09

Events in the UK 10

Ways to Give 11

NETWORK and Vision Trips 2014 12

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Over 80 churches were burned and looted after the removal of President Morsi

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O n 3rd July, when millions of discontented Egyptians toppled their president

(again), current affairs show Bridges was prepared and ready with material and guests to address the implications of the week’s events. In fact, Bridges had been airing episodes discussing the 30th June protests before they even occurred.

Bridges was the only SAT‑7 show to continue live broadcasts during the summer, when all other programmes took a break from recording. At the SAT‑7 studio in Cairo, host Dr. Ehab Kharat interviewed politicians and social activists, asking them to discuss the challenges that would face Egyptians in the coming months. Some of the topics they addressed were the poor state of the economy, the prevalence of corruption, again changing the

constitution, and holding new elections.

In the month following President Morsi’s removal, angry Morsi loyalists attacked over 80 churches, burning many to the ground and even killing a child in front of her church. They also looted and attacked Christian businesses, charitable societies, homes and schools. In some instances, Muslims stood by their Christian neighbours to protect them and decried the attacks.

In response to the horrifying attacks, Bridges sent a production crew to one of the affected villages over 435 miles south of Cairo. Church leaders interviewed in this particular village were crushed because their longtime neighbours stood by without helping, while Christians were attacked and their buildings looted. George Makeen,

Programming Manager for SAT‑7 ARABIC, describes the powerful episode: “Testimonies of people who lost their loved ones and who lived through these hours in fear and pain were heart-breaking. In this episode, we talked about the way to social justice and reconciliation. We discussed the danger of using violence to implement political demands and agendas.” SAT‑7 provided those affected with an opportunity to grieve publicly.

One of the episode’s studio guests was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. At a time when most television channels excluded members of the Muslim Brotherhood from their programmes, SAT‑7 was committed to providing a place where people of different opinions could meet and engage in honest discussions.

Egypt – the worst persecution of Christians for 700 years

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Above: Church of The Great Martyr El Amir Tadros El-Shatby

Right: On the set of ‘Bridges’

Below: Interview with Father Samaan Sobni from the Saint Youssef Catholic Church in El Zaqaziq

Young lady speaking about current challenges faced by Christians in Egypt, and women in particular

Rev. Dr. Safwat Al-Baiady, President of the Evangelical Churches in Egypt and Deputy Chairman of the SAT-7 International Council, has appeared on past episodes of Bridges as a guest. He notes that Christian schools and hospitals are open to people of all religious backgrounds. During the civil unrest from 30th June through August, Christian field hospitals even treated members of the Muslim Brotherhood who had perpetrated attacks on churches and Christian businesses and homes. The agony of persecution created opportunities for Christians to show their attackers the meaning of forgiveness and unconditional love. This deeply impressed many Egyptians.

Church leaders throughout Egypt, including Rev. Dr. Al-Baiady, have emphasized that the Church is a body of people and not a building. The Coptic Orthodox Patriarch, Pope Tawadrous stressed that the people involved are far more important than a church building, quoting an Arabic proverb: “The person is greater than the structure.” During the August unrest, which saw the worst attacks

on Coptic Christians in 700 years, he urged Egyptians – Muslims and Christians - not to risk their lives saving a church building. In the face of persecution, he stated, “Our purpose now is to show mercy…We care for people, not buildings. We can restore the buildings but we cannot restore a person who is killed or injured.”

One of Rev. Dr. Al-Baiady’s greatest concerns is for the young children who spend all day watching violence on television and in the street. He asks, “What kind of people will they be when they grow up? So I say, please don’t lose a generation. The children, the coming generation, will be affected by all the scenes they are watching.” There are many voices trying to shape the minds of children in Egypt right now. For parents, monitoring the influences in their children’s lives can begin with television in the home.

As Egyptians look to stay informed and find answers about their changing nation, SAT-7 ARABIC offers a biblical perspective on events, and SAT-7 KIDS offers a safe place for younger viewers.

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Broadcasts 24/7 on Nilesat/AB7 at 7˚ West, Txp 8, 11.355 GHz VerticalNews SAT-7 ARABIC

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GPS Navigates the Bible on SAT‑7 KIDS

A GPS device can mean the difference between life and death for a hiker lost in the

wilderness. In the same manner, the Bible is a critical guide when challenges cause people to lose their way in life. This is the concept embodied by GPS, a new puppet show on SAT‑7 KIDS. Children learn from a young age that they can turn to the Lord for direction when they have a problem.

