Middle East (MNN) ― One hundred million children under the age of 15 live in the Arab world, and at least half have access to satellite television. This huge population of young people represent the future of the region, one currently torn by conflict, hatred and a lack of hope.
SAT-7's David Harder says they're countering the region's violence by providing a safe place for kids. Arabic-speaking children all over the Middle East and North Africa now finally have a Christian television channel just for them.
The channel went on the air on Monday, December 10. Harder says, "The woman who was the director of our children's programming, grew up during the Lebanese civil war. She and her sister would sit around their TV when the war was raging outside, and it would just be an escape for them. So not only is it a safe place, but it's also a place where Jesus' words can minister life to their very hearts and their souls."
It's the culmination of more than a year and a half of preparation and dreams. "Our teams in Lebanon and Egypt have been working very hard for this day. They are extremely excited and anticipate a huge response," says Rita El Mounayer, SAT-7's Director of Programming.
Currently at least six other Arabic children's channels are targeting this audience. SAT-7 KIDS is the first and only channel to make quality, locally-made Christian children's programming available 24 hours a day.
Harder says, "Now we have broadcasts that 24-hours are able to reach kids whenever they wake up, whenever they come home from school, whenever they want to know more about the Lord and be encouraged. It's just so wonderful, and we're so thankful to the Lord for this day and so thankful for the many people who have prayed and given to make it possible."
SAT-7 KIDS can be watched on Hot Bird 6 Satellite, 13 Degrees
East, Transponder 157, 11,642 MHz, Horizontal Polarity, 27.5 MSym/sec, FEC ¾
