Photo CC by Ryan Anderson
Last night, over a million Ukrainians were on the streets, protesting the government’s decision to postpone the beginning of the integration process with the European Union. Government forces were brutal in their efforts to disperse the crowd.
Two weeks ago I spent several days in Kiev, Ukraine, discussing FEBC’s development plans with Ukrainian evangelical leaders. “The country is divided, and we need a powerful voice here in Kiev to bring people together around Christian values,” said Anatoliy, a pastor of a large church in Kiev. “We know how effective FEBC is in Russia, in Moscow, and we need you here in Kiev, as well.”
The Ukrainian government is paralyzed. Many people, especially students and citizens of Western Ukraine are demanding a regime change. Eastern Ukraine, on the other hand, where the majority of industry is located, supports the current president.
Corruption here is staggering. Salaries are half of what they are in Russia. Prostitution, drug addiction, and dissolution of families is widespread.
FEBC has been broadcasting its programs in five regions of Ukraine for almost two decades, with an estimated audience of 3 million people. About a year ago, FEBC opened it’s first station in Eastern Ukraine, reaching a potential audience of more than a million.
We believe hope in Christ will change Ukraine—one person at a time. Svitlana from the Chernivtsi region called us to say:“My husband left me, and my son began using drugs. I had no hope and was considering suicide when I heard your program for the first time. You gave me hope to keep on living.” Ukraine is much like Svitlana, in need of real hope in Jesus Christ.
Please continue to pray for Ukraine as a country and FEBC’s ministry to millions of Ukrainians.
Victor Akhterov is the Director of FEBC Russian Ministries, overseeing FEBC’s radio ministry in Russia and Ukraine.