Iran (MNN) – Iran’s conflict with the United States and Israel is entering its sixth day, and much of the country has once again been plunged into a communication blackout.
As the Islamic regime seeks to keep its grip on power, authorities are restricting internet access to control information. Connectivity has fallen below 1% in some areas, forcing Iranians to use VPNs and other covert methods to share videos and images of airstrikes.
Satellite television broadcasters like SAT-7 have become a critical — and often the only — source of independent information and biblical encouragement.
Photo courtesy of Artin Bakhan via Unsplash
John Cerniglia, President of SAT-7 USA, says, “We reach probably half a million viewers in Iran any given day, and we hear from about 50 of them per day.”
SAT-7 PARS, the ministry’s Farsi-language channel, broadcasts 24/7 directly into Iran, bypassing government censorship.
“It’s illegal to own a satellite, and actually the government will scan the rooftops of buildings and confiscate satellite dishes,” says Cerniglia. “Of course, it’s impossible to do that widespread in a nation of 85 million people…. We’re on the predominant satellite network that reaches Iran…and it is unblockable and uncensorable.”
SAT-7’s programming focuses on spiritual hope for Iranian Christians and those searching for truth and encouragement. Cerniglia explains, “We provide expository teaching, live shows, and thematic programs, helping viewers understand a biblical worldview and response to current events.
“Even in times of war, our goal is to provide guidance, hope, and pastoral care to those navigating fear, uncertainty, and trauma.”
(Photo courtesy of SAT-7)
Many viewers are part of Iran’s underground Church and contact SAT-7 via phone, email, or secure platforms like WhatsApp. The reports from recent months reveal the danger they face.
“When the government was cracking down, we heard from a viewer who told us that they were in an emergency room in a hospital, and the Iranian government came in and were shooting and killing patients [who were] seeking treatment because they had been out on the streets protesting the government.”
Amid the current strikes and uncertainty, fear is rising. Yet, faith persists. Cerniglia shares a prayer that SAT-7 received from a viewer in Iran.
“He wrote: ‘With all the sorrow, how can a man lay his head on the pillow and sleep?… Oh God, I believe that you are present and see all the injustice. So I lift my hands to you, and in the name of your only beloved Son, I ask you to intervene. Oh God, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I ask you to shape the future of Iran according to your perfect will and bring joy and laughter in place of tears and sadness. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.'”
Cerniglia asks, “Be praying that God’s hope would be just so obvious and accessible and visible to people – that the work of the Holy Spirit would overtake the work of a fearful mind or heart. I’m praying that God would work in miraculous ways, that the Prince of Peace would reign and rule in a region of darkness.”
Learn more about SAT-7’s vital broadcast ministry in Iran at sat7usa.org.
Header photo: Courtesy of SAT-7.
