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Two-thirds of region's young people stream videos on
phones; SAT-7 PLUS provides 'digital generation' with gospel
STREAMS IN THE DESERT: Isolated Christians in the Middle
East are using their smartphones to connect with other believers on the region's
first-ever faith-based streaming service. SAT-7 PLUS (www.sat7usa.org)
-- a Netflix-type service that provides faith-based programs 24/7 in Arabic,
Farsi and Turkish -- is a spiritual lifeline for "secret" Christians living in
fear of persecution and even death
NEWS PROVIDED BY
SAT-7
April 19, 2022
EASTON, Md., April 19, 2022 /Christian
Newswire/ -- Isolated Christians in the Middle East, including many
struggling to survive, are using their smartphones to connect with other
believers on the region's first-ever faith-based video-on-demand service.
Since launching a year ago, SAT-7 PLUS -- a Netflix-type service of faith-based
programs 24/7 in Arabic, Farsi and Turkish across the Middle East and North
Africa -- has become a spiritual lifeline for those who must live out their
faith in secret in a region that's only 3% Christian.
The free video-on-demand service -- described as "virtually uncensorable" --
penetrates even remote mountain areas and deserts.
"Meeting and worshipping with other believers is a matter of life and death for
Christians in some parts of the Middle East and North Africa," said Shady
(pronounced Sha-dee) Francis, Arabic digital director for media ministry SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org).
The channel gives those under threat of persecution in places like Iran and
Afghanistan the previously unimaginable opportunity to join other believers
worshipping in their own language in real-time.
Digital, Social 'Explosion'
Use of digital and social media is surging in places like Iraq and Syria,
especially among young people searching for hope and purpose amid war and
collapsing economies.
"We all know that young people are spending more and more time on screens,
consuming content that's often harmful and pushes them further away from God,"
said Francis. "The upside is that we're meeting young people right where they
are on social media and video streaming. Every day, the gospel is changing
lives."
More than two-thirds of people in the region use their phones to stream and
watch video content, according to SAT-7's technology director Antoine Karam in
the Middle East.
"In the midst of all their struggles, they're ready to see God's love made
visible," he said.
Popular social media platforms such as Facebook -- used every day by 90% of
young people in the Middle East and North Africa -- link to the Christian
channel's livestreams.
Via messaging apps, viewers can chat with online counselors who speak their
language, understand their struggles, and respond to their questions about
faith.
'Children of the Light'
"Many viewers don't come from Christian backgrounds, and they're eager to see
and know more," said Francis. "Because they're raised with the idea that
Christianity is a Western religion, they're often surprised to learn that the
Christian faith began here in the Middle East."
"I can't describe it, but my whole being was filled with the presence and peace
of the Holy Spirit," a viewer told the ministry recently. Another viewer
described the show's hosts as "children of the Light."
About SAT-7
Launched in 1996, SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org)
-- with its international headquarters in Cyprus -- is a multimedia ministry
that broadcasts Christian and educational satellite television and online
programs to people in the Middle East and North Africa. Its mission is to make
the gospel available to everyone, and support the church in its life, work and
witness for Jesus Christ. SAT-7 broadcasts 24/7 in Arabic, Farsi (Persian), Dari
and Turkish, using multiple satellite channels, social media, and online
services.
SOURCE SAT-7
CONTACT: Matti Stevenson, 719-360-0586,
mstevenson@inchristcommunications.com