On September 9, Iran's parliament voted in favour of a draft law that would mandate the death penalty for those convicted of apostasy, a charge frequently brought against Christians in the country.
The legislation defines an apostate as "any Muslim who clearly announces that he/she has left Islam and declares blasphemy." It is clearly aimed to deter conversion from Islam.
The state of the church in Iran is not good, on the face of things. Without a safe place to practice or share their faith, believers have been forced underground.
However, David Harder with SAT-7 says despite the brutality faced by Christians, the church is growing.
SAT-7 PARS is one avenue believers are relying on for teaching and discipling. "For many people, not only in Iran, but also in Afghanistan and even in Tajikistan where they speak Farsi-derivative languages, some people are using the broadcasts as their only church service. They will actually gather regularly to watch the programs."
SAT-7 PARS reaches viewers who seek basic knowledge about Christianity and those who need encouragement in their Christian faith.
SAT-7's CEO Terence Ascott says the programming on SAT-7 PARS is meeting a very specific need. "This year we have seen responses from children triple and responses to our SAT-7 ARABIC and PARS channels more than double!"
Harder says prayer support is most needed because "often the Christians in Iran feel very isolated, very alone. Pray that the Christians in Iran would be encouraged--that they would feel that they're not alone by watching Christian television and radio and other means. Pray also for more freedom for the churches in Iran."
The costs of production and operations for SAT-7 have been rising steadily. Funding issues hold back further expansion. But between now and January 15, 2009, an anonymous donor has agreed to triple every first-time donation to SAT-7, up to 1 million dollars. Click here if you can help.
