As a new year dawns in this episode, we’ll explore how there is cause for hope in the Middle East. A ceasefire has been agreed between Israel and Hamas; the ceasefire in Lebanon continues, and the new Syrian leadership promises to respect the rights of minorities. But while there is cause for optimism, many people in the region begin another year amidst war and uncertainty, with conflict continuing in Sudan and the fall of the Assad regime leaving many with unanswered questions and an ongoing search for justice.

Resources:

Check out our latest In Conversation podcast, where Emily talks to Egyptian filmmaker Maggie Morgan about Maggie’s latest project, SAT-7 ARABIC programme Today Not Tomorrow, that’s filmed on the back of a lorry as it travels around communities in Egypt asking the questions that no one else is asking.

Prayer Points:

• Please pray for wisdom for Syria’s new leaders, that they may have a heart for unity and peace, and that they will seek to protect the freedoms of Christians and other minorities in Syria.
• Give thanks for the ceasefire deals in Lebanon and the Holy Land and pray that they will lead to permanent peace deals.
• Pray for an immediate end to the conflict in Sudan; that those facing hunger and persecution may be filled with the hope of the Spirit and be able to find courage and strength during this time.
• Pray for the bereaved, injured and displaced across the Middle East and North Africa, that they will experience the Lord’s peace and comfort. Pray for protection and safety of those who have fled their homes.
• Please pray for the SAT-7's ministry in 2025, that our programmes may touch viewers’ hearts and encourage and strengthen isolated believers across the MENA region.

This month Emily Shurmer sits down with Egyptian filmmaker and writer, Maggie Morgan. They discuss how SAT-7's shares Maggie’s passion for human rights and how SAT-7 holds a place close to her heart, from showing her very first film, Asham, to her current role as SAT-7 Egypt's Head of Gender and Freedom of Religion and Belief.

During the conversation they chat about Maggie’s latest project, SAT-7 ARABIC programme Today Not Tomorrow, that’s filmed on the back of a lorry as it travels around communities in Egypt asking the questions that no one else is asking. They explore the practical challenges of filming in the bed of a truck and how tradition and societal norms are impacting women’s experience of pain and suffering. Their conversation ends with Maggie sharing some of the most powerful conversations they’ve had on the show and how they’ve impacted her filmmaking. Take a listen to this fascinating conversation and hear how Today Not Tomorrow is empowering women to ask questions.

Watch the filmed studio interview at: https://www.sat7uk.org/pages/in-conversation-with-maggie-morgan

Welcome to Voices of the Middle East, a SAT-7 UK podcast.

SAT-7 is an international Christian media ministry bringing life-changing joy to the people of the Middle East and North Africa. Last year we had over 103,000 one-to-one conversations with viewers, and through these conversations we are hearing constant stories of the ways God is at work in people’s lives.

In this podcast, we’ll share some of their stories with you, and invite you to pray for SAT-7 and the people of the region.