Christian satellite broadcaster SAT-7 is responding to the escalating tsunami disaster by enlisting Arab nations to pray for its victims.
As the official death toll surges past 230,000, the producers at SAT-7 have begun broadcasting a call to prayer throughout the Arab world in the form of a series of television spots.
Three prayers now airing urge viewers to pray that the Lord Almighty will grant grieving family members his mercy and love, as well as provide for their immediate needs.
SAT-7 CEO, Terry Ascott, says the disaster is a hot topic in the Middle East.
"Many people in the Arab world are asking "Why did some live while so many perished?' Some say the tsunami is God's judgment on the sins of that part of Asia"”where some cities are well known for prostitution and other vices," he says.
Nader Hanna, one of SAT-7's Middle Eastern television producers says the prayer spots help show Muslims in the region understand the heart of God.
"We know that prayer opens Heaven's gates and brings to Earth the mercies of God" this is why we want to engage the members our audience in prayer," says Mr Hanna.
The commercials are silent and include the words:
"Dear Lord Almighty, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, on behalf of all the suffering, grieving people of Asia who have lost family loved ones we plead with you to grant them your mercy and love, and to give them a time to weep and mourn for those they have lost. We also ask you to provide for their immediate needs of food, water and medicines" "
The SAT-7 Arabic prayer spots also include encouragements to donate to major charities carrying out relief work in countries devastated by the tsunami.
SAT-7 staff are also taping interviews with Middle Eastern survivors of the disaster, Arabic Christian leaders, theologians and even a Christian geologist asking why they believe God allows these events to occur.
Mr. Ascott says it is important to present the Middle East with a picture of a personal God.
"While we will never fully understand the "why' until we reach Heaven, we do know we serve a good and loving God. We at SAT-7 pray that God's glory and grace will be revealed in the midst of the Indian Ocean disaster."
Tsunami destruction photo courtesy YWAM
