Sara is a 30-year-old Arab woman. As such, she represents a very marginalized demographic and holds little worth in her community. She may or may not be married, may or may not have children. She doesn’t know the love and saving grace
of Jesus.

In September, our Arabic media partner launched a new ministry to reach "Sara," the name given to the ministry's target demographic. All content is focused on speaking to Sara. It is the first and only 24-7 Christian media program exclusively for Arab women. The impact of the ministry launch has been immediate, as a number of Saras from the Arabic-speaking world have listened and responded. Weekly social media engagement is at more than 180,000, with more than 10,000 followers representing 20 Arabic-speaking countries. Of the followers, 98% are women, mostly aged 25-34. 

As our regional director in the area says, “Living behind a veil publicly all your life affects how you feel about yourself. We want these women to see their worth before their Creator.”

Women represent 65% of the Arab world’s population, but they are largely underestimated and often neglected. What women lack in community standing, they make up for in influence. Women tend to be more spiritually open, and they usually decide what media plays in their home. If she is listening, the rest of the house is listening. And she is more likely to share it with her friends, as the social media numbers can attest. Our director says, “Most Arab children are taught on the knee of their mother. Therefore, it is important to reach her.”

The work happening right now through the Arabic media programming for women demonstrates the power of partnership. Our partner already had many tools in place, but after a few introductions, it was obvious that we shared the same philosophy and calling for the unreached. Reach Beyond could provide financial support, production and training, while our partner could provide the media platform and follow-up. The collaboration has had a multiplication effect.

“The follow-up component was very important to us. We aren’t just broadcasting the gospel to the masses, but there is also the 1:1 relationship. When a listener or social media follower responds, the follow-up comes from someone within their culture, someone who speaks their heart language. The discipleship piece is vital,” says the director.

JESUS CAME TO RESCUE AND SAVE, NOT TO CONDEMN

Layia, a beautiful married woman with two children, came to our partner through the social media page. Although she wore the hijab in the presence of any male outside of her immediate family, men were attracted to her. She eventually betrayed her husband. Although she felt shame and wanted to stop, she didn’t know how.

When Layia reached out, our partner spoke with her about the source of sin and the message of salvation. They explained that in order to stop our sinful ways, we have to accept the work of God in our lives. We can’t do it without Him.

“We sent her the story of Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in adultery. The story showed how Jesus dealt with her without condemning her, even though all the people were ready to persecute her. We told her that Jesus did not come to condemn people, but to rescue them and save them,” our partner said. “So, we asked her if she believed in what Jesus did on the cross. She said yes. We prayed together, and she gave her life to Christ.”

SAVED BY GRACE, NOT BY WORKS

Aquila* reached out to our partner with many questions. An educated woman and a professor, Aquila is married, but she does not have joy. She has financial stress, the people in her life make her feel depressed, and God has not yet given her children. She also feels like God is sometimes angry with her because she does not perform her religious duties as she should. In her culture, a person earns forgiveness through favor and sacrificial work.

“I asked her what she thinks is required by God in order for Him to love her, and then I explained the story of sin, salvation and God’s redemption of mankind. She liked what I said. She admitted that her ideas were mixed up and that our words were healing her soul,” our partner said. “She asked me how to become a child of God and asked for continued conversation.”

MEETING THE NEEDS OF EVERYDAY LIFE

The programming addresses everyday life with a Christian perspective and women are responding. The ministry received 1,900 private messages through its social media channel in just the first two weeks of broadcasting.

A 25-year-old physical therapist contacted the ministry and asked for help to solve an issue between her and her mother. The mother is pressuring the woman to get married, believing her daughter is getting too old. This has caused the woman to lose confidence in herself and hate her life. The partner worked to build trust and encourage the woman in practical ways.

Another woman lost her father when she was a child. She tries to fill the void by falling in love with any man who gets close, and consequently, has been deeply hurt many times. The partner is guiding her in a process of inner healing to be able to walk in the correct path and make better choices.

Other women talk about marriage trouble and pain in life. They bring their burdens and open up about considering suicide and divorce. They ask questions about sin and God’s judgment. They reach out and hear a story about grace freely given, redemption and love. They express thanks that there is programming just for women.

GOD IS MOVING AMONG THE ARABIC WORLD

More than 400 million people in 22 countries speak Arabic. There is a hunger
and a thirst for the Voice of Truth, but there aren’t enough witnesses. Media helps
to cover the gaps.

“It is a lie of the enemy that Arabs don’t like Christians,” said the partner. “They have rejected the traditional church, but they love Jesus. There is more openness to the gospel now than there has been in the last 500 years. We just need the resources.”

*names changed for security and privacy

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Give:

By giving to the work of Reach Beyond, you can support outreach like our Arabic media programming, so that the Good News is proclaimed among the least reached. Visit reachbeyond.org/give and donate today.

Go:

Spots are still open in our 2019 VOICE Internship for students and young professionals. You will get hands on experience building media content to help reach the unreached through broadcast media. To learn more, visit reachbeyond.org/internship

PRAY:

Pray for the women listening to our media programs to have hearts open for the gospel. Pray that this ministry will have an impact not only in their life, but will help to bring entire families to Christ.