5 August 2025
The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, The Bishop of Chelmsford, recently visited the SAT-7 London studio - home to the Persian-language channel, PARS, which broadcasts to millions of viewers across Iran and the wider Persian-speaking world.
Bishop Guli joined fellow leaders to go behind-the-scenes and meet the presenters and production team who bring the channel’s message to life.
and PARS Channel presenters on set of the live show, Our Neighbourhood.
Mary Omojole, SAT-7’s Church Engagement Officer, accompanied Bishop Guli on her visit and has written the reflection below:
"The aroma of saffron filled the small dining room as guests explored Persian cuisine like Dolmeh and Zereshk Polo, a barberry rice native to Iran. After the light networking lunch, the day began with prayer on SAT-7’s Zoom devotions. Bishop Guli shared her powerful testimony with over 80 staff across international support offices and studios. Those on the call learned of Bishop Guli’s heritage and her journey to England."
Bishop Guli said:
“Some of you will know that I came originally from Iran, which is one of the reasons why I'm very interested in the work of SAT-7. I was born in the city of Esfahan, within a very small Anglican community that had its roots in the missionary movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries”
Nods of remembrance were seen across the screen as she mentioned the 1979 Revolution and its lasting effects on Iran. She went on to recount a series of life-altering events including the imprisonment of her father, and her brother’s death.
Bishop Guli continued:
“I think it was clear my brother had become the scapegoat for my father. Nobody was ever brought to justice. My mother, elder sister and I, after burying my brother left Iran, with a suitcase each.”
Bishop Guli didn’t know ministry was in her future when she departed but after her ordination, she ‘always had a sense ministry would connect her to her roots’. She continues to use her platform in the Church of England to boldly speak on the Church in Iran.
Bishop Guli added:
“I know so many people value watching your programs and growing deeper in their faith and discipleship”
With the call concluded, Pastor Miltan, an Iranian presenter for the channel, then joined to share his stories of faith alongside the many confirmations that led him to Christ, and later, SAT-7.
Shortly before the programme, Our Neighbourhood was due to be broadcast live, the group went upstairs to tour the studio and control room.
They were intrigued by the agility of the production team with the changing of sets for the various shows produced on the channel. After taking photos, a blessing was spoken over the upcoming broadcast and the set was cleared, leaving the presenters to begin.
The talk show began promptly at 5pm and, viewing from the control room, SAT-7’s visitors were talked through the technical elements of running a live show. As the day approached its end, the leaders took the opportunity to pray over Isolated Believers, the future of the PARS channel and SAT-7’s general mission, concluding with a time of reflection and fellowship.
Bishop Guli commented:
“Many of the people that you broadcast to are weary, latent and heavy, and the words of comfort that they hear through SAT-7 will be of great encouragement to them, so I want to thank you for all that you do and encourage you in your work.”
Since the Bishop’s visit, the Middle East region has been on high alert as conflict escalated between Iran and Israel. Many SAT-7 viewers have contacted the Persian channel distressed and unsure of their future.
One viewer shared:
“I’m truly asking you, dear friends, to pray for our people. Please hold us in your prayers, just as I myself am praying – praying that God’s peace may come upon all the people, and that whatever is truly best for us as a nation may come to pass. But these are truly terrifying and dreadful moments we’re going through.”
More information
About SAT-7
To find out more about Sat-7 and their mission visit www.sat7uk.org/
Prayers
Please pray for the SAT-7 PARS team, who are based in Cyprus and the UK; most of them have family and friends inside Iran and are concerned about their welfare. Pray that they will be able to stay in contact with their loved ones and that the Lord will watch over them.
To pray with SAT-7 for the situation in Iran please visit www.sat7uk.org/iran-crisis.
