SAT-7 Mentors Youth

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September 9, 2010
SAT-7’s broadcasts reach more than 50 countries, but it is a local ministry.  All of its staff in Egypt and Lebanon are Arab Christians.  And part of SAT-7’s mission in serving the church is to foster the growth of local talent in the arts.  This summer SAT-7 was one of the sponsors of a talent camp called “Camp UTurn” that has been running in Egypt for thirteen years.

Dozens of youth from across Egypt participated in the camp with the goal of growing spiritually and learning about acting, singing, using instruments and media (including the web and TV). Each young person chose a certain area of specialization. Seven young people studied script writing and directing, thirteen studied video photography, and fourteen studied editing.  SAT-7 provided the instructors.  After three days of teaching, the students were required to produce several three minute videos. While they received hands-on training, a number of young people participating were also deeply touched spiritually:   

One morning, Dr. Shady George (a speaker at the camp) gave a powerful message focusing on  God’s patience and love to his children.  During this service a 16 year-old boy named  Wael decided to make a "UTurn" and decided to dedicate his life to Christ.  After this service he gathered with his friends and the whole group made whole-hearted commitments to Christ that day.  Wael’s happiness and new freedom  in Christ led him to walk around telling everyone his story.  On the last night of the camp he went on stage and shared his testimony.  He promised the Lord to use his talent of acting to make dramas at his church, to help bring people to Christ.

Other young people said they greatly appreciated the efforts of SAT-7’s staff during the training sessions:

Maged, another 16 year old who participated in the video photography class, said:  "This my second year to join the talent camp and I can’t wait ‘till next year to see you guys again and to learn more about being a cameraman…I already know that I want to be an engineer, but I still want to learn professional video photography to help in my church activities…so SAT-7 please come next year!"

The effort was draining on the SAT-7 volunteers, but in the end they felt the investment was worthwhile:

Rafick George (SAT-7 editing supervisor) said, "It was worth it. Once I saw the happiness on the kids’ faces presenting their projects I forgot all the exhaustion."