Iran (MNN) — Iran and Israel’s open conflict simmered down after the June 24 ceasefire, but the narratives are still coming fast. Dozens of voices offer their interpretations of the events surrounding the 12-day war.
But in the clamor, Christians need to find and hold onto the Kingdom realities.
“No matter what country — but especially in the Middle East, which seems so different from the West — there are men and women, boys and girls who are made in the image of God,” says Joe Willey with SAT-7.
“I think as long as we look through that lens, we will see people who should hear the gospel. We will see people with compassion and mercy. Because after all, God has given me great mercy.”
SAT-7’s Persian channel (SAT-7 PARS) broadcasts not only for adults but for children as well.
“One of the heartbreaking things certainly is when adults contact SAT-7, but it truly is when children [do],” Willey says. “We think about children as these young innocents — and in many ways, they are. But if you grew up in conflict, I don’t know what your innocence would look like. It certainly is not the innocence that I grew up in.”
SAT-7 PARS went live on satellite and social media with a special episode of ‘Church4Kids’, which focused on helping young viewers to manage their emotions during times of crisis. (Photo, caption courtesy of SAT-7 via Facebook)
One little girl in Iran named Sarina sent this message to SAT-7’s Persian channel team during the 12-day conflict:
“I want to ask you to pray for me. Last night, five or six missiles flew right over our heads. Since then, I haven’t been able to sleep at all. I was so scared. We keep reading this verse, ‘I will not die but live and will proclaim what the Lord has done.’ Psalm 118:17.”
In the midst of this heaviness, the viewer support team at SAT-7 PARS receives prayer requests and gives biblical encouragement to children and adults.
“SAT-7 will receive heartfelt, distraught questions from people who say, ‘Where is God? Why would God let this happen? Is there hope for me? Am I going to die?’” says Willey.
“SAT-7 provides an eternal perspective. [It] provides the gospel to people who are fearful that this is their last day.”
The conflict with Iran and Israel will likely have another chapter. Please pray for more people across the Middle East to realize the hope found only in Jesus.
“I pray that we can beg God for mercy, beg God that the gospel would continue to reach hearts and change not only countries, but change the world,” says Willey.
Header photo: Children in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran (Representative stock photo courtesy of Amin Alavi via Unsplash)
