By Victor Akhterov, Program Director for FEBC Russian Ministries
“I was addicted to drugs for five years. Today I’m a Christian because I tuned into FEBC...” - Dmitri
 Why would a non-Christian teen listen to a Christian program? What would inspire them to think about Christ’s love and character?
Each week thousands of Russian young people listen to FEBC’s Talking With Teens broadcast. I recently spoke with the program’s producer, Olga Denisova, to learn more about the show’s impact. Olga, who has degrees in both acting and psychology, also graduated from a music college and Bible school. But working with teenagers is her passion. She directs a community-based acting club comprised of both Christian and non-Christian teenagers. It was this club, and the way the two groups interacted that gave her the idea for a weekly radio program.
VICTOR: Tell us more about the format of your program.
OLGA: I introduce a topic of interest to a group of invited teens and let them go from there. Occasionally I have to jump back in to re-direct the discussion if it’s going in circles.
What do you talk about?
Love, of course, and relationships with friends and parents. We talk about everything, and our conversations inevitably touch on spiritual issues.
How do non-believers react to questions about God?
Surprisingly, they talk about God as though He’s a natural part of their lives, even if they know very little about Him. This often surprises their parents, who were brought up under Communism and assume their children don’t think about God.
 Are they receptive to the gospel?
Yes, but not always. We often have heated conversations about spiritual issues. But open discussions can be the best way to influence thousands of listeners, because their objections to Christianity are being voiced—and answered.
During a recent program we had two Christian guys and one non-believer as our guests. It was interesting to see how the non-Christian reacted when the two Christians talked about praying for their goals. He was really rather envious of their relationship with God. We had a huge listener response to that program!
Would you say there’s one key quality that encourages listeners to return each week?
Honesty. You must take them seriously and listen to their opinions, no matter how wrong or misguided they might be. That’s why they participate in the program... they want to be heard. It’s also why thousands tune in regularly.
 Are you developing any other plans for reaching your audience?
We’re working on a Web page to help teenagers get connected to our radio program. We want it to be interesting, relevant, and constantly changing, just like teens. They’re the first generation in Russia to grow up in an environment of relative freedom. They’ll be the ones making an impact on Russia ten years from now.
I love working with teenagers and I’m extremely grateful for people who support FEBC; they make my ministry possible. They’re truly changing Russia for Christ. If they ever come to Russia, I’m going to give them a huge thank-you-for-saving-Russian-kids-for-Christ hug!
Dmitri, the young man mentioned at the beginning of the article concluded his note to FEBC with this comment: Not everyone understands how difficult it is to stop using drugs, but with God and FEBC on my side, I was able to do it. Your youth broadcasters are very honest and real... that’s why I was willing to believe when they explained that God has the power to free me from sin. Thank you for your ministry. You literally saved my life!
Learn More
> "I Love Working With Children" - meet the producer of our popular program for kids.
> AIDS Victims Choose Life
> My Worldview Changed - listeners have found some unique ways to share FEBC's broadcasts.
> Hear Russian Broadcasts Online
Get Involved
> Make a donation to FEBC-Russia
Stay Informed
|