Each episode of GPS features a host who introduces the day’s topic, a special report presented by children, a musical segment, and a colorful cast of puppets who navigate through the stories of the Bible. A child concludes the episode with a prayer.

SAT‑7 is collaborating with KKRTV in Denmark to adapt this 75‑part international TV series for an Arabic speaking viewership. This collaboration allows both ministries to maximise their resources and talent, bringing exciting new content to viewers. The host of GPS on SAT‑7 KIDS will be a native

Arabic speaker. Andrea Mounayer, Manager of Children’s Programmes & Special Projects, emphasises, “It is very important that the presenters are Middle Eastern. They know the culture, speak the language and look Middle Eastern.” Eventually, GPS will also be adapted to air on SAT‑7 PARS in the Farsi language and on SAT‑7 TÜRK in the Turkish language.

GPS began running this Autumn, joining the wide range of SAT‑7 KIDS programmes that have, for many years, met the need of Arab families for a safe and trustworthy source of education and positive entertainment. The channel is actually having a profound impact on both children and their parents. Enaam Haddad, a SAT‑7 Audience Relations specialist in Lebanon who knows many of the viewers by name says, “It means a lot to me when a parent writes, for example, that she was touched by Bedtime Stories - which is aimed at children ages 2 to 5. This really moves me.”

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Broadcasts 24/7 on Nilesat/AB7 at 7˚ West, Txp 8, 11.355 GHz VerticalNews SAT-7 KIDS

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“We are using every tool possible to bring

the Good News of Jesus to people.”

Puppets are used to teach many life lessons to our young viewers

Developing relationships with the viewers has become personal to Enaam, who keeps them in her prayer life.

The SAT‑7 Audience Relations team, who operate from Egypt and Lebanon, respond to thousands of messages in a given month. They not only pray for the viewers’ needs, but also follow up with him or her to find out if their situation has improved. This lets viewers know that SAT‑7 counsellors care and are standing with them ‑ and they are not alone in their struggles.

Some children live close enough to the studios that programme hosts can meet them in person. In Egypt, a boy named Romany loved to watch the programme Why Is That? as he was living in a hospital and battling cancer. Mr. Know, the host of the show, visited Romany in the hospital during one of the episodes. This visit brought a lot of happiness to Romany.

In Lebanon, host Marianne was pleased to have special visitors for several episodes of the programme Let’s Sing Together. A Syrian family, who had fled their homeland because of the war, visited the studio. They enjoyed taking pictures of the studio and having the children participate in the show.

Other SAT‑7 KIDS viewers live far

from Egypt and Lebanon, where the main studios are located. Children all over the world request materials and resources—even some living in China! The Audience Relations teams send Bible stories, CDs, colouring books, watches, T‑shirts, caps and other items. If it is not possible to post a Bible, they send a PDF version over the Internet. The SAT‑7 KIDS website is also an effective venue for sharing resources, as the team posts Bible verses and offers pages explaining how to know Jesus. Enaam is glad to report, “We are using every tool possible to bring the Good News of Jesus to people.”

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Open Dialogue on Women’s Issues

Javaher and Majghan discussing important issues facing Persian women

C hristian women have opened a “dialogue” on SAT-7 PARS about how to cope with the

difficulties facing women in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.

During the first season of Dialogue, hosts Javaher and Mojghan read aloud a fictitious friend’s letters about her persecution. While the character writing the letters is not real, the content is based on the true story of one woman’s torment and represents the realities of daily life for many more. The woman had been imprisoned for her faith, inspiring the show hosts to address the many hardships facing millions of Farsi-speaking women. They suffer limited access to job opportunities, unequal child custody and inheritance laws, and immense social pressures from a patriarchal society. If they adopt another religious faith, they risk being thrown into prison. It is likewise illegal for most of them to marry a Christian man.

