Originally published in Urban Christian News
An interactive satellite television programme called Signal is giving a voice to persecuted Christians in Iran.
“For quite some time before we started producing and broadcasting the programme, we were always trying to find a unique approach for the Christians, especially those residing inside the country, for being their voice,” said Reza Jafari, host of the show, to The Christian Post.
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“Most of the Christian TV programmes [available on Satellite TV in Iran] are either teaching programmes or theological programmes that are sort of like a monologue.”
So Jafari, who converted to Christianity in 2003, wanted to introduce a new way to encourage Christians living in the Middle East and created a platform one and a half years ago to allow Christians to share their testimonies through Signal.
The programme broadcasts to 25 countries across the Middle East and North Africa on its Farsi-speaking channel, SAT-7 PARS. Jafari and his co-host Niloufar Raisi talk to believers through Skype calls, pre-recorded interviews, or live calls. Many of these Christians are Muslim converts outside of Iran or believers who still live in the country.
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“One outstanding story and testimony of someone that we had on the show was a pre-recorded testimony from an Afghan convert,” Jafari shared. “He was part of a Taliban militia group in Afghanistan. His job was to murder people or go to war. His story and journey of transformation that he was sharing in our programme was really inspiring.
“Whether it comes out in a very simple way or with simple words, it is inspiring for us. A lot of times when I talk with my colleagues or with the producer of the programme, I call these people — like Muslim converts that decided to follow Jesus — I call them silent heroes. Because knowing all the consequences and yet deciding to follow Christ and staying inside the country and staying firm in their faith, it’s inspiring.”
