The word for dandelion in Persian is ghasedak; it is also used to generally refer to the fluffy part of a flower which carries the seeds on the wind. Iranians believe that the person on whom the ghasedak comes to rest will receive good news.

The SAT-7 satellite television ministry in the Middle East produces a program called “Ghasedak.” The show replies to letters and answers questions sent in by young viewers. A young man from Saudi Arabia recently wrote, ""SAT-7 is the only possible source of answers to my many questions about God."

After two years of broadcasts, “Ghasedak” is getting a new format; the program is now broadcast live, allowing viewers to call in with their questions during the show. For our Liebenzell coworker serving with SAT-7, this requires a new level of work. “In order to show that the program is new, we’ve completely rebuilt the set,” he wrote recently. The new format is also a challenge technically, with additional personnel needed to handle the live audio and integrate the phone calls.