Production is underway for the second season of Dialogue, produced by Michael Tunér at IRR-TV Studios in Finland. A new

presenter named Nahid will replace Javaher as Mojghan’s co-host. Nahid will share her testimony as a woman who came to faith in Christ while living in Iran and served in Church ministry for years. Mojghan and Nahid will talk about how to face oppression and persecution. They will also address how Christian women can be servants of God in their daily social lives. Having fought similar battles themselves, the hosts can comfort and sympathise with viewers who are experiencing persecution – especially those who face religious persecution. Due to the intensity of the content in Dialogue, the SAT-7 PARS team expects to find a broad audience drawn to the programme, including men.

Watching this programme, Farsi-speaking women can receive biblical counselling about family relationships. They can learn more about God’s plan for their role in family and society. Those who have suffered trauma, particularly from incarceration, can find emotional and spiritual healing. Dialogue aims to inspire in viewers a love for God’s Word, as well as an understanding of Christian values and human rights. As the hosts discuss the sacrifice of the Saviour, viewers will learn that

He also suffered the pain of persecution and understands their struggles.

Ultimately, the show’s producers hope that Dialogue will encourage women to be more active in their faith. This would lead to Scripture study, ministry involvement, and handling conflicts positively and with

biblical wisdom. Religious restrictions make it difficult to measure the reach and influence of Dialogue. The authorities often block phone calls and intercept text messages. Authorities have warned viewers that it is illegal to contact Christian organisations like SAT-7 PARS. However, at great personal risk, some viewers still contact the channel’s audience relations staff and pray with counsellors.

One Iranian woman who watches SAT-7 PARS shared, “I was born into a Christian family but after watching one of your live shows about the importance of repentance, I realised that I need to give my heart to Jesus and be his follower. I did it and I am very happy now that I am a new-born Christian.” Just as the programme this woman watched led her to a closer relationship with the Lord, Dialogue has the potential to empower the lives of over 2 million Farsi-speakers watching SAT-7 PARS with a deeper knowledge of the Word.

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Broadcasts 24/7 on Eutelsat Hot Bird 8 at 13˚ East, Txp 122, 10.949 GHz VerticalNews SAT-7 PARS

Helping SAT‑7 grow

F or a long time Steve Dengate has had “on and off” contact with SAT-7 but it deepened

this year when he joined the Board of Trustees in the UK to “help in developing its growth and governance”. Steve says his goal is to help “take SAT-7 to the next level”. He believes the only way for that to happen is to “increase the financial base” and adds, “I also

think SAT-7 still isn’t as well-known as it should be. I feel it is ready to go to the next level, and I want to be a part of that.“

What makes

SAT-7 stand out for Steve is that its focus is not on how the Middle East church is suffering but on giving it a tool for service and outreach.

His thinking was reinforced after taking a member of his church to hear the head of SAT-7’s ARABIC channel, Rita Elmounayer speak at our recent Hope Tour.

Steve remembers how his friend said afterwards, “Although Rita was talking about the suffering Church, it was how the Church was responding to its suffering, developing a ministry of reconciliation and advocacy. I’ve never seen it that way before. Now

I need to rethink the whole way I communicate the needs of the suffering Church.”

Steve likens the part he wants to play for SAT-7 to “looking after the fuel injection in a car engine.” “I want to see that the fuel comes through, so that when SAT-7 puts a foot on the accelerator the engine isn’t coughing but can really move ahead.”

T he possibility of sharing the Gospel via satellite television in Iran and across the

Middle East seemed an incredible breakthrough to SAT-7 church ambassador Mariam* when she first heard of it. Having an Iranian father and having grown up in Iran meant she knew what it was to “feel very alone in your faith” and was very much aware of Iranians’ immense spiritual hunger.

Kent-based Mariam remembers how excited she was to hear SAT-7 PARS Director Sara Afshari talking about the new channel over 11

years ago. “It was wonderful that it was possible to openly share the Gospel in Iran and to get across closed borders.”

Eager to share this with her friends, Mariam became a church ambassador, in order to spread awareness of SAT-7’s work and pass on SAT-7 news and materials to others in her church.

“The beauty of it,” she tells them, “is that SAT-7 presenters are not foreigners. On PARS, for example, Iranians share their faith with other Farsi speakers. That’s a great strength.

“Another is that it doesn’t criticise other faiths or make political comments. It’s all positive, sharing Jesus and bringing hope to a region where there is very little.

