Story number 1 for 29 Aug 2003

(Middle East)–The Middle East tops our news today. With the peace plan in shreds, SAT-7’s Glenn Hartson says despair mounts. Each new act of violence takes its toll on the community, but it also sets the stage for outreach via Christian satellite broadcasts. Hartson describes the spiritual climate. “There’s heightened anxiety. Certainly, the militant movement within some areas is very strong now. But, there also is a great questioning, especially by youth, in particular, who have been disillusioned by what is going on.” Hartson says many tune into their broadcasts because of the hope they find in Christ. That has led to a fruitful ministry that celebrates seven-years this year. He says they’ve never lost sight of their original vision. “What we’re trying to do is to relate, very clearly, the hope that there is in the Gospel, the steadfastness of God’s love, and trying to present a face of Christianity as being an eastern religion, not just a western religion.”