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
