‘These programs correct the deformed picture of Christianity in the Arab world by showing the real values of Christianity.’ A man from Damascus
For centuries in the Middle East and North Africa, Christians have been isolated, Christianity has been misunderstood and the Gospel has been silenced. Over the course of the 20th century the Middle Eastern church shrunk from 20% of the population to less than 5%. Denied the means, the church has had little visibility and no clear voice. But the rapid growth of satellite television has presented Christians with an opportunity to make Christ known in the Arab world.
Satellite television has become an incredibly effective means of communicating with people in the Arab world. With high illiteracy rates and the world’s lowest level of social, religious and political freedom, Middle Easterners are hungry for a form of entertainment that is visually based, informative and uncensored. Satellite television has proved the solution: over 115 million people have access to it, over 90% of households in some countries.
Ministries such as SAT-7 have been taking advantage of this powerful platform, and the feedback has been very encouraging. These are extracts from viewer’s letters:
“I live in an area where I am totally cut off from any kind of Christian fellowship, teaching and guidance. Praise God I found out about your programmes, which provide me with what I am missing.” A man from Kuwait
“I have many questions to which I need answers. I live in Saudi Arabia, where television is the only available source to answer these questions.”
“Sin used to dominate me and made me a desperate person. Watching your channel helped cleanse and strengthen my spirit. Watching for a few minutes helps me to learn things of greater significance than anything else I’ve learned in my entire life. I am happy now because I am practicing what I am learning from you.” A girl from Algeria
Television provides us with a chance to be creative in how we communicate. Jesus sets us a great example of creative communication, often using story, or questions, to convey his message. We can do likewise, using drama to convey who God is, and discussion programmes where questions illuminate as much as answers.
Using television for mission has also led to hundreds of local Christians in the Middle East being trained up with media skills. Partner organisations have provided people with a wide range of skills to work alongside the local church to equip them in making the most of this powerful platform. This is one example of God using a wide range of skills and talents, and Christians working together in unity, to share his Word.
Sonia Home, SAT-7
