Russian ministries summer letter 2018

Dear Friends,

Hope your Summer is going well. Let me give you an overview of the ministry in twelve brief comments, so you can continue to pray for us purposefully.

1. BRINGING HOPE INTO WAR-TORN ZONES

This summer, the military conflict in eastern Ukraine is intensifying. Two cities where we broadcast, Maryinka and Shastya, are under fire every day. People there are dying every week as bombs and bullets fly into their backyards, homes, and schools. Please pray that many people in those cities will accept Christ this summer.

2. SATURAING SIBERIA WITH THE GOSPEL

Please pray for the Siberian region of Tomsk, where FEBC is still broadcasting on seven FM stations. Pray that God will change many hearts in those cities.

3. SAVED MARRIAGES

Our daily programs designed for families are helping thousands of people. Alexey Vlasikhin, FEBC-Russia’s program director, says, “It is such a blessing to see marriages restored, and most importantly, seeing people come to know Christ as they deal with family issues. We are here to help them see that a real relationship with Jesus is key to everything.”

4. GROWING AUDIENCE
Our audience is growing. Our programs are listened to three million times a month. We receive about 1,000 responses a day. Here’s one of them – Nadezhda from Moscow wrote – “After listening to you for several months, I decided to write. You talk a lot about children, and as a single mom I get so much support from your programs! My daughter Alisa is turning 14 this year, and I need all the help I can get. Because of you, I began praying for my daughter. If someone had told me a year ago that I would be on my knees, praying to an invisible God, I would laugh. Today, I am a different woman.”

5. KIEV MEDIA EVANGELISM CENTER

We are still raising support for the studio building in Kiev, Ukraine. We depend a great deal on volunteer broadcasters and are looking for a studio/conference center in a convenient location. We need more space than we currently have since the majority of our programs are produced in Kiev. Please pray that God will provide.

6. PROCLAIMING CHRIST IN SOUTHERN RUSSIA

Our partner station broadcasts FEBC programs in Krasnodar, which is in the Black Sea region. Andrey, a listener, wrote: “Our city is growing, and I am so excited that more and more people are becoming your listeners! I talk about your programs to everyone – at work, in the local shops, on the beach. People need Jesus here.”

7. ONE-ON-ONE EVANGELISM

Our follow-up team is working hard to connect people to local churches. On any given day, we are having personal conversations with approximately 70 listeners. Please pray that God would open the hearts of these listeners to accept Christ. Also, please pray for our counseling team: Alexander, Anastasia, Svetlana, Vlad, Natalia, and others.

8. PLANNING BIBLICALLY AND PRAYERFULLY

This summer we will be gathering Russian and Ukrainian leadership teams to update strategic plans for the next two years. Situations on the ground are changing rapidly and we need to be prepared for different scenarios. We ask for God’s wisdom and guidance.

9. FINDING FAMILIES FOR “SOCIAL ORPHANS”

We continue to encourage our listeners to adopt or become foster parents in both Russia and Ukraine. There are millions of “social orphans” that need loving families. “I was adopted, in part, because of your radio program,” – said Anya, 17. “I just found out about it recently, talking to my parents. I can imagine what my life would be like without my new parents – drinking, drugs, and, most painfully, not knowing Jesus.” Please pray that many more will find loving families.

10. TIGHTENING POLITICAL CONTROL

The political situation in Russia is becoming more and more restrictive. Still, we are able to use new ways to not only maintain, but dramatically increase our influence. We have to be flexible and change our delivery tools, but God continues to open new doors for us. Please pray that Russia will not attempt to shut all doors for evangelism.

11. REMODLED STUDIO

With your help we are finishing remodeling our studio and administrative center in Slavyansk, eastern Ukraine. Ed Kurilenko, FEBC-Ukraine’s administrative director, says: “We are so grateful to all of you who helped us remodel our building! I know that thousands of lives will be changed for Jesus through the broadcast that will originate from here.”

12. STAYING ON THE MISSION

Our mission is to inspire people to follow Jesus Christ. And every time people accept Christ, we rejoice. Here’s one example, a story from Andrey of eastern Ukraine: “Your programs changed everything I believed about myself, my life, and Jesus. I was ignoring God’s existence and His hand in my life for decades. Last week I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I gave Him my heart, and I am the happiest man alive.”

Thank you, friends, for your continuous support. May the Lord continue to bless you and use you for His glory.

In Christ,

Victor P. Akhterov
Director
FEBC Russia & Ukraine

P.S. Please pray for everyone who came to know Christ in Russia and Ukraine in 2018. May the Lord help them grow and flourish in God’s love.