Iran (MNN) — Religious freedom and women’s rights are under attack in the Persian-speaking world.
Iran’s oppressive treatment of women continues despite months of protests. Afghanistan – ruled by the Taliban for over two years now – is barring women and girls from most areas of public life.
SAT-7 recently surveyed Persian viewers about religious freedom and women’s rights. Joe Willey with SAT-7 USA says, “We are curious to see the viewers’ responses in nations like Iran and Afghanistan because they are not nations that have freedom for people to worship.”
Read the results of the survey here.
“Christian respondents often said, ‘We want freedom to believe because we are all equal in Christ. We want freedom for men and women because God created men and women to complete each other,’” Willey says.
“It is encouraging to see that believers in these countries are holding fast to the truth of Scripture.”
One “secret believer” in the region described the price he paid for following Jesus.
“This person says, ‘I was rejected by my family and deprived of my father’s inheritance due to my change of belief. I’ve lived secretly for 15 years,’” Willey says.
Women like Nadia often feel depressed living with limited options. But SAT-7 programs teach them that they can still be triumphant! “Ever since I’ve been watching your programs, I feel better. Life is more beautiful.” #GodsLoveIsVisible
(Photo/Caption Courtesy SAT-7)
Survey results will help Christian programmers develop content for Insiders, a popular show on SAT-7’s Persian channel, SAT-7 PARS.
“SAT-7 is a Christian broadcaster in a region where 97 percent of people are not Christians,” Willey says.
“We tailor our programming to help give comfort, hope, pray, and answer difficult questions. That’s why it’s important to hear directly from viewers and not make assumptions.”
Pray for wisdom for SAT-7 programmers. Pray the content they develop will bring truth and hope to Christian and non-Christian viewers.
“Not all SAT-7 viewers are Christians. Some watch SAT-7 to answer questions about Christianity,” Willey says.
Header image courtesy of SAT-7.
