Middle East North Africa (MNN) — As countries across the Middle East invest in AI initiatives geared to influence the public sector, nations in Africa are ramping up satellite internet access and looking to strengthen local ecosystems through technology. How are ministries in the MENA region adapting to fast and furious digital advancements?
Terry Ascott is the founder and president of SAT-7, a television and digital media ministry in the Middle East. He says traditional broadcasting still serves an important role there, as people in restricted areas often seek to avoid a digital footprint on their devices. Adding to this is the reality that many people are digitally illiterate or do not have access to the latest forms of technology and digital media.
But the younger generation’s widespread embracing of digital media puts it on SAT-7’s radar.
“As we go into this world of digital media, we’re very conscious that we need to do no harm,” Ascott says. “We need to present the Gospel in a way that’s relevant and meaningful to young people – people who will give you three seconds to capture their attention with a video clip or a message.”
The fluid nature of digital media platforms poses a difficulty to anyone trying to predict the needs of future digital ministry.
“With the advent of AI, there’s going to be a major challenge in understanding what is true and what is not true,” Ascott says.
Representative stock photo, courtesy of Pexels
Media brands with established trust will be important in the MENA region as the technology sphere integrates new dimensions such as quantum computing and virtual reality.
“What will the future really look like in terms of ministry to people across the Middle East and North Africa? And is the divide between the uneducated and the educated, the young and the old, going to deepen?” Ascott asks.
These are all factors being considered as ministries chart their digital course. Another consideration is that each platform lends itself to a certain style of content.
“Good content that’s relevant and meaningful to people will find audiences no matter where you put the content, but of course you can be more productive or less productive in reaching larger audiences through certain techniques,” Ascott says.
Outside the digital realm, conflict and social disruption in the MENA region can open people’s hearts to messages of hope.
“And so these very challenging times are also times of opportunities for the Gospel,” Ascott points out.
Please pray for the team at SAT-7 as they navigate opportunities to share the Gospel in the MENA region. Pray that as people in theocratic countries such as Iran and Turkiye question Islam, they will find answers in Christ.
“We have brothers and sisters in very difficult places today that are facing challenges very few of us understand,” Ascott says. “So continue to pray for the Christians in the Middle East and the church in the Middle East.”
Featured photo courtesy of Fabien Bazanegue via Unsplash
