SAT-7

SAT-7 is a satellite TV network broadcasting in Arabic, Turkish and Persian to 25 countries in the Middle East. They broadcast Christian programmes such as children’s cartoons and educational programmes, talks shows, documentaries, music, and church services. The producers, crew, and presenters are people of the Middle East to ensure the content is culturally relevant and sensitive.

Kurt Yohansen, their director for Asia, spoke to us. According to Kurt, SAT-7 hopes to present one Christian voice in the Middle East that transcends denominational lines, to share the good news.

To him, satellite TV has allowed millions to access Christian content in the privacy of their homes, bypassing barriers of censorship and illiteracy. Almost all homes in the region, even in remote areas, have a satellite dish.

Many have been exposed to a different worldview through the programmes and gradually found hope in Jesus Christ. Persecuted believers have also found hope and strength through the worship services.

Some studios were forced to close and relocate. They also face overwhelming bureaucracy in licensing. However, Kurt testified how the staff persevered and put their trust in the Lord. God always provided a way for them in a timely manner.

To fulfil their mission of becoming a Christian witness, viewers can interact with SAT-7 through calls and direct messages. There are more than 100,000 conversations with viewers per year. Some asked for more information about the faith, while others shared testimonies, comments, and prayer requests.

Most in SBC are more familiar with the missions context in Asia. This sharing opened our eyes to see that the gospel is indeed the power of God unto salvation, and it is unstoppable even in the hardest places. The Spirit-filled prayer meeting ended with the students praying alongside Kurt and SAT-7 for their amazing work.

Cai Chengji
Master of Divinity
英文神学系

OM Singapore

I was apprehensive about OM’s ministry to sex workers. I had judged them as women who had willingly chosen an immoral path. Intellectually, I understood the love of Christ is unconditional, but my heart wrestled with extending grace to those whose actions seemed so contrary to God’s design.

However, my perspective was challenged as I heard Terence, the Associate Director of OM Singapore. He spoke with empathy and not judgement. He emphasized their humanity and difficult circumstances.

Contrary to our assumptions, most are legal workers. Many are from developing countries and lured into the industry by poverty and desperation. This reminded me of the importance of seeing people through the lens of God’s grace rather than my prejudices.

With a focus on building deep friendships, the OM volunteers walk the streets of Geylang to chit-chat and even do Bible study with the pimps. While they are not able to meet the sex workers, their friendships with the pimps offer a means to gift the sex workers small packs of supplies with outreach materials.

Their ministry and faithful prayer embody patience, persistence, and hope. This requires faith that God would work through the seeds they have sown, and the fruits may never be seen by them. OM’s ministry holds valuable lessons: of extending empathy to overcome our prejudice; of being faithful through consistent acts of kindness.

I am reminded of my need to grow in love and compassion for others regardless of their sins and circumstances. Like the Samaritan woman whose testimony caused others to believe in Jesus (John 4: 39), God can use anyone who believes in him. May we step into difficult places to love unconditionally and trust God to work even when the fruits of our labour are not immediately visible.

Jadyn Lau
Master of Arts (Biblical Studies)
英文神学系