Iran (MNN) — In Iran, open
witness to Muslims is banned, and government spies monitor Christian groups.
Despite the harsh conditions for ministry, SAT-7 PARS is celebrating two years.
David Harder with SAT-7 says,
"It is an exciting anniversary for us — two years of being able to
broadcast 24-hours a day, being able to reach people all throughout the day
with the good news of Jesus and to be able to bring training."
The ministry initially began
Farsi broadcasts September 12, 2002 on SAT-7 ARABIC.
SAT-7 PARS has provided a
satellite television platform for Iranian Christians to help them build up
their own congregations.
Because Christians in Iran have
limited access to Christian training materials, satellite TV provides a means
to young Christians who need support.
From people who are curious about
Christianity to those who need encouragement in their Christian faith, SAT-7
PARS works to provide biblical support for both.
Each day the channel airs
specific blocks of original programming for children, youth, and women, as well
as teaching programs for a general audience.
Answering that need translates into
full-circle ministry growth. Harder
reflects on the early days when SAT-7 PARS became independent.
From a handful of staff and
humble beginnings, he says, "This year, we have several more programs made
in Iran. It's very exciting, and some of the people in the U.S. who make programs
for us include those whose fathers were martyred in the mid-1990s. They still
maintain a love for Iran, and they want to bring the hope that Jesus offers back
to the Iranian people."
More growth means more funds are needed to support the vision. Harder says now is the time to help because up
until January 15, 2009, an anonymous donor has agreed to triple every
first-time donation to SAT-7, up to a million dollars.
Click
here if you can help them hold true to sharing the hope of Christ in Iran.