“People I’ve spoken to find it very exciting that there is this way of using modern technology to express the ageless message of Christianity.”*Name changed for security reasons

Open door to closed lands

You too could become an ambassador for SAT‑7 and help make this fantastic work more widely known. For more information please contact 01249 765 865 or email respond@sat7uk.org

SAT-7 is a ministry of reconciliation

Tehran

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Why I support SAT-7

UK CONFERENCE 2014Breaking barriers in the Middle East St Mary’s Church, Ealing

We are bringing a flavour of the Middle East to the UK at our first UK Supporters’ Conference. Guest speakers will include Terry Ascott, SAT-7 founder and CEO, Rita Elmounayer, the Executive Director of the Arabic channels and members of our SAT-7 PARS’ team. The day will be full of inspiration, encouragement, challenges, insights and testimonies from those who live and work in the region. Meet programme makers and enjoy the company of SAT-7 supporters from around the UK.

Book now to reserve your place. Bring your friends and make it known in your church. It’s truly an occasion not to be missed so make it a priority to attend. We look forward to seeing you there. For more information visit www.sat7uk.org/ukconference

1,500 miles travelled, 13 meetings taken and hundreds of people enthused about the hope SAT-7 is bringing to those in hardship in the Middle East. This was the result of SAT-7’s two Hope tours which travelled around parts of England in September and October. Naji Daoud, Executive Director of SAT-7 Lebanon and Rita Elmounayer, Executive Director of SAT-7’s Arabic Channels shared their own experiences of the current situation in the Middle East and North Africa and told us of the impact SAT-7 is having across this troubled area of the world. Both Naji and Rita talked about their experiences of growing up in war-torn Lebanon. For Rita her experience of watching TV in the bomb shelters inspired her to want to be involved in television which would bring comfort and

hope to children. She shared her passion for the SAT-7 KIDS channel and told stories of children like Said who heard of the love of Christ through watching SAT-7 KIDS and who is now making programmes for the channel from North Africa. Naji talked about the work with Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Some families have visited the studio and been able to meet with presenters. Marianne recently did an edition of Let’s Sing Together with Syrian refugee children in an orphanage in Lebanon. It was a wonderful privilege to introduce Naji and Rita to supporters in the UK. Their passion and commitment came shining through as they talked and we were left inspired and challenged to a greater support of the excellent work they are doing with SAT-7.

The Untold Story: The Middle Eastern Church Behind the Headlines Belfast Bible College

The media is full of reports of sectarian divides and conflicts, of Persecution and hopelessness in the Middle East. But there is another story going unreported, one of hope and reconciliation. It is the story of a Church which is uniting under great pressure to be a source of light in the darkness. We are delighted that David Porter, Canon Director for Reconciliation Ministry at Coventry Cathedral and Director for Reconciliation at Lambeth Palace, will be the main speaker at this SAT-7 event. We will also be joined by a Middle Eastern expert and representatives of SAT-7. Please join us for this exciting opportunity to hear the Untold Story. For more information, go to www.sat7uk.org/Belfast

Beth Eden Christian Guest houseLlandudno

A representative from SAT-7 will be taking the daily talks and devotions at Beth Eden Christian Guest house in Llandudno. Enjoy a holiday by the sea and learn more about SAT-7. For more information go to www.betheden.co.uk

saturday 17th may 2014

saturday 12th april 2014

21‑28 June 2014

Challenging and inspiring

Rita Elmounayer

Left: David Porter

Above: Llandudno Pier

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Events in the UK

Send a very special Christmas gift

A lternative Gifts make wonderfully unusual presents and they help SAT‑7 share God’s love in the Middle East and North Africa at the same time. Each gift makes a vital contribution to SAT‑7’s

work – from funding programmes that bring life‑changing teaching to Iranians, to taking vibrant worship and Bible teaching to isolated Christians in North Africa. There are gifts from as little as £5. You can purchase gifts that support youth programming for Iranian Christians or help us fit out brand new studios in Beirut with essential technical equipment.

