It was on 2nd May 1997 that The Bible Channel had its first television broadcast via satellite into the Arab World.
Why is the Arab World so important?
The Arab World lies at the very heart of the 10/40 window. No region of the world has been so resistant to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we are serious in our commitment to provide a valid opportunity for every person to experience the truth and saving power of Jesus Christ, we cannot ignore the compelling realities of the Arab World.
Twenty one Arabic-speaking countries are spread across North Africa, the Central Middle East and the Gulf. Together, they have a population of over 270 million people, and of that number, a mere 15 to 20 million are Christians.
The Church in the Arab World has been persecuted for the past 1,400 years. It has been next to impossible to plant new churches and most Christians in the region have no freedom to practise their faith openly. In many places it is even illegal to invite people into your home and hold Christian meetings, or even own a copy of the Holy Bible. As a result, new Christians are afraid to go to a church or to visit a Christian home due to fear of persecution from the family and the secret police.
In spite of this, there are hundreds and even thousands of small house group meetings where believers meet and study the Word of God secretly.
How can we reach the Arab World?
See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19-20
Until recently, all television in the Arab world has been government controlled. With nearly 100 million households now having access to satellites, satellite broadcasts are able to take Bible teaching right into the heart of the Arab World, overcoming political and religious boundaries. In recent years, the adoption of the Internet has also been fast paced thereby reaching a wide audience.
With access to over 200 TV channels and the Internet, these two methods are now considered to be the best source of international uncensored news and entertainment. Each method has its merits. For instance, some in the region can read little more than their own name, for them, a television screen is their window to the world. Now, with the explosion in internet usage, video on demand programs are made available.
We thank God for providing us with the use of media that helps us MAKE DISCIPLES and take the WORD of GOD to the our target audience and assist in planting house churches without boundaries.
The Culture of the Arab World
The culture of the Arab world is one of enjoying television, video and satellite television broadcasts. Even those in poverty seemingly have access to television, video cassette recorders and even a satellite dish. This is due to the hospitable Arab culture where friends, neighbours and relatives often gather together in one home to watch television.
Our Challenge
We now have the means to communicate into areas which were formerly hard to penetrate. The challenge for The Bible Channel is to aid this group of Christians by enabling them to receive the necessary teaching so that they can become true fervent disciples of Jesus Christ.
How do we pray for the Arab World?
Satan has erected many walls to keep Arabs from being open to the Gospel. Political and national barriers have been created between Christians and Arabs throughout history. The crusades of the 11th and 13th centuries developed deep and lasting wounds of bitterness.
First of all worship God for who He is. Thank Him for his great love, mercy, and compassion. Declare His sovereignty and majesty. Secondly, pray for the Church worldwide - especially in the Arab nations. Pray for strength, courage, determination, boldness, and protection for the believers there. Thirdly, pray for the lost. Many Arabs are coming to the Lord through dreams and visions. Pray for a divine visitation for key Arab leaders, that they might see Jesus for who He really is. Pray for mercy and peace for the nations that are in turmoil, and the massive number of refugees caught in various struggles.
Remember, the fervent prayer of the righteous avails much!