"We've climbed a mountain, we've gone through lots of ups and downs, but because Christ is helping us, we have succeeded," says Sara Afshari, SAT-7 PARS Executive Director. On 12 September 2002, six years ago, SAT-7 launched its first broadcasts in Farsi.
"We've grown from one hour a week, to six hours of new programming every day on our own 24-hour channel," says Afshari.
Christians make up less than one percent of the Iranian population, but their numbers are believed to be growing. Millions of young people, who make up the largest demographic group in a country of 70 million people, are disillusioned with life around them. Many are turning to drugs and even suicide, but others are searching for the hope that can be found in Christ.
"Many viewers tell us that SAT-7 PARS is where they go to get their 'spiritual food,'" says Afshari. SAT-7 PARS is committed to broadcasting God's love to Iranians, and helping to disciple Iranian believers.
While SAT-7 has been broadcasting in Farsi/Persian for six years, SAT-7 PARS became its own 24-hour channel less than two years ago, in December 2006. Since then the number of staff creating or commissioning programmes has grown from four to twelve and the audience response has also grown significantly.
The SAT-7 PARS audience relations department currently receives about 1,000 contacts from viewers per week.
One young woman in Iran contacted SAT-7 PARS to tell the broadcaster that she had come to Christ through its programmes.
"At the time I was close to killing myself. Your programmes are really helping me, especially lately when I had a hard time forgiving my brother-in-law. But I watched your teaching programme, "The Parables of Christ" and the presenter gave a message about forgiveness. That helped me a lot and now things are going well."
One SMS received from Iran said, "In the past, through my studies, I came to the conclusion that Christianity was a heresy. However, when I started watching your programmes on SAT-7 PARS, I realised that it is the most complete of all religions. It is a religion that shows happiness in this world and the world to come. Jesus raised people from the dead and gave them life. Blessed are those who are the followers of this religion."
