Confiscated TV Equipment Returned


A time of worship during the
SAT-7 TV program.

Satellite TV broadcaster, SAT-7, recently announced that all of the television broadcasting and production equipment that was confiscated by officials last year has been returned to the studios. "We know many people worldwide have been praying for this moment and for the staff in Egypt," acknowledges the broadcaster's representative. "Thank you for all your support during this difficult period."

On October 10th, Egypt's censorship police had taken away the broadcaster's vitally needed equipment -- including television cameras, studio lights and editing suites -- as part of an investigation into SAT-7's operations. As a result, the production team has not been able to screen live shows or record many of their Christian programmes, resulting in enormous costs for the television broadcaster. To review a previous report on the situation, go to this page.

May the Lord somehow redeem the time and added expense that resulted from the confiscation of the broadcasting equipment during these past months, as well as the added legal costs...further blessing the tremendous outreach of this effective television program so multitudes more in Egypt will come to the personal knowledge of Jesus as their Saviour and Lord. Pray for new doors of opportunity to be made available to SAT-7 so the television ministry will have an even greater sphere of influence, reaching beyond the country's borders into several other areas of the Middle East. May His faithful servants at SAT-7 be further strengthened, encouraged and equipped as they continue fulfilling God's mandate of ministry during these crucial times.

  • Country Information

    Population
    109,546,720 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Egyptian (99.7), other (0.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (90), Christianity (10)

    Leader
    President Abdelfattah Said El-Sisi (2014)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system based on Napoleonic civil and penal law, Islamic religious law, and vestiges of colonial-era laws

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Egypt

    Pray on behalf of those who are facing economic and social challenges because of their Christian faith. Ask the Lord to provide for their spiritual and practical needs – further strengthening and emboldening them so they can effectively share the message of the Gospel with others in their communities. May the hearts of those who hear it be open and receptive to the wonderful truths contained in God’s Word.

Egypt News

  • Temporary Church Building Burned
    Two images of a room full of chairs. In the first, the chairs are neatly arranged. In the second, the chairs and interior of the building are burned.
    The temporary church building before and after the arson attack.
    Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

    Local Christians in the village of Misha'at Zaafaranah, located within Egypt's Minya Province, are working to get approval to build a place of worship. The required documents have been submitted to the authorities and, for the meantime, the group of believers were meeting in a temporary structure on the land belonging to the church.

  • Attack on Church Building Site
    Multiple crosses sit atop of a church roof.
    A Coptic church in Egypt.
    Photo: Flickr / Mark Fischer (cc)

    Since 2016, the government of Egypt has been slowly approving the registration of more than 3,700 church buildings that were operating without the required licencing. These buildings were established before 2016, during a time when permits were virtually impossible to get. Although the licencing process now being administered has been long and tedious, thankfully progress is eventually taking place.

  • An Additional 216 Church Buildings Legalized
    Saint Mark Church in Helipolis
    A church in Egypt.
    Photo: Flickr / Andrew A. Shenouda (cc)

    Seven years ago, the Egyptian government formed a committee to work through applications to legalize unlicensed church buildings. When the committee was first formed, there were 3,730 outstanding applications. Though the process has been exceedingly slow, thankfully that number has been gradually decreasing. To review previously posted reports on this situation, go to our country report.