Taking on the Terrorism Fallout

Taking on the Terrorism Fallout

 

By Jeremy Reynalds, Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service (jeremyreynalds@gmail.com)  

 

EASTON, MD  (ANS -- November 23, 2015) -- SAT-7 encourages Arab Christians to cling to their faith and recognize God’s presence in hard times, and it said in a news release, monitored by the ASSIST News Service, that it is quick to respond to current events and bring a spiritual perspective often missing in other reporting. 

 

The organization commented, “There is a desperate need for hope and reconciliation in the Middle East and North Africa, and it’s evident these needs exist in Europe and the West too.” 

 

Just over a week ago, Lebanon mourned Beirut’s deadliest bombings since its civil war. On the same day, Paris also faced tragic bombings on a massive scale. Just prior, a Russian plane was bombed in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. 

 

All three acts were claimed by the militant group ISIS and, at what it described as a critically devastating moment, the SAT-7 current affairs program Bridges covered the events for concerned and grieving viewers.

 

The fallout of terrorism extends beyond the lives taken during attacks. 

 

SAT-7 said that Egypt’s tourism industry, for example, has taken a dive, meaning workers are being laid off, wondering how they will pay rent and buy groceries for their families. Public morale is suffering as people wonder how God could let such ugly things happen. 

 

Fear and social ripples that result (something with which the Middle East and North Africa are all too familiar), are becoming a public concern in Europe and the United States.

 

During the Bridges episode, host Bassem Maher discussed the Sinai plane crash and how Egypt’s tourism industry can recover from the hit. 

 

Tourism industry experts and business owners called to discuss how the government and investors are working in cooperation to boost the industry. 

 

SAT-7 said, “This not only showed empathy for those affected by the plane crash, but also provided hope that the future could be better.”

 

A final segment of the program asked, “Why does God allow pain in humanity, and where is God during times of pain?”

 

Special guests included  Dr. Edram Lamey, a Professor in Comparative Religion, and Rev. Gohar Azmy, Secretary General of the Evangelical Synod. 

 

SAT-7 said they explained that pain results from humans committing sin using the freedom that God gives them. Guests reassured viewers with the example of Joseph in the Old Testament, who underwent severe hardship but was later blessed as he fulfilled God’s plan.

 

SAT-7 said the network is bring used “to remind us He is working His purposes even and especially in the face of evil. Please keep praying for peace throughout the world, and consider continuing your support of SAT-7.”

 

For more information visit www.sat7usa.org

 

Photo captions: 1) Bridges presenter Bassem Maher (SAT-7). 2) Logo. 3) Jeremy and Elma Reynalds.
 

About the writer: Jeremy Reynalds is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, a freelance writer and also the founder and CEO of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, www.joyjunction.org. He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. His newest book is "From Destitute to Ph.D." Additional details on "From Destitute to Ph.D." are available at www.myhomelessjourney.com. Reynalds lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife, Elma. For more information contact: Jeremy Reynalds at jeremyreynalds@gmail.com .