Lutheran Hour Ministries has been strategically partnered with SAT-7, the first and largest Middle East and North African Christian satellite television network, for several years. Through this partnership, millions of Persian-speaking children, youth, and women are hearing the Gospel daily on television programs. One of the popular children’s series offered through this partnership is Golpand, which means “beautiful” or “golden advice” and shares the hope that comes from a relationship with Jesus.
Although the programs have proved to be successful, during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), SAT-7 was faced with the difficult task of keeping employees safe while providing live programming to share the Word of God as millions of people were confined in their homes.
Although the channels were left to work with fewer staff as a result of COVID-19, producers, presenters, and crew worked diligently to ensure as many live programs as possible could be aired instead of relying on pre-recorded programs. “We are making every effort to ensure our live programs continue, our audience relations teams can respond to our viewers, and that whatever happens over the coming weeks and months, SAT-7 will continue its ministry,” shares SAT-7 CEO.
A church in Beirut cancelled their in-person Sunday church service because of COVID-19 concerns but encouraged the congregation to worship at home through SAT-7. With so many new cases of COVID-19 each day, and people staying at home to slow the spread, “our programs are once again a crucial lifeline to many, with our regular viewers expecting to be able to contact us and participate in the programs,” says the director of SAT-7 PARS.
SAT-7’s USA president, comments, “People once turned to God, the church, or family. Today, not so much, and now for public health, churches are closing their doors. In this chaos and crisis, SAT-7’s broadcasting ministry continues to beam the Light into darkness, reminding people the Sovereign God is with us; He has not forgotten, He loves us, He is our source of solace, protection, and peace.”