In this month's powerful episode, my co-host Martin Thomas and I were honoured to be joined by two inspiring guests from Sudan, Samuel Luak and Rafat Samir. Together, we reflected on the current conflict in Sudan, the everyday realities people are facing, the experience of Christians, and where hope can still be found. It makes for an incredibly striking and moving conversation.

As violence and displacement continue to devastate lives across Sudan, this conflict has too often faded from international attention and yet it has become the world's largest humanitarian crises. In this episode Samuel and Rafat bravely share their personal experiences of the conflict, helping us to better understand the human impact and why it is so important that the global Church does not forget the people of Sudan. As we listen to their stories, we are reminded of the importance of standing with them in prayer and continuing to raise awareness of the ongoing crisis.

We also explore how God is at work in the midst of unimaginable hardship. From stories of remarkable resilience to the vital role of Christian community and media ministry, this conversation reminds us that even in the darkest circumstances, hope in Christ continues to shine. It is an invitation not only to listen and learn, but also to pray, to stand alongside our Sudanese brothers and sisters, and to keep their stories alive.

While it might not be the easiest conversation, we hope this episode will deepen your understanding of the situation in Sudan, encourage you to pray for our brothers and sisters there, and remind you that God is at work even amid conflict and suffering.

Whether you’re listening on your favourite podcast platform or via the SAT-7 UK website, we’re glad you’ve joined us around the table.

SAT-7 UK: https://www.sat7uk.org/

SAT-7 UK Podcasts: https://www.sat7uk.org/pages/sat-7-uk-podcast/

Thank you for listening and praying along with 7 ways to pray, a SAT-7 UK podcast. For more ways to pray for SAT-7 and the Middle East and North Africa, download our monthly Prayer Diary at sat7uk.org/pray.

Show Notes Links:

• Watch and listen to Prom Praise
• Around the Table - Let the Children Come: Seeing Every Child Through Jesus’ Eyes
• Work with SAT-7 UK as a Graphic Designer
• Download our monthly prayer calendar with daily prayer points to inspire focused intercession for the Middle East and North Africa. In this month's edition, we focus our prayers on praise and worship, online safety, and SAT-7 PARS viewer support. Download your PDF or an easy-to-print version here.

In this episode of Around the Table, my co-host George Makeen and I are joined by SAT-7's very own Emily Shurmer and Andrea El-Mounayer for a thoughtful and timely conversation exploring the lives, faith, and experiences of children, both in the UK and across the MENA region.

Together we reflect on what it means to see children through Jesus’ eyes – recognising their dignity, value, and worth, and considering how we can nurture faith, compassion, and curiosity in the next generation. As children today navigate an increasingly complex world, we explore some of the realities shaping their lives, while also highlighting the surprising similarities in children’s experiences across cultures and contexts.

Join us as we discuss how SAT-7 is responding to the spiritual and emotional needs of children in the MENA through faith-filled programming that brings hope, encouragement, and biblical truth into homes across the region. We explore the unique power of storytelling and television to help children engage with Scripture in meaningful and accessible ways.

Our guests are also keen to highlight the importance of understanding the Bible in its Middle Eastern context and as part of SAT-7 UK’s vision to help equip children with greater awareness of the region and deeper biblical literacy – Emily Shurmer introduces her incredible latest creation, our brand-new children’s colouring and activity book, A Very Middle Eastern Bible Atlas.

Whether you’re listening on your favourite podcast platform or via the SAT-7 UK website, we’re glad you’ve joined us around the table.

SAT-7 UK: https://www.sat7uk.org/

SAT-7 UK Podcasts: https://www.sat7uk.org/pages/sat-7-uk-podcast/

A Very Middle Eastern Bible Atlas: https://shop.sat7uk.org/products/a-very-middle-eastern-bible-atlas