Faith-based media organization offers traumatized Iranian kids emotional, spiritual support
NICOSIA, Cyprus — Iran’s war-traumatized children are turning to the airwaves for emotional and spiritual support as missiles and airstrikes wreak havoc on the capital, Tehran.
Since the war with Israel erupted, days of relentless and devastating missile barrages have left the city of 10 million people reeling — and Iranian children in fear and shock.
“It’s really beyond words, not knowing when you close your eyes at night if you’ll live to see the sunrise,” said 10-year-old Negar, one of thousands of children who are tuning into SAT-7, a faith-based satellite television network and online media ministry that airs locally-produced programs across Iran.
Its channels provide a rare glimpse into what’s really going through the minds of Iranians, including Iran’s children, as the conflict intensifies.
Many Iranian children say they’re too scared to sleep at night.
“Last night, five or six missiles flew right over our heads,” said 10-year-old Sarina. “I haven’t been able to sleep at all. I’m so scared.”
Sarina says she’s reading the Bible, searching for comfort. “I keep reading this verse from Psalm 118… ‘I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done’,” she said.
Maryam Rassouli, presenter of the Christian network’s Persian-language children’s program that’s viewed across Iran, says it’s emotional talking to children who are suffering through the war.
What Hurts Most
“What hurts the most is thinking of the children (experiencing) violence, fear, and loss,” she said, “but they still hold onto hope and onto God.”
Iran’s Christian population is reportedly among the fastest-growing in the world, even though believers there face possible imprisonment, torture, and sometimes death if discovered.
SAT-7 aims to encourage Christians across the Middle East and North Africa, using satellite television, online streaming, and social media apps to avoid censorship.
One young Iranian viewer, Hanieh, said, “I’ve been feeling a lot of different emotions, but these times are a kind of opportunity, a chance for us to get to know God better and trust him more.”
The network’s viewer support team responds to thousands of requests for prayer, offering emotional and spiritual support across Iran and the entire region.
“This is not about politics,” said John Cerniglia, president of SAT-7 USA, the network’s American arm. “This is about bringing hope to people who are suffering right now across Iran and the entire region, including isolated Christians, and making God’s love visible to everyone.”
###
Launched in 1996, SAT-7 USA is part of a global Christian media network that broadcasts educational and faith-based programs across the Middle East and North Africa. With international headquarters in Cyprus, SAT-7 offers 24/7 content in Arabic, Farsi, Turkish, and Dari via satellite television and digital platforms, with the mission to make the Gospel accessible and support the Church in its witness for Christ.
Contact:
Palmer Holt
SAT-7
704-662-2569
[email protected]
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RNS or Religion News Foundation.
