Iran (MNN) — Riot police attacked hundreds of demonstrators with tear gas and fired live bullets in the air to disperse a rally in central Tehran Monday. Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard issued a warning to demonstrators that they would face a "revolutionary confrontation" if they continued to protest results of the June 12 presidential vote. It's unclear how many people have died or have been injured in the unrest.
Despite the violence SAT-7 PARS — Christian Persian satellite television — continues to beam programming into Iran, says SAT-7's David Harder. Harder says SAT-7 isn't taking sides politically, but they are concerned. "We are concerned about the innocent being injured. We have many youth who watch SAT-7 PARS, and we are concerned that they may have gotten caught up in these different clashes where, tragically, people are being killed."
Harder isn't surprised by the violence. "It reflects the desire that many people have–especially young people–in that country for some greater freedoms, and often that's leading people to seek spiritual answers," he says.
Satellite television is still illegal in Iran, but SAT-7 PARS continues broadcasting even though some channels have been blocked. Harder says, "Those who may be disenchanted with the political situation, whatever it is, can still seek and find answers and find the truth in the Lord Jesus by watching SAT-7 PARS."
While their programming continues, Harder says he's still concerned for Christians living there. "Often when there is anti-western sentiment, Christians are the scapegoats. Local Christians are blamed. So, we do have concern for the Christians and the churches in Iran, and we're praying they're not blamed for being political agitators."
SAT-7 believes about 1-million people watch SAT-7 PARS, but Harder believes that's a low estimate. He says the number of Christians in Iran is growing, and they need help. "There is reported to be a great movement of house churches within Iran. And so we want to provide training for house church leaders. Often the people who are leading these house churches have only been followers of Jesus for a short period of time."
That's why they've started a broadcast called SOTA, which stands for Seminary of the Air. Harder says, "They are Iranian professors, and they can help answer questions that really reflect life in Iran and help these churches grow. We want to see them become self-sustaining with leaders who are being equipped and then can be successful in leading those churches."
SAT-7 PARS, says Harder, is also broadcasting programming for youth. "75-percent of Iranians are under age 30. So we're trying to meet the needs of the youth who are watching, as well."
Christian satellite radio and television programming is essential for spiritual growth for Christians in Iran. "There simply aren't many resources for Iranian Christians. For many of them, television and radio are just about the only way they can get resources. For some people, they can't get a Bible. They write down verses as they see them on the screen."
Funding is needed to provide satellite air time and pay production costs. As you give financially, you're helping Iranian Christians grow in their faith, as well as providing programming that is reaching a seeking generation.
Pray that God will call more people to give to SAT-7 PARS. Pray also that believers would be strong in their faith. Pray also for protection of church leaders in Iran.
