Ukrainians – young and old – can only find new hope in Jesus.
Ukraine is located between Russia and Europe. It is an in-between country in many ways: between corruption and law-and-order, between democracy and authoritarianism, between Russian and Ukrainian languages. Most importantly, the people of Ukraine are in the process of determining their direction: will it be Christianity or a post-Christian European value system.
Recognizing all these complexities, we also recognize that people are the same at their core. We all need to be loved and valued and we want our lives to have meaning.
That’s why people from different walks of life, various educational levels, and ages listen to FEBC broadcasts in the Ukraine.
Sasha, 23, began using drugs in middle school. First, he smoked weed, then, wanting to look older, he switched to more destructive drugs. “One day it hit me: I am 23, and I cannot walk. I am too weak to even walk!” said Sasha. He realized he had nothing to show for his life, and he would probably die. That’s when he decided to go to a Christian rehab center. There, FEBC was played all day. “I felt like a human being,” wrote Sasha. For the first time in years he felt loved.
People like Sasha listen to FEBC broadcasts in the five regions of the country where FEBC places its programs on local stations. There are thousands of new listeners in the twin cities where FEBC recently opened its first Ukrainian station. Local Christians purchased hundreds of radios to give to those who could not afford them. “We will distribute hundreds more,” said Viktor Kurilenko, director. “We need some help paying for those radios. The need here is great.”
Listeners help as much as they can. Nadezhda became a believer through FEBC broadcasts years ago. She lives in a village. “Now that we have local broadcasts, I invite my friends to come to my house, have some tea and listen to FEBC,” she shared.
Many Christians throughout Ukraine are praying for new FEBC stations to open up throughout the country. Please join them in this prayer and help us proclaim the Good News to a country at the crossroads.
“I began listening to you in prison. After 15 years behind closed doors, life became something like a distant dream, with no real past and an uncertain future. Guilt, hopelessness, grey routine, fighting for survival – this is what my life consisted of for years. And then I began listening to FEBC radio programs. It was like someone whom I’ve known for years knocked on my door. Several months later, I knelt down to accept Jesus as my Savior. I gave my broken life to Him, and He opened His arms with loving care. I am the happiest man alive. I have God’s life in me – me, undeserving sinner saved by grace.”
– Alexandr from Western Ukraine
OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE
$2,000 is needed for distributing pre-tuned radios for low-income listeners of eastern Ukraine.
Please pray that FEBC would be able to open new stations in Ukraine to reach millions.