Persecution

Christians in the Middle East: persecution and encouragement

There are plenty of good things happening in the Middle East. Steps have been taken toward democratic reforms in some countries. Thousands of Iranians are turning to Christ despite persecution and danger. The light of God is still shining, even if there are efforts to extinguish it. Millions of Christians continue to live in the Middle East (Copts in Egypt, Lebanese and Palestinians, plus new Iranian converts and Asian guest workers in the Gulf States and Saudi Arabia). Yet tens of thousands of Christians have fled the Middle East because of persecution or discrimination during the past 20 years (especially Palestinians, Lebanese, Iranians and Iraqis). Recently, Iraq has seen significant violence against Christians (burning of church buildings, kidnappings, murder and other terrorist acts), forcing many of Iraq’s Chaldo-Assyrians and other Christians to seek refuge in Jordan and Syria or elsewhere. (The Chaldo-Assyrian Christians speak Aramaic — the language spoken by Jesus). On a positive note, the Iraqi government and the Grand Ayatollah Sistani have denounced the attacks against Christians.

A major source of encouragement for Middle-Eastern Christians in recent years has been the satellite broadcasts of a television network called SAT-7 (www.sat7.org). This network provides the churches and Christians of the Middle East and North Africa with an opportunity to know Christ better through inspirational, informative, and educational television services, as well as a platform for a sensitive witness to all those outside the Church. The non-political programming of SAT-7 seeks to reflect all Christian belief and practice and avoids criticism of other denominations and ethnic and other religious groups. The broadcasts are not overtly seeking to convert Muslims to Christianity, but they do aim to dispel negative stereotypes that non-Christians have concerning Christians, the Church and Christ. In that sense, SAT-7 is bringing increased understanding between Muslims and Christians, and allowing Muslims to arrive at informed judgments about the Christian faith.

Here are a few quotes from SAT-7 viewers:
* “SAT-7 is a great channel that plays an important role in our spiritual life, especially because it links us, who live in areas where there are no churches, to the church activities. I commend you for the great and diversified programmes.” (an Egyptian woman living in Saudi Arabia)
* “Words are not enough to describe the admiration, love, and joy we have from watching SAT-7 programmes.” (three children from Palestine)
* “Thank you very much for these excellent programmes which fill us with joy, peace, and faith. My family, and I gather daily around the TV to watch these programmes and pray for you.” (a man from Israel/Palestine)

Prayer points

* Pray for love, courage and perseverance for the Middle-Eastern Christians (2 Tim 1:7-10; Acts 4:29-31; Matt 5:11-12, 44).
* Most Middle-Eastern Christians have suffered various injustices from their Muslim neighbours. Pray that they can fully place their confidence in God and his faithfulness. (Rom 12:21; Matt 5:16; Heb 6:10)
* Pray for the continued success of SAT-7 as a means of encouraging and edifying Christians in the Middle East and helping them in their life and witness for Christ.. Pray that the staff and collaborators will continue to produce life-giving programmes. SAT-7 needs increased funding to offer additional programming (currently limited to about three hours per day of new output for its 24-hour broadcast service): please pray for increased funding.

Note: Please consider participating in the worldwide “Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church” on November 6th or 13th (the date depends on your country of residence). Check out the website www.persecutedchurch.org for more.

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