FINED FOR INVITING PEOPLE TO CHURCH
FEBC’s regional leader in Tambov region, Sergey Stepanov, was recently fined by the Russian government. The reason was for inviting people to visit his church for Easter, using the Russian version of Facebook. Please pray for freedom to proclaim Christ in Russia.
STUDENTS NEED THE LORD
Being close to our intended audience sometimes means inviting them into our studios. This is what Rev. Oleg Shevkun of FEBC-Moscow does every week. Oleg invites students from local universities into FEBC’s studios to read the Bible together. They are reading the Scriptures for the first time in their lives, discovering the richness of God’s book along with many listeners just like them.
“The Bible is amazing! Everything there is just the opposite of what we see in everyday, mundane life. Here’ love is active, sacrificial, powerful, and it’s the love of God. I want to discover this love,” texted Lubov, one of the listeners.
At this time, Oleg is planning to explore Christmas passages, as Russians celebrate Christmas in January. Pray that God’s Word will have a powerful impact on the lives of these students. Just like it did on Oleg, when Christian radio played a great role in his conversion as a young person.
SERVING UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS
As Ukraine is going through the military conflict in the east, many soldiers listen to FEBC programs prepared for them. Olesya Dmitrieva is one of the hosts who work on such program.
“I never thought that I would be able to speak into the lives of soldiers, but God prepared me in amazing ways. In part it is my experience running with my family from occupied territory, and loosing relatives to this war that help me bring hope to those who serve in military today,” said Olesya.
Many soldiers respond to Olesya’sprograms, and some come to visit local churches.
HELPING FAMILIES
FEBC’s family programs are needed and popular in Russia. Tatyana Gorbacheva is one of FEBC-Moscow’s experienced counselors who helps listeners solve their problems and find Christ in the process.
“I was never a religious person, but I noticed that I listen to your programs all the time, I copy your programs and give them to my friends. I am only thinking about marriage, and because of you, I am thinking clearly about my life, and about my soul, too,” wrote Natasha.
SAVING RUSSIAN TEENS
“I am alive today because of your program,” said Laura, 17, from the Russian city of Krasnoyarsk.
Dr. Evgeny Sarapulov receives messages like these on the regular basis. More than 10 thousand people responded to his program last month.
“This Christmas season, I am hoping to reach more than one million young Russians,” said Evgeny. Please pray for each one of these listeners. Without the power of the Holy Spirit our efforts are meaningless.
REACHING PARENTS WHO ARE HURTING
Rev. Igor Popov is hosting several programs in FEBC-Russia. One project that he does with special love and care is a program for parents of children with unique challenges. Igor and his wife are parents of such child themselves, so he speaks from experience when he talks about God’s love and His provision for parents like him.
“I am so encouraged when I listen to your programs! As a mom of a boy with a Down Syndrome, I find help, and solace, and – surprisingly – faith as I listen you,” said Anna, listening in Siberia.
CLEAR GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS
“I thought I was a good Orthodox Christian,” said Svetlana, when she called Nadia Kurilenko, the host of FEBC’s program in Ukraine where she interviews pastors. “But after listening to your programs I realized I only believed in superstitious things. I began praying to Jesus for the first time just yesterday.”
LIFE WELL LIVED
Rev. Grigory Burlaka served with FEBC in Ukraine for a quarter of the century. He went to be with the Lord this October. Pray for his son Vadim, who is now heading the ministry in their city of Chernivtsy to be an effective servant of God for the new generation of Ukrainians.