Why not give kids a Bible GPS? GPS is an exciting new children’s series (see page 6) that will walk Arabic and Farsi speaking children through the whole Bible with the aid of presenters, puppets, location filming and songs. For each gift you purchase you will receive a greetings card to send, with a certificate describing the gift bought on your friend’s or relative’s behalf. Or you can choose to receive a gift certificate by email to forward with your own personal message – a handy option if time is too short to order a postal gift. Lots of gifts – lots of choices! Visit www.sat7gifts.org

L eaving a legacy to SAT‑7 will have an eternal impact, as it will enable SAT‑7’s

programmes to continue changing lives and building the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells us not to store up treasure on earth but to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not

break in and steal.” (Matt 6:20) There are various types of legacy. We recommend that you speak to a solicitor about which type would best suit your circumstances. If you would like to leave a legacy to SAT‑7 in your will, please phone us on 01249 765865 to request a copy of our legacy leaflet.

Your legacy will build a new generation of Christians in the Middle East

Leave a legacy of changed lives

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Ways to give

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To support SAT-7 and for more information, contact: SAT-7 Trust The Coach House 43 New Road Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1HL Email: respond@sat7uk.org | Phone: +44 (0)1249 765865 | www.sat7uk.org Our Charity Registration No. is 1060612

Exciting international events 2014

Get to the heart of SAT‑7’s Christian broadcasting in the Middle East and North Africa

Feel the heartbeat

NETWORK 2014Izmir, Turkey Our annual NETWORK conference, in beautiful Izmir, Turkey, will draw you near to the heartbeat of the Arab, Farsi and Turkish Worlds, and witness how SAT-7 is impacting the people of Middle East and North Africa with Christian truth. You’ll meet staff, producers and directors from SAT-7’s Middle Eastern offices, as well as supporters from around the world. The conference will be held in a 5-star resort located in a beautiful beach area approximately 1 hour from Izmir airport. The facility is full service, all meals will be included and we will have the use of their very attractive and functional meeting rooms.

Speakers will include: SAT-7 International Council members from across the region, SAT-7 Partners, local church and ministry leaders and of course our own staff, who will be sharing exciting news from each of our studios in Istanbul, Cairo, Beirut, Limassol and London! Please be sure to join us for what promises to be a very informative and truly inspiring event.

Byzantine splendour3-DAY TOUR OF ISTANBULJoin us for an enlightening tour of the sights of Istanbul and a visit to the studios of SAT-7 TÜRK29 march: St. Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, overnight Istanbul, (Eurostar Old City)30 march: Topkapi Palace, Chora Museum, short Bosphorus trip on public ferry, overnight as above31 march: Visit Sat-7 TÜRK studio on Asian side, lunch provided, and transfer to Istanbul Ataturk (IST) airport for departurePrice of tour: €380 pp based on two people sharing, half board. If you would like your own hotel room, there will be a single supplement of: €105Booking deadline: 28 February 2014Price includes: Transfers, ground transport, half-board accommodation, qualified English-speaking guide, entrance fees to specified sites, hotel taxes and portage, transport to and from SAT-7 premises in Istanbul.For more information visit www.sat7uk.org/istanbultour or call Dave on 01249 761809

Turkey Vision TripsJoin us on one of the following tours and be exposed to ancient biblical history, modern Turkish culture and SAT-7’s work. They are open to anyone, not only those attending NETWORK 2014.

In the footsteps of the ApostlesSEVEN CHURCHES TOURVisit the ancient sites of the Seven Churches of Revelation 29 march: Ephesus including Terrace Villas, St. John’s Basilica, Laodicea, overnight in Pamukkale30 march: Hierapolis, Philadelphia, Sardis, Smyrna Fortress, overnight in Izmir31 march: Pergamum Acropolis & Asclepium, Thyatira,overnight in IzmirPrice of tour: €327 pp based on two people sharing, half-board. If you would like your own hotel room, there will be a single supplement of €60Booking deadline: 28 February 2014Price includes: Ground transport, entrance fees to specified sites, half-board accommodation in 4-star hotels, licensed English-speaking guide, taxes and portage.For more information visit www.sat7uk.org/7churchestour or call Dave on 01249 761809

26‑28 march 2014

Price €41 per person per night for double occupancy €82 per person for single occupancy (All inclusive)Please note that a supplemental fee of €17 will be charged per person for the Gala Dinner.To attend please register by 31 JanuaryTo find out more visit www.sat7uk.org/network or call Dave on 01249 761809Network 2014 in

beautiful Izmir, Turkey

Byzantine splendour

Ephesus

29‑31 march 2014 29‑31 march 2014