International (MNN) ― During the month of Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance into the future, and try to purify themselves.
The fast is supposed to help redirect the heart away from worldly activities, cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm.
Properly observing the fast is supposed to induce a comfortable feeling of peace and calm. The daily fast is broken at sundown with a large feast.
That's the religious side of Ramadan. For the nominal Muslim population in the Middle East, the ritual fast and celebrations have lost some of their significance and have become more a time for family gatherings.
David Harder, Communications Manager with SAT-7, says when they break their fast together and sit down for a huge meal, they also watch television together. "All the satellite channels that are focused on the Middle East put their best shows on, trying to capture this huge audience."
Local TV channels also know that violent and controversial films can help, says Harder. But it's also an opportune time to share a distinctly different message. "Right now, what we at SAT-7 are doing is also trying to capture some of the audience with some of our programs to help people find out more about Jesus and also about the peace that they can have through knowing Jesus."
SAT-7's new "Peace Amidst Violence" campaign uses its programming to address the issue of violence, challenging viewers to think about Christ and how they can respond to violence around them.
Throughout the rest of this year, SAT-7 will be broadcasting a number of promotional spots and special programs that will help viewers consider how they can build communities of peace.
"People can be praying that those who are seeking to know the true God will experience Him. We're hoping at SAT-7, both for new Christians and for those who may be seeking, that they'll really come to know the true and living God during this time."
