(Screen capture courtesy SAT-7KIDS)

Iraq (MNN/SAT7) — Mr. Know — a TV program host for SAT-7 KIDS program Why is That? — recently returned from Kirkuk, Iraq, and shares a message from refugee children that shows an uncanny depth.

He went to an evangelical church and asked a group of children, “When you pray to God, what do you say?”

Their responses were astounding because even with all that has happened to turn their lives upside down, there is no hate: only love and mercy. One girl, wearing a red poppy barrette in her hair, answered Mr. Know, “I ask Him to forgive those who sinned.”

(Screen capture courtesy SAT-7KIDS)

Mr. Know asked a girl name Vatica what she thanked God for. Her answer was immediate and confident. “For everything.”

For ISIS? For being chased out of their homes? Out of the schools? There’s a whole generation of displaced children who have been on the run for years. Some have never been to school, living the life of a refugee, unwanted, scorned, ignored, forced into poverty.

This is how generational war begins. Yazidi refugees have congregated in Dohuk. When ISIS attacked them, the eradication was absolute. Most fled. Those who stayed behind often died. It was such an affront that a U.S. lawmakers are asking President Barack Obama to label ISIS’ targeting of Christians and Yazidis in the Middle East a “genocide.”

Mr. Know asks a group of boys, “If you see one of them in front of you, would you forgive him?” The oldest promptly answers, “Of course I would forgive him.”

It’s easy to dismiss their answers as overly simplistic, naïv,e or coached for a camera, given the atrocities they’ve survived. Yet, this is where the Gospel comes in. With a heart transformed by Christ, there is forgiveness and hope where there would otherwise be anger and disillusionment.

Next, Mr. Know travelled to Dohuk to talk to the kids there. His first question was a big one: “If you have one thing to say to God now, what would it be?”

The group fidgets a little, before a girl answers. “We want to return to our homes.” It’s the reality these kids face, making the next comment even more down-to-earth in response to the question, “How can you forgive?” One boy says, “Our Father, Jesus, died on the cross and forgave all our sins.”

(Screen capture courtesy SAT-7KIDS)

God has used SAT-7, a Christian satellite television ministry to the Middle East and North Africa, to share God’s grace, love, and forgiveness in the lives of those who follow him, even little children. Pray for the innocent children still looking to Jesus for peace.

In 2007, SAT-7 launched their SAT-7 KIDS program,
broadcasting from Morocco to Afghanistan and reaching thousands of kids with the
message of Christ in Arabic, Farsi and Turkish. And recently, SAT-7 began
partnering with NILE SAT, which offers a bigger satellite platform and a chance to
double or even triple their audience.

Since its inception, Rex Rogers with SAT-7 USA  said their kids
programming has gained popularity, but three shows in
particular–Bedtime Stories with Rita, The Naji Show and Why is That?

The latter show is about to undergo
changes because of how popular it's grown. Rogers said kids have fallen in love
with the show's host, Mr. Know. "It's [an] Egyptian fellow
named Essam, and he answers questions for the children on the air–could be
anything from 'Is Spiderman stronger than Superman?' all the way over to 'My
father died and I wonder where he is.'"

Through this programming, Essam is sharing biblical truths
with viewers and gaining their trust: "There's a lot of kids out there
that are hungry for leadership and hungry for a role model," Rogers said,
and Essam is filling this role for thousands of kids–and even teenagers.

Back in February, 3,000 kids showed up at a Cairo, Egypt
book fair to say hello to Mr. Know. Now, SAT-7 KIDS is giving viewers another
chance to closely interact with one of their favorite characters.

Up to this point, the show has mostly been pre-recorded in
Lebanon. That is about to change: "Well, it has been a recorded program …
We're going to start live programming because it just gives the kids–or for
that matter, adults–a sense of real time interaction. They can call in; they
can email; they can text messages, and we can respond to them, with their permission,
on air and answer their questions directly," Roger said.

This will be SAT-7 KIDS first-ever scheduled live show. Shows will now take place in Egypt–Essam's home, making it more convenient for
him as well.

However, live programming is not without its challenges, as it
costs more; every little detail of logistics is important, and unexpected
circumstances may arise. But overall, it is better programming, which will
better relate to the audience, Rogers said.

Pray for SAT-7 KIDS as they kick off this live show. Pray
that all of the production elements will run smoothly and that this change will make SAT-7 even more accessible to
kids, teenagers and even parents across the Middle East.

Also, you can help supply some of the necessary funds to support live programming and the rest of the work SAT-7 by clicking
here. Or, a new donation opportunity, you can text "SAT-7" to 20222
and donate $10.

Essam, or "Mr. Know," is a popular character on "Why is That?" — a show which invites viewers to send in their questions and receive answers from Mr. Know.

Earlier this month, SAT-7 had a booth at an international book fair, and Mr. Know showed up to say "hi" and sign autographs.

The turnout was incredible, as thousands of young viewers stood in line to meet him.

The man who plays Mr. Know said, "There were so many children! They were bringing their parents, too. It shows that they are watching!"

And when kids are watching, it means they are being exposed to the message of Christ and the hope of eternal life.

Several viewers communicated to SAT-7 how much this program and others on SAT-7 KIDS have helped them or their families.

"You strengthen my faith when I watch your programs, which tells us the wonders of Jesus Christ. You make me feel that I am closer to God," said a girl from the Palestinian area.

Another viewer from Syria said, "God bless all those who work on SAT-7 KIDS. Our child loves your program."

If you would like to become a part of the work SAT-7 is doing, you can visit their Web site: sat7usa.